id like to invest in the torch but have concerns that still construction has not began im sick of being told time and time again that next week work will begin,this project must have some funding problems sorry to speculate but who in there right minds would hand over any money??

Hi Vogue,
All Dubai developments are being sold off plans.
If you want to take a risk, with the potential of a large profit, buy now.
If you want no risk, buy when the place is built and make no profit.
It's the old story, risk and profit are directly proportional. The higher the risk the higher the profit and the lower the risk the lower the profit.
The next payment for The Torch is due mid December, so you can expect major work to commence in the New Year.

Why are there no boards up yet on the Torch plot ?

Most probably because they haven't got permit nos and actual go ahead from Emaar yet!!

Is not often I agree with Almillion on this thread, but I think he is right that they are doing ground test and then have to submit plans for approval before actual work starts.

I am not too concerned about the delay as its is in line with the rest of developments there, more worried about lack of response from Dubai-Select!!

have you been on site john??

have you been on site john??

I have!

I’m new to this forum only found it a few days ago. I’ve purchased a one bed at the Torch and given quite a bit of negative comments posted here thought I’d give you all my two penny worth. And why I decide to go ahead with my purchase.

1) Dubai Select are a new company that’s truth, been trading 10 years in the UK (selling cars I believe) and only 18 months in Dubai. From what I can make out they’ve never developed any properties before, the Torch being their first. Hardly a track record but does this really matter ?? Strangely I think not. The project has not only been designed by top UAE architects Khatib & Alami but probably more importantly is being project managed by them. I personally feel Dubai Select are more likely to concentrate on the sales and marketing side. Also Emaar are the overall developer for the Marina and ultimately have a moral responsibility to ensure it’s success. They wouldn’t let a landmark development like this fail.

2) The success of a development mainly depends on cash flow. Now, monies will come in regular here from investor’s stage payments and then get paid out on the other hand to contractors for the work they carry out. Funding is surprisingly straightforward and it’s incredibly unlikely the project will not be completed unless some major fraud goes on or not sufficient units are sold to finish the final works. I’m told around 80% of units have been sold already and there’s still 2.5 years to go here so this does not seem to be a problem.

3) All the one beds units have been sold evidenced by the Sunday Mail advert on 16th October only selling 2 & 3 beds.

4) Dubai Select only have this one development to look after, unlike Damac, Naheel etc. and other large developers so they can fully concentrate on getting this one right. Also it’s going to be their “show piece” and they surely want it to be finished to the highest standards with no hitches along the way as the success of the Torch will govern their ability to take on any other future developments.

5)Funding appears not to be a problem, I purchased my unit in early October and was anticipating having to pay the second 20% stage on 1st December but Dubai Select offered me the opportunity to defer it until the 28th of February. I didn’t ask, they offered this, hardly indicates there is a funding problem then.

6) The prices for what you get seems very competitive - by all means purchase a Damac property if you want but remember you’ll pay a premium just for the name.

7) The Torch is going to be a stunning piece of architecture, surely the best looking building at the Marina ??? Even if all units are not sold by completion they will be a little while later when people see what this tower looks like. The MAG 218 tower looks pretty drab compared to this.

8) Dubai Select must have a reasonable standing with their bankers, to offer the 15 year payment plan.

9) The contract I’ve signed looks fine to me, all the basic outline stuff is in it. Although I do agree with Dubai-Steve’s comment that the clause refunding all moneys to investors if the project is not completed is not worth anything at all, as all the monies would have been spent by them. But that’s the risk you take with an off-plan development.

The piling contracts been awarded, the ground testing is underway and let’s enjoy the next 2.5 years watching the Torch grow into the sky.

Overall I feel fairly comfortable with the whole thing here and certainly disagree with John-Dory’s comment , I’m certainly “in my right mind”. And by the way in case you’re wondering I don’t work for DubaiSelect either.

hi morris,why did dubai select offer you the option to pay your next 20% in feb.ive been delaying payment untill further developments but they insist i have to pay or lose my apartments

Overall I feel fairly comfortable with the whole thing here and certainly disagree with John-Dory’s comment , I’m certainly “in my right mind”. And by the way in case you’re wondering I don’t work for DubaiSelect either.

