Where Is The Watercrest Located in Dubai?

The Watercrest sits in Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City), District 11, in central Dubai. This leafy, low-density zone is known for its parks, lagoon features, and easy connectivity. In practice, living here means a short drive to most city hubs: Downtown Dubai (Burj Khalifa) is just about 20 minutes away, Business Bay only 18 minutes, and Dubai International Airport roughly 16 minutes. Nearby communities include The Sanctuary by Ellington itself, Academic City (11 min), and the new Dubai Hills Mall (18 min). Although The Watercrest isn’t adjacent to a metro station, the Business Bay and Nakheel (Palm Jumeirah) metro stops are a convenient 15–20 minute drive away, linking residents to the city’s Red Line. In short, the project enjoys a prime address: within easy reach of Meydan Racecourse (17 min), Dubai Design District (12 min), and all major highways.

Project Overview

Developer: Ellington Properties (Dubai-based, design-led, founded 2014). The Watercrest is the latest addition to Ellington’s upscale Sanctuary Villa Collection, known for boutique luxury.

Launch & Status: Announced in 2024, this off-plan project is under construction with handover slated for Q4 2027. It is RERA-registered and follows Dubai’s 70/30 payment scheme.

Property Types: The Watercrest offers 84 exclusive homes: – 3‑Bedroom Townhouses (with a maid’s room) – available as mid-unit or corner-unit layouts. – 4‑Bedroom Independent Villas (with maid’s room and private pool).

Each design emphasizes open-plan living, high ceilings, and abundant natural light. Ellington markets the development as a “resort-inspired residential sanctuary”, blending elegant interiors with lush outdoor courtyards. In fact, units include features like a study, walk-in closet, powder room, lift, private terraces, a maid’s (staff) room, and garage in every home, while villa owners additionally enjoy a private swimming pool. Both townhouses and villas boast loft-like ceilings in living areas, making them feel even more spacious and airy.

Floor Plans and Unit Sizes

The Watercrest townhouses and villas come in generous layouts. 3‑bedroom townhouses range roughly 2,400–3,900 sq ft (depending on mid- vs corner-unit), each with its own private garden. 4‑bedroom villas are about 4,449–4,885 sq ft and include additional terraces and larger plots. All homes have modern, open-plan floor plans. For example, townhouses feature a large integrated kitchen-dining area opening to the garden, plus upstairs bedrooms with en‑suite baths. Villas come with multiple living areas spread over two levels, plus a maid’s room and loft-style double-height ceilings.

Every residence is finished to Ellington’s high standards – think premium quartz/stone countertops, built-in appliances, and sleek cabinetry (as noted in developer materials). Buyers will appreciate the smart home and security systems included in each home. In short, The Watercrest offers flexible townhouse layouts (mid/corner) and expansive villa floor plans designed for modern family living.

Price Trends and Payment Plans

At launch, starting prices were around AED 8,000,000 for a 3‑bedroom townhouse. Current market estimates remain in that ballpark – roughly USD 1.6 million and up. (By comparison, a 4‑bedroom villa is expected to begin around AED 9.5 million.) These are in line with other high-end Sanctuary communities in MBR City. Ellington typically adjusts prices in small increments as construction progresses, but in general, buyers should expect prices per sqft comparable to similar luxury off-plan projects in central Dubai.

Ellington offers a flexible 70/30 payment plan for The Watercrest. In practice, this means 20% down at booking, followed by about 50% payable in installments during construction, and the remaining 30% on completion. (Official milestones are 20% on booking, 10% at 60 days, 10% at 120 days, and then several 5% payments until 30% on handover.) This structure helps buyers manage cash flow while the project is built.

Currently, there are no extra “limited-time” discounts announced beyond the standard plan, but buyers should note that Ellington’s projects often hold their value well. Given the upscale finishings and location, The Watercrest is seen as a solid choice relative to neighboring developments. Investors will track both capital appreciation and rental yields once the project completes.

