South Bay Phase 1 is the prestigious first chapter of the South Bay development by Dubai South Properties. Positioned in the heart of the Residential District, this particular phase set the benchmark for luxury living in the area by introducing an expansive 1-kilometer crystal lagoon and over 3 kilometers of waterfront promenade. The community provides a premium selection of over 800 residential units, varying from 3-bedroom townhouses to massive 7-bedroom standalone mansions.
As of early 2026, South Bay Phase 1 is in the final stages of completion, with construction progress recorded at 90.6%. This particular phase is specifically designed to blend suburban tranquility with resort-style luxury, providing residents direct access to pristine beaches and a vibrant kayak club. Strategically positioned near Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai, it is one of the most highly anticipated handovers for 2026, catering to families and investors seeking immediate value in Dubai’s southern corridor.
Property Details
| Feature | Details |
| Developer | Dubai South Properties |
| Location | South Bay, Dubai South (Dubai World Central) |
| Property Type | Villas, Townhouses & Waterfront Mansions |
| Starting Price | AED 3,900,000 (Current Resale Market) |
| Government Fee | 4% DLD Fee |
| Unit Status | Near Completion (90.6% Complete) |
| Ownership | Freehold |
| Estimated Completion | Q1 2026 (Final Handover Phase) |
| Views | Crystal Lagoon, Beachfront, and Lush Parks |
Features & Amenities
| Feature | Details |
| Crystal Lagoon | 1km long swimmable lagoon with artificial beaches and water activities |
| Wellness Hub | State-of-the-art health and wellbeing complex with fitness center and spa |
| Waterfront Leisure | 3km waterfront promenade with a café, kayak club, and dining outlets |
| Education | On-site certified British curriculum IB School within the community |
| Retail | South Bay Mall featuring over 60 retail units and anchor hypermarkets |
| Recreation | Special children’s club, pet parks, lake parks, and multiple swimming pools |
| Connectivity | Gated community with dedicated cycling and jogging tracks throughout |
Location & Connectivity
South Bay Phase 1 provides unparalleled access to the logistics plus entertainment hubs of the “New Dubai”:
- 05 mins, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
- 10 mins, Expo City Dubai (formerly Expo 2020 site)
- 20 mins, Ibn Battuta Mall
- 25 mins, Dubai Marina & JBR
- 30 mins, Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa
- 35 mins, Mall of the Emirates
Payment Plan
| Stage | Percentage | Notes |
| During Construction | 50% | Cumulative installments paid during the main build phase |
| On Handover | 20% | Balance due at the time of final inspection/key handover |
| Post-Handover | 30% | Paid over a flexible period after moving in |
Note: For current resale transactions, the 30% post-handover benefit may vary based on the original contract transfer.
Floor Plans
Unit sizes at South Bay Phase 1 at Dubai South: Ready Waterfront Lagoon Living run from 2,893 to 10,946 square feet: 3-BR Townhouse at 2,893 sq ft, 4-BR Villa at 3,555 sq ft, 5-BR Villa at 4,274 sq ft and 6-7 BR Mansions at 10,946 sq ft. These are the developer stated areas. Ask us for the registered size on a specific unit before you offer, because the two do not always agree.
| Unit Type | Size Range (Sq. Ft.) | Key Features |
| 3-BR Townhouse | 2,893 to 2,914 Sq. Ft. | Modern G+2 layout with private garden and roof terrace |
| 4-BR Villa | 3,555 to 3,562 Sq. Ft. | Semi-detached options with high-end fitted kitchens |
| 5-BR Villa | 4,274 to 8,234 Sq. Ft. | Standalone and semi-detached options with maid’s room |
| 6-7 BR Mansions | 10,946 to 13,398 Sq. Ft. | Ultra-luxury waterfront estates with private pools and elevators |
Note: Floor plans are designed to maximize natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows.
Why Invest in South Bay 1
- First-Mover Advantage: As the inaugural phase, these units were purchased at the lowest entry prices and have seen the highest capital appreciation.
- Ready for 2026: With construction at over 90%, investors can avoid long off-plan waits and prepare for immediate rental income.
- Lagoon Scarcity: Waterfront mansions in gated lagoon communities are a limited asset class in Dubai, ensuring high resale demand.
