Five Perth Properties Under $750K

When Flor Mora closed on her new home for $4 million in November 2025, she knew she was acquiring a piece of California history. What she didn’t realize was that she was also buying the future House of the Year.

The property, built in 1925 and located in Carmel Highlands, is an example of early 20th-century Storybook architecture, characterized by features such as a curved roofline and stone chimney. The style is synonymous with the neighboring city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is known for its fairy tale aesthetic.

Mora, who works in healthcare and owns an avocado ranch in San Diego, spent years admiring the home when she visited California’s Central Coast. “Every time I drove down that street, this home always stood out to me,” says Mora, 49. “I would admire it and quietly hope that one day it might be mine.”

That dream materialized last year, but with an unexpected twist. After Mora purchased the property—which, unbeknown to her, had been featured as a House of the Week pick in September—readers voted to crown it the House of the Year in a year-end poll.

“It came as a complete surprise,” Mora says.

The path to the winner’s circle was paved by a significant transition. The home, designed by famed builder M.J. Murphy—who was largely responsible for Carmel-by-the-Sea’s signature look—had been owned by John and Beth Neidel since 1986. For the couple, the house represented four decades of historical preservation.

Beth, who is in her 80s, and her extended family were no longer able to use the home as much as they’d like. John died three years ago, and his estate placed the property on the market last June.

Media exposure from the initial feature generated market traction, according to listing agent Ashley Wayland. Three different people reached out to her after the article ran. “One ended up in a showing,” she said, “but it didn’t end up being the right fit for them.” While the home’s architecture drew interest, a price cut from $4.775 million ultimately led Mora to buy.

For the Neidels’ daughter, Linnah Neidel, the win is a testament to architectural restraint. “It was a labor of love for my family to maintain the house in the character it was built in,” she says. “Readers illuminated that.”

Mora appears to be taking the house’s legacy to heart. “I was very honored to purchase an M.J. Murphy home,” she says. “I definitely want to keep the original structure, but just update it slightly.”

She is currently overseeing a restoration that leans into the Storybook aesthetic while uncovering original features. For example, after pulling up wall-to-wall carpeting, she was thrilled to find original oak hardwood floors, which she is now refinishing.

As she is settling in, Mora is discovering details that also charmed the Neidel family, from a tiny secret room to the expansive living-room windows. Even as her own furniture begins to arrive and fill the spaces, she and her pug, Lola, have been spending their evenings on a sofa left behind by the previous owners.

“At night, I sit on the couch and look out the windows and it feels like I can touch the stars,” she says.

The Emirate of Sharjah is witnessing significant growth in transactions for waterfront properties, driven by its geographically diverse coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, as well as its lakes and internal waterways. This diversity has enhanced the appeal of these areas for both residential and investment purposes. The remarks were made during a panel discussion titled “Developing Real Estate Projects on Waterfronts”, moderated by journalist Ahmed Sultan and featuring top officials and experts from the real estate sector.

Abdullah Al Zarouni, the director of the Real Estate Transactions unit at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, stated that the Emirate has successfully leveraged the diversity of its waterfronts to develop integrated real estate projects combining residential units, commercial services, and recreational facilities, along with promenades and green spaces that enhance quality of life.

Al Zarouni added that Sharjah registered more than 10 new projects on its waterfronts during 2024 and 2025, reflecting continuous growth in this sector and further enhancing the attractiveness of the real estate market.

The creation of water bodies such as Khalid Lake and the Qasba and Al Layyah canals has also strengthened the long-term investment value of waterfront properties, alongside the development of comprehensive experiences on waterfronts, including Majaz Waterfront, Al Hira Corniche, and Khorfakkan Corniche, adding a vibrant recreational and tourism dimension.

He noted that competitive pricing, clear regulations, and the continued support of the Sharjah government have contributed to increased local and foreign demand for property ownership, particularly for projects overlooking the waterfronts, which remain among the most stable real estate assets.

George Raymond Khouzami, CEO of AL THURIAH Real Estate Group, emphasized that the development of vertical towers on waterfronts aims to maximize views while maintaining open spaces for pedestrians and public life, highlighting that waterfronts are a rare resource that requires high-quality development.

