Choice is a wonderful thing. Unless you are one of those people who have difficulty making their mind up. If that's you and you are hunting for a property in Dubai and have a budget that would require a van to transport the banknotes, then you would be in for some mind-boggling fun, or should that be torture? For Dubai has all shapes and sizes covering nearly every property genre out there (we're yet to see a barn conversion or a thatched cottage) - and that includes the family home. In this instance we're not talking about the two-up two-down or cosy semi-detached where you can hear the neighbours rowing over who used up the last of the milk and their attempts to sing along to the Lighthouse Family on Radio 2. Rather, the focus here is for some of the best options that large sums of money can buy. So, for those seeking to set down roots and grow and raise a family in the most pleasant of surroundings, here are four of the best family homes currently on the market in Dubai. ________________ This four-bedroom home, on the market with <a href="https://www.luxuryproperty.com/">LuxuryProperty.com</a>, is located on one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods within JGE, the community surrounding the Race to Dubai Championship golf course. Even discounting the views of the fairways, it has a strong country vibe with classic Mediterranean architecture on the outside and dark wooden flooring within. The interior stretches to 1,268 square metres on an overall plot of 2,044 sq m - that means space galore on the outside where you'll find a lawn, gazebo, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Barbecues would be a must as the sun sets behind the trees. <strong>Price: </strong>Dh17.84m ________________ This community offers three types of villa, and this one is regarded as the best on offer. The five bedroom property is quite a lot smaller than what you find on Redwood Avenue (709 sq m built-up), but as is suggested in the name, it has a very different style and way of living and is also located more centrally in the city. The architecture is sleek and snazzy, the kitchen features a living wall (green planting from the floor up) while there are also Swarovski light fittings. There's less of a European hillside feel, but it does come with an impressive patio area and pool, plus it's just a short walk to the Crystal Lagoon. You might just want to keep the kids away from the ornamental decor. <strong>Price:</strong> Dh19.9m ________________ At the cheaper end of the scale for villas on the Palm, this one has that Malibu beach house vibe going on with steps to the rear leading straight on to the beach. You mightn't find great surf, but you can dip your toes in the clear water, partake in shuttle runs up and down the sand or just jump straight in your own pool. There's certainly scope for many ways to entertain the kids outdoors when the weather cools. The property has undergone renovations with extended ceilings to improve the sense of space and allow for better flow of light. At 465 sq m is one of the less imposing villas on the Palm, but with four bedrooms and a maid's room and laundry area there's nothing it lacks for family living - except maybe a school on the doorstep, but it does have swift access off the island. <strong>Price:</strong> Dh12.9m ________________ This is located in one of Dubai's original family communities, and as a result looks like it is from a different era to say, District One and its space-age design. Instead, you get seven bedrooms, golf course views, an extended kitchen and a variety of marble floors and a more traditional feel to the interior. The backyard is particularly impressive, with a large pool, in-built lighting and water features, and a pool house for those who need some time to themselves or for the kids to unwind away from the main family home. <strong>Price:</strong> Dh13m ________________ <strong>How would you go about choosing a family home in Dubai?</strong> We are fortunate to enjoy such excellent infrastructure that allows for easy commutes across the city within the fabled '20 minutes'. With this in mind, most family homes are chosen in relatively close proximity to the schools that the children would attend or sometimes, the location of the parents' place of work. The choice of family home is sometimes led by design but in truth, it is often led by the size of the garden and more importantly, the quality/level of community amenities. To answer the question - my possibly blunt answer would be to appoint a good real estate broker! <strong>Which area is currently proving most popular for families and why?</strong> Jumeirah Golf Estates is without a doubt one of the finest residential community offerings for families in Dubai, enjoying good arterial road networks. The majority of the city and its schools can be accessed within that fabled '20 minutes'. The amenities/facilities and the surrounding fauna and flora are truly excellent, providing for a real sense of home as you drive through the JGE gates. District One is proving popular with its unique location and proximity to fine schools such as North London Collegiate and Hartland International. Dubai Hills is perhaps the pretender to the throne with its unique offering of what one can aptly be described as a luxurious family lifestyle with the esteemed King's College Hospital and King's School. <strong>Are the new long-term visas having much of an effect on this segment of the market?</strong> Without a doubt the new immigration laws are having a positive impact on the market. Families moving into Dubai are comforted by having such long-term visa residence rights, allowing them to plant their roots here. As these long-term visas develop and become more understood, we envisage an even more significant uplift in transactions based on long-term visa rights. <strong>Which one of the four listed above is your favourite?</strong> As a specialist in JGE and therefore a completely impartial judge, I would have to say the Redwood villa - it's large and luxurious with several family rooms and a splendid basement. Owners and residents are greeted with a great sense of occasion whenever they enter this fine home