- Proximity to DWC: The long-term shift of airline operations to Al Maktoum Airport makes this the primary residential choice for aviation professionals.
- Complete Infrastructure: Unlike newer phases, Phase 1 is closest to the central community amenities, mall, and school.
FAQs About South Bay 1
Q1: When will I be able to move into South Bay 1?
A: Handover is currently estimated to take place by March 2026, as the project is in the final stages of fit-out and landscaping.
Q2: Is the crystal lagoon swimmable?
A: Yes, the 1km crystal lagoon is designed with advanced filtration technology to be fully swimmable, complete with sandy beach areas.
Q3: Are there still units available from the developer?
A: No, South Bay 1 is completely sold out from Dubai South Properties. All current availability is through the secondary (resale) market.
Q4: Does the community have a school?
A: Yes, the master plan includes a certified IB School within the Residential District, making it ideal for families.
Q5: What are the expected rental yields?
A: Based on current Dubai South market trends, 3 and 4-bedroom units are expected to generate between 6% and 8% net ROI.
More about Dubai South
Read the Cresco area guide to Dubai South. Prices, rental yields, handover timelines, schools, commute times and what actually sells there.
Open the Dubai South area guide
You may also want to read how buying off plan works and work out the rental yield.
What buyers actually registered in Dubai South
Dubai Land Department registered transactions, not advertised asking prices.
Between 30 June 2026 and 18 August 2026, 3,302 residential sales were registered in Dubai South. The median was AED 724,000 and the middle half fell between AED 642,050 and AED 1,135,000. This project is advertised from AED 3,900,000, which sits above that range.
| This project, advertised entry price | AED 3,900,000 |
| Registered median price, Dubai South | AED 724,000 |
| Middle half of registered sales | AED 642,050 to AED 1,135,000 |
| Registered median per sq ft | AED 1,718 |
| Registered median unit size | 381 sq ft |
| Share bought off plan | 98% |
| Ready stock, median per sq ft | AED 1,086 from 74 sales |
| Off plan stock, median per sq ft | AED 1,720 from 3,228 sales |
| Registered residential sales in the period | 3,302 |
Registered sales by bedroom count in Dubai South
| Type | Sales | Median price | Per sq ft | Median size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,162 | AED 655,000 | AED 1,781 | 366 sq ft |
| 1 B/R | 818 | AED 1,185,600 | AED 1,588 | 736 sq ft |
| 2 B/R | 268 | AED 1,825,914 | AED 1,505 | 1,141 sq ft |
| 3 B/R | 30 | AED 2,089,800 | AED 1,232 | 1,659 sq ft |
Source: Dubai Land Department open data. Registered sales of residential units between 30 June 2026 and 18 August 2026. Mortgages and gift transfers are excluded because they are not arms length sales. Sizes are converted from square metres at 10.7639 sq ft per sq m. The entry price shown for this project is our advertised starting price and is not a registered transaction. Community figures are medians across every project in the community, not this project alone. We do not publish a price per square foot for this project because advertised size ranges are not a reliable basis for that calculation.
What actually transacted in Dubai South
Before you judge a launch price, look at what the community around it registered. Over the last twelve months Dubai South recorded 5,845 registered rental contracts, all filed with the Dubai Land Department. These are signed contracts, not asking prices.
Registered rents in Dubai South moved +7.9 against the twelve months before.
The shorter window disagrees. On the most recent three months of contracts the same community reads +0.0%. Summer seasonality and smaller samples both sit inside that number, but we publish it rather than quote only the figure that flatters the market.
| Unit type | Contracts registered | Average annual rent (AED) | Rent per sqft (AED) | Change vs 12 months earlier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1,376 | 40,196 | 95 | +9.2 |
| 1 bedroom | 2,408 | 50,388 | 82 | +6.6 |
| 2 bedroom | 1,768 | 78,796 | 66 | +11.0 |
| 3 bedroom | 293 | 102,421 | 50 | +6.4 |
| All apartments | 5,845 | 59,190 | 78 | +7.9 |
Full Dubai South guide · Live Dubai market update · Run these numbers on a specific unit
Data verified 31 August 2026. Dubai Land Department registered transactions via Bayut TruView, rolling 12 months to August 2026.