Khouzami added that seaside properties enjoy high investment value due to limited supply, retaining their worth while delivering better rental returns and higher liquidity upon resale. He also noted a market shift in buyer preferences toward quality, smart design, and sustainability, supported by smart technologies that enhance management efficiency and protect asset value.

Farid Jamal, Chief Commercial Officer at Ajmal Makaan, explained that coastal tourism is a primary driver for waterfront development, given its role in increasing the economic and real estate value of coastal areas.

Jamal emphasized that successful projects achieve integration between tourism and real estate development, providing high-quality recreational and service experiences that create vibrant coastal cities. He also stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with the preservation of marine environments to ensure the long-term sustainability and appeal of these destinations.

Dubai-based Sobha Realty said total property sales reached 30 billion UAE dirhams ($8.17 billion), a 30 percent year-on-year surge, in 2025, supported by new masterplan developments and international expansion.

The growth reflects sustained momentum in the UAE’s luxury real estate market and the strength of a diversified portfolio, the developer said in a statement.

A significant portion of the sales came from the company’s expanding footprint in Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), with AED 8 billion in sales from Downtown UAQ and Sobha Siniya Island.

The company launched four masterplans, Sobha Solis, Downtown UAQ | Sobha Realty, Sobha Central and Sobha SkyParks, bringing its UAE portfolio to 14 developments, comprising 12 in Dubai and two in Umm Al Quwain, said Sobha Group Chairman Ravi Menon.

Each new project is helping strengthen the company’s role in shaping the future of urban living in the UAE, he added.

Last year, Sobha Realty expanded into the United States and Australia by opening regional offices and acquiring land in Texas in the US, and Queensland and Sydney in Australia.

Trapped renters want home prices to fall so they can finally get onto the property ladder. Millions of existing owners want values to stay high. These and other conflicting interests make it hard for policymakers to give young Americans a leg up in a brutal housing market.

President Trump is heeding anger about housing affordability ahead of the midterm elections, and the administration has been drip-feeding ideas about how to tackle the issue.

Object 1, an award-winning and rapidly growing real estate developer, has closed a major land investment in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step forward in its expansion into the capital. The developer has acquired four waterfront plots on Al Reem Island, within the Shams Gate District, with a combined development area of over 2 million square feet and a total sales value of AED 4.5 billion.

The transaction marks a defining next step following Object 1’s expansion into Abu Dhabi in late 2025, which included the launch of its first Sales Gallery in the capital and its long-term growth plans for the emirate. Al Reem Island land acquisition reflects the company’s alignment with the government’s National Family Growth Agenda 2031. With 2026 designated as the Year of Family, the investment prioritizes land positions suited to long-term residential communities, encouraging stability, community-led living, and environments that support families at different life stages.

Egor Maslennikov, Chairman and Founder of Object 1, said: “Our entry into Abu Dhabi was always intended as a long-term commitment, not a one-off expansion. Closing this investment on Al Reem Island reflects our confidence in the capital’s direction and our readiness to contribute meaningfully to its residential landscape. Abu Dhabi offers the right balance of stability, planning clarity, and community demand, which aligns closely with how we build.”

Abu Dhabi’s real estate market has entered a phase of accelerated growth, supported by rising buyer confidence and structural shifts in how the market is developing. Sales activity climbed sharply over the past year, with transactions increasing by 76% and total deal values more than doubling to AED 25.3 billion, reinforcing the capital’s appeal as a stable, high-growth destination for long-term residential investment.

Against this backdrop, the capital now stands as a core pillar of Object 1’s UAE strategy, building on the company’s momentum after delivering more than 2,600 homes and establishing a development pipeline exceeding 4.5 million square feet in Dubai. The Al Reem Island commitment positions the developer as an active participant in Abu Dhabi’s next phase of growth, translating its Dubai momentum into lasting impact in the capital.

Eight is definitely someone’s lucky number—especially when a few zeros are tacked on at the end.

The top-floor unit of the 80-storey 80 Columbus Circle in Manhattan is coming to market for the first time in more than 20 years and asking a nice round $80 million.