Amenities and Features

The Watercrest community is packed with resort-style amenities designed for leisure and wellness. The centerpiece is a River Club – a landscaped oasis with a lazy river pool winding through, plus separate children’s and adult splash pools. Next to it is a “Lakehouse” clubhouse featuring a fully equipped gym, a serene yoga studio, an arcade/games room, and even a private outdoor cinema. Residents can enjoy clubhouse lounges and a poolside bar, or unwind on sun loungers by one of the infinity pools.

Beyond the water features, The Watercrest has extensive green spaces and recreation zones. Manicured landscaped gardens and jogging paths thread through the community. There are shaded play areas for kids, BBQ pits, mini soccer courts, and a putting green (all promoting an active family lifestyle). Sunken seating areas and communal lawns invite neighbors to socialize. In line with Ellington’s design focus, even the plantings are curated – think aromatic citrus and floral gardens to create a “living perfume” around the homes.

Security and convenience are also well-covered. The enclave is gated and has 24/7 security. All homes come with smart-entry systems and garage access. And, as noted, each villa includes its own private pool. In short, amenities range from fitness studios and spa facilities to riverside lounges and pet-friendly parks, making daily life both luxurious and family-friendly.

Why Buyers Are Interested in The Watercrest

Buyers are drawn to The Watercrest for a mix of lifestyle and investment reasons. On the lifestyle side, the project delivers a quiet, green community in the heart of the city – a rare combo. The Sanctuary community is explicitly designed for families, with excellent schools (like Kent College nearby), nurseries, and healthcare facilities minutes away. In fact, Ellington promotes The Watercrest as a “private haven for young families”. The water features and parks create a permanent resort-like feel that appeals to those wanting space and tranquility without sacrificing city access.

On the investment side, MBR City has emerged as a top growth area. Analysts note that rental yields in MBR City are strong – about 6.1% gross for a 3‑BR townhouse (as of mid-2024)– which is above average for Dubai. This, coupled with the 10-year Golden Visa eligibility for buyers of AED2M+ homes, makes The Watercrest attractive to foreigners and locals alike. Limited supply (just 84 homes) also means demand can outstrip availability. In short, The Watercrest checks many boxes: prime location, Ellington’s design pedigree, luxury amenities, and solid ROI potential.

Moreover, Ellington’s reputation for quality construction (seen in past projects like Belgravia and Wilton) gives buyers confidence in on-time delivery and resale value. All of these factors – plus a flexible payment plan – fuel strong interest from both end-users and investors.

Handover Date and Project Status

The Watercrest is off-plan and currently under construction. The developer targets a Q4 2027 handover (some sales materials initially said late 2026, but recent updates confirm late 2027). Construction has progressed through site preparation and foundational work, and Ellington typically provides quarterly updates on progress. The project is fully RERA-registered, meaning it has an official Dubai Land Department (DLD) permit and follows all escrow rules.

Buyers should note the 70/30 payment split. This means about 70% of the price is covered by installments during construction, culminating in the final 30% at handover. This schedule (plus the developer’s track record) helps ensure the delivery timeline stays on track. In summary, The Watercrest is on schedule for a late-2027 completion, with all regulatory approvals in place and construction actively underway.

Final Thoughts

The Watercrest by Ellington is shaping up to be an exclusive enclave for luxury family living. Its blend of spacious floor plans, scenic water-themed amenities, and strong location makes it a standout in Dubai’s off-plan market. It is especially well-suited for buyers seeking a tranquil, design-driven home for a growing family. At the same time, its investment merits – robust rental returns and visa incentives – give investors confidence. As one Ellington brochure notes, “The Watercrest stands out with its exceptional ability to provide a fully immersive sensory experience”.

In short, with limited units and high demand, The Watercrest represents an opportunity to own a slice of Dubai’s rapidly developing MBR City district. Whether you’re a family looking for a private waterfront haven or an investor hunting strong rental yields and capital growth, The Watercrest is worth a close look.