Al Durrah Tower

Dubai Marina

The original high-rise waterfront: a dense forest of towers around a man-made marina, and still the busiest rental market in the city.

• reliable rental income
• car-free living
• fast resale

What to check: Much of the stock is fifteen to twenty years old and building condition varies enormously. Get the service charge history and walk the common areas before you offer — an unmaintained tower will cost you more than the discount you got.