The full-floor unit spans over 8,000 square feet and is part of the Mandarin Oriental Residences above the hotel in the Deutsche Bank Center. It has eight rooms with eight ensuite baths, each with its own walk-in shower.

It last sold in 2005 for a hair under $30 million to cosmetics executive Sandie Tillotson, a founding member and senior vice president at the Utah-based Nu Skin Enterprises. She agreed to purchase the unit in 2001 while the complex was under development as the Time Warner Center.

Today, the six-bedroom apartment features spacious living areas and views from every room, including a close-up view of Central Park and panoramic 360-degree vistas stretching to the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, according to listing agent Eva J. Mohr of Sotheby’s International Realty.

“There are windows all the way around,” Mohr said. “The views are spectacular and there are no obstacles in front of the windows.

The apartment comes with a library and cinema, a primary bedroom with its own lounge, an oversized kitchen, a corner breakfast area with two glass walls and a utility room with caterer-level equipment and two sinks—one for prepping flowers and the other for bathing pets.

The 80th-floor unit has never been resold and was rarely used by the seller, according to information provided by the listing agency. The corresponding top-level unit in the complex’s second tower just sold. That unit once belonged to Related Companies boss Stephen Ross and sold for $50.7 million in an off-market deal last week.

“The one that went for $55 (sic) million was completely redone with marble and it was beautiful, but you don’t have the views,” Mohr said.

When Tillotson bought the property, the $30 million contract was a record price for a condominium, according to the New York Times. In 2005, the apartment was delivered as “8,200 square feet of raw space” and Tillotson brought her own team to do the interiors, the Times reported.

Tillotson’s Nu Skin is a seller of anti-ageing and wellness products that was founded in the 1980s and is active in more than 50 international markets, particularly in China. The publicly traded company has also recently expanded into India. Nu Skin has several thousand permanent employees at its Provo, Utah, headquarters as well as tens of thousands of salespeople worldwide.

Golden visas are so 2025.

For savvy home hunters seeking real estate with benefits, countries that offer full citizenship by investment (aka CBI programs) have become the real golden ticket, with Caribbean nations leading the charge.

Backed by over two centuries of global real estate expertise and a strong regional footprint, Chestertons continues to play a trusted advisory role in Dubai’s commercial property market. Combining international perspective with deep local insight, the firm has released its latest outlook on investor behavior and development trends expected to shape commercial real estate in 2026. In a sector that’s constantly evolving, these findings empower investors to make informed decisions, grounded in Chestertons’ real market understanding.

A Stable Regulatory Landscape 

Chestertons’ market research suggests that the regulatory environment in 2026 will remain supportive of commercial activity without causing a significant shift in overall investment volumes. Recent updates to commercial law are set to enhance operational flexibility by allowing companies to re-domicile more easily between free zones, mainland jurisdictions, and across different emirates. While most commercial licenses continue to require a physical office presence, demand for office space is therefore expected to remain steady.

Where Investor Interest Is Concentrating

Investor attention in 2026 is expected to remain focused on three core sectors: off-plan office spaces, warehousing and logistics assets, and community-based retail centers. Off-plan offices continue to attract strong interest due to a shortage of high-quality stock, encouraging both investors and occupiers to secure space early.

Logistics and warehousing assets are being driven by Dubai’s role as a regional and global gateway for trade and imports, supported by world-class ports, free zones, and integrated transport links that connect to markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa. With Dubai’s location allowing businesses to reach over two-thirds of the world’s population within roughly an eight-hour flight and its key hubs handling millions of tons of cargo  annually, demand for storage, distribution, and supply-chain infrastructure remains robust. Continued population growth across the wider region further fuels consumption and makes logistics real estate a resilient option for investors.

Meanwhile, retail investment is shifting towards neighborhood centers within residential communities, where footfall is driven by local demand rather than destination shopping. Chestertons also noted that demand for mixed-use buildings with shared residential infrastructure remains comparatively limited, as corporate occupiers continue to favor dedicated commercial environments with independent access, parking, and amenities designed specifically for business use.

Beyond traditional business districts, several areas are gaining momentum as commercial investment destinations. Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Barsha Heights continue to attract office demand, supported by accessibility and established infrastructure. At the same time, emerging communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle and Arjan are witnessing their first dedicated commercial launches.

Elsewhere, industrial zones including Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Industrial City, National Industrial Park, and Al Quoz remain key hubs for logistics and warehousing. Improved infrastructure and proximity to growing residential populations are driving decentralization, shifting activity away from the historic central business districts.

Domestic and International Investor Behavior

Looking ahead, the real estate advisory firm predicts a clear distinction between domestic and international investor behavior in the coming year. Overseas investors are likely to remain active in office and retail assets, attracted by relatively hands-off ownership models and simpler entry strategies. These assets offer predictable leasing structures and easier management from abroad.

On the other hand, domestic investors are expected to dominate the warehousing and logistics sector. These developments often involve land acquisition, longer execution cycles, and more hands-on oversight, making them better suited to investors with local market knowledge and operational capacity.

Balancing Rental Yield and Capital Growth

Investor strategies in 2026 are increasingly balanced, with equal emphasis placed on income stability and long-term appreciation. Rather than prioritizing one objective over the other, decision-making is centered around yield sustainability, rental growth potential, and asset resilience over time.

Commenting on these insights, Mohamed Mussa, Executive Director of Chestertons MENA, shared, ‘Dubai’s commercial market is entering a more measured phase, where clarity and selectivity matter more than speed. Investors are prioritizing quality, location, and long-term performance, which is a healthy sign for the market overall.’

As Dubai’s commercial real estate landscape continues to evolve, Chestertons remains focused on providing clear, grounded advice that reflects both global best practice and local realities. Through detailed market analysis and an advisory-led approach, the firm empowers investors to pursue sustainable growth with confidence in 2026 and the years ahead.

JAD Global Real Estate Development, a UAE-based developer focused on holistic wellness, launched J188, its latest residential project in Dubai, offering elevated urban living spaces at the intersection of the emirate’s heritage and modern skyline. Incorporating neuroarchitecture elements, the AED240 million J188 development is designed to create a seamlessly serene home environment while simultaneously energizing the lifestyles of its residents.

The announcement follows the successful sell-out of JAD Global’s earlier residential project, 171 Garden Heights and comes alongside the introduction of JAD 288, a three-building community in Jumeirah Garden City. The value of JAD Global’s Dubai real estate investment portfolio now stands at more than AED 1 billion.

J188 was launched at a VIP gala dinner at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, bringing together senior officials, investors, strategic partners, and media representatives. The event featured a range of wellness experiences which reflect JAD Global’s brand and lifestyle offerings, including oxygen therapy and immersive meditative music.

Located in Al Jaddaf, J188 is a 13-storey residential building offering one- and two-bedroom freehold apartments, thoughtfully designed around wellness, comfort, and everyday living. The homes offer sweeping views of Dubai Creek and Downtown Dubai from a location that boasts strong connectivity to transport links and key city destinations.

The project places a strong emphasis on thoughtful, value-oriented, and wellbeing-led design. This includes a curated range of lifestyle and community amenities such as a rooftop skyline pool, a sky view deck overlooking the creek, fitness and wellness spaces, a padel court, co-working areas, landscaped gardens, and family-friendly zones. Residences are designed to support privacy and long-term livability, reflecting JAD Global’s focus on human-centric urban environments.

JAD Global CEO, Mohammed Al Sheikh said: “J188 marks the next phase of JAD Global’s expansion as we continue to broaden our residential portfolio in Dubai, one of the fastest growing real estate investment destinations in the world. Institutional investor backing for this project highlights confidence in our business model and our ability to deliver, while J188 itself represents our continued focus on well-designed, well-connected residential spaces that respond to how people want to live.”

J188 offers freehold ownership for all nationalities, with the potential for 10-year UAE Golden Visa eligibility, subject to applicable requirements, enhancing its appeal to both end-users and long-term investors. Buyers will also benefit from a flexible 50/50 payment plan, structured to support accessible ownership throughout the construction period, with completion anticipated in Q2 2028.

AMIS GPD Development, a part of AMIS Group, entered into an agreement with high watchmaking, high jewellery brand Jacob & Co. to build a luxury villa community in the Meydan, Dubai.

The signing ceremony, held at the AMIS Sales Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, was attended by Jacob Arabo, Founder, Chairman and Creative Director of luxury brand Jacob & Co., Neeraj Mishra, Founder and CEO of AMIS GPD Development and Shah Azim Hameed shareholder of AMIS GPD Development.  

The collaboration between Jacob & Co. and AMIS GPD Development will craft a high-end residential community in the exclusive Meydan area of Dubai. The community embodies the uppermost level of luxury, exclusivity and modern living. Situated in one of Dubai’s most prestigious districts, the project will integrate the finest materials, design and technology, setting a new standard for Dubai’s luxury villa market.

Speaking at the event, Jacob Arabo, Founder and Chairman of Jacob & Co., commented: “Our collaboration with AMIS GPD Development represents a fusion of two brands that share a passion for excellence. We are creating a truly unique living experience. The community we’ll build together will be a beacon of sophistication and luxury in Dubai.”

Neeraj Mishra, Founder & CEO of AMIS GPD Development, added: “This cooperation marks a key milestone for AMIS as we continue to expand our footprint in Dubai’s luxury market. Our joint efforts with Jacob & Co. ensure that this project will be unparalleled in design, craftsmanship and innovation.”

Shah Azim Hameed, shareholder of AMIS GPD Development stated: “This collaboration is a clear reflection of our long-term conviction in Dubai’s luxury real estate sector. This project allows us to combine strong development fundamentals with global design excellence. Together, we are laying the foundation for a distinctive residential offering that is both enduring and future-focused.”

Dubai had a banner year in 2025, logging a record-breaking number of home sales at $10 million and above, according to a report from Knight Frank on Monday.

The U.A.E. city closed out the year with 500 sales valued at $10 million-plus—including 68 homes that sold for more than $25 million, another all-time high—producing a total value of $9.05 billion, a 27.7% increase of 2024’s luxury sales volume of $7.09 billion.

A strong fourth quarter helped propel the market to these record numbers, with 143 homes selling for more than $10 million during the final three months of the year, up from 103 in the third quarter.

Regional and worldwide luxury buyers alike continue to be compelled to buy property in Dubai, “attracted by the high quality of life, world-class amenities and infrastructure, enabled by the government’s ambitious investment programs,” Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for Knight Frank’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, said in the report.

“Dubai’s meteoric rise as the world’s busiest market for $10 million-plus homes, having increased from just 30 sales in 2020 to 500 by the end of 2025, is best reflected in the emirate’s growing reputation as a magnet for the global elite,” he said.

The tree-shaped man-made island of Palm Jumeirah retained its spot as the most popular community for luxury home buyers, recording 28 sales of homes valued at more than $10 million during the fourth quarter.

The yet-to-be-completed Palm Jebel Ali—which closely resembles the shape of Palm Jumeirah—was close behind with 22 sales. It’s expected to be completed in 2028.

“At 50% larger than its established neighbor Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali remains a destination to watch,” said Will McKintosh, regional partner and head of residential for MENA.

“While it will obviously take time to reach the maturity of other established communities, the 2025 sales figures are a welcome indication of its high potential and the growing demand from the wealthiest buyers for prime waterfront property and the luxury Dubai lifestyle.”

The priciest deal of the quarter was for a six-bedroom apartment in Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, within the Business Bay community.

The 47,200-square-foot home sold for AED 550 million (US$149.7 million), setting a U.A.E. sale price record for a penthouse.

The previous record was held by a 22,000-square-foot penthouse at the Como Residences on the Palm Jumeirah that sold for AED 500 million in November 2023.

Dubai had a banner year in 2025, logging a record-breaking number of home sales at $10 million and above, according to a report from Knight Frank on Monday.

The U.A.E. city closed out the year with 500 sales valued at $10 million-plus—including 68 homes that sold for more than $25 million, another all-time high—producing a total value of $9.05 billion, a 27.7% increase of 2024’s luxury sales volume of $7.09 billion.

A strong fourth quarter helped propel the market to these record numbers, with 143 homes selling for more than $10 million during the final three months of the year, up from 103 in the third quarter.

Regional and worldwide luxury buyers alike continue to be compelled to buy property in Dubai, “attracted by the high quality of life, world-class amenities and infrastructure, enabled by the government’s ambitious investment programs,” Faisal Durrani, partner and head of research for Knight Frank’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, said in the report.

“Dubai’s meteoric rise as the world’s busiest market for $10 million-plus homes, having increased from just 30 sales in 2020 to 500 by the end of 2025, is best reflected in the emirate’s growing reputation as a magnet for the global elite,” he said.

The tree-shaped man-made island of Palm Jumeirah retained its spot as the most popular community for luxury home buyers, recording 28 sales of homes valued at more than $10 million during the fourth quarter.

The yet-to-be-completed Palm Jebel Ali—which closely resembles the shape of Palm Jumeirah—was close behind with 22 sales. It’s expected to be completed in 2028.

“At 50% larger than its established neighbor Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali remains a destination to watch,” said Will McKintosh, regional partner and head of residential for MENA.

“While it will obviously take time to reach the maturity of other established communities, the 2025 sales figures are a welcome indication of its high potential and the growing demand from the wealthiest buyers for prime waterfront property and the luxury Dubai lifestyle.”

The priciest deal of the quarter was for a six-bedroom apartment in Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, within the Business Bay community.

The 47,200-square-foot home sold for AED 550 million (US$149.7 million), setting a U.A.E. sale price record for a penthouse.

The previous record was held by a 22,000-square-foot penthouse at the Como Residences on the Palm Jumeirah that sold for AED 500 million in November 2023.

Saudi real estate developer Dar Global DARD.L will launch two Trump-branded luxury projects in Riyadh and Jeddah with a combined value of $10 billion, CEO Ziad El Chaar said on Sunday.

The projects include the Trump National Golf Course and Trump International Hotel in Riyadh’s Diriyah, a massive development project on the Saudi capital’s western edge, said Chaar.

In Jeddah, mixed-use offices and residential property are planned in a development named Trump Plaza, Chaar added.

The projects are in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy away from oil, Chaar said, with the aim of attracting direct foreign investment. Saudi Arabia also plans to allow foreigners to own property for the first time in designated areas, starting this month.

The latest in a series of partnerships between the Trump Organization and Dar Global, the international arm of Saudi developer Dar Al Arkan, is expected to be completed over the next four to five years, said Eric Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son and executive vice president of the Trump Organization.

63% of homebuyers in Dubai are now placing greater emphasis on location, community amenities, and lifestyle value than on price when making purchasing decisions, according to new data released by TownX Real Estate Development, one of Dubai’s fastest-growing developers with an AED 4 billion project portfolio.

Statistics derived from TownX’s proprietary data, customer insights, sales performance, market trends, and observational analysis over the past six months revealed that buyers are increasingly focused on long-term value, favoring walkable communities, access to retail and F&B, proximity to schools, wellness facilities, and integrated lifestyle experiences over short-term cost considerations.

The shift comes as Dubai continues to attract a diverse and discerning buyer base seeking elevated living standards.

Haider Abduljabbar, Executive Director at TownX commented: “This is what we’ve been seeing on the ground. Today’s buyers are seeking a complete lifestyle when purchasing a property, and do not settle for the basic real estate purchase. Communities that offer strong connectivity, modern amenities, and thoughtful design are now commanding significantly more interest than properties judged solely on price.”

The data reveals that demand is strongest in mixed-use, master-planned communities that blend residential, retail, and leisure elements, with buyers demonstrating a clear willingness to invest in developments that enhance their quality of life.

TownX attributes this shift to Dubai’s maturing real estate landscape, where end-users and investors are prioritizing long-term livability and community-centric environments.

“Given the realities on the ground, we’ve aligned our development strategy with these evolving expectations. Our goal is to create human-centric, accessible communities that resonate with modern homeowners offering the right mix of convenience, comfort, and value for years to come,” Abduljabbar added.

TownX manages a rapidly expanding pipeline of residential and mixed-use projects across key locations in Dubai. The company continues to see strong interest from both local and international buyers drawn to the emirate’s economic momentum, infrastructure development, and world-class lifestyle offering.