I agree with everytning you say Morris, I have a 2 bed and am looking at another one..I don't remember making an "in my right mind" type comment..can you enlighten me please

Hi Vogue,
I didn't ask them to move the payment date forward but I was having trouble working out whether to go for the 15 year payment plan or the cash purchase option. In the end I went for latter as I could just manage to get sufficient funds together. Works out cheaper if you can do it this way.
I think the crucial difference here was that I hadn't even recieved the contract at this stage let alone signed it, and of course they've got to extend the dates for any new purchasers now as we're getting further along the calendar so the dates will of course keep moving forward as new folks come into the development. The point I was trying to make was that they were not trying to extract monies out of me as soon as they could hence I would not think there was any funding problems. I would not expect them to move any payments dates now that I have signed the contract, as if they did this then the flow of funds to build would be out of kilter and everybody would be asking them to delay here and there for various reasons. This would be exactly the kind of thing that could put the whole project into jepoardy. Most projects if they do fail are for cashflow problems. To be honest I'd be really worried if they had agreed to postpone payments for you.
Why do you want to delay your payments ?? I wouldn't get too worried if it's because work hasn't really started yet. They're not going to start until they have sufficient contracts exchanged and hence funds to see the project through and to be honest I'd rather them hang onto my money
and delay (or maybe cancel the build return it to me) than spend it too early.
In any case there probably isn't any delay at all, they have 2.5 years to build and seems about on track to me. I hear that the Mag 218 tower is to be finished about the same time as the Torch and Nakheel have just awarded their piling contract as well so timescales seem OK to me.

Very sorry John, the comment was made by VogueDevelopments and quoted in your recent thread. I misread who'd originally posted it. Apologies.

No problem

Does anyone have renders of the pool area and other communal parts of the project. Seems to me that this has not been designed yet? This is worrying me.

It also is very worrying to see that no boards have been put up after all this time.

I haven't seen any renders of the pool or communal areas either. But I wouldn't get worried about this. Most us of would have a good idea what a swimming pool looks like, there's a floor plan of it in the contract along with a smaller childrens' pool alongside. Except for the barbeque area (which presumably is nothing more that an open space with I guess a bit of covering over it, and a few cookers here and there) the communal areas are all going to be inside ie. the sauna, steam room etc.. (not sure why you'd need these in Duabai !!) Probably located somewhere between the fourth and fifth floors as the lower floors will be car parking.
I would expect the floor plans to already be drawn up for these in the grand plan of things, but there's probably nothing DubaiSelect can show us yet other than these. After all they're just rooms with equipment in but hopefully as the development progresses we'll get some pictures but, of course, this is going to be a long way off yet, much nearer completion.

7) The Torch is going to be a stunning piece of architecture, surely the best looking building at the Marina ???


:lol:

welcome to the forum btw. :)

dubai steve it is usually hard to get more renders from the interior but i agree there are absolutely none of the torch.

Why is no finance available for the Torch with a Dubai bank? If you look at projects like Infinity Tower you see that they already have AMLAK and Tamweel on board. How is it possible to resale a Torch apartment if no finance is available for the 3rd party? I understand that it is not possible to transfer a new buyer to the lengthy payment system.

I would expect a render of the lobby or entrance at least.

What impact will the Infinity Tower have on the Torch 06 Marina facing views. Will it block out the Grosvenor house?

nope you will now see both of them if you look left,
sea view almost totally gone!!

nope you will now see both of them if you look left,
sea view almost totally gone!!

Dont also forget that the EMAAR sales office is very likely to be demolished and a building of at least 15 floors will be built - hence, unless the Marina View apartments are above this height, look forward to a view of towers!

The view of the sea facing aprtmts, of course, will be obliterated by the triplet of giant towers in front!

In summary, the premiums being asked for depending on the aspect of the apartment are, in my view, a total rip-off (one exception: the MH view apartments high up)

Look forward seeing you all waving at each other from your living rooms!

A valid point, I hadn't really thought about this. I'm not sure whether or not the lengthy payment plan is available to a new purchaser if you "flip the property". Maybe not, as the developer would surely want to sell another new property themselves assuming they still have some available. I did ask DubaiSelect about comming off the payment plan at completion and they said this would not be a problem so long as the "balance to pre-pay" was settled.
I also remember thay said they were having some talks with HSBC about arranging mortgage finance but I didn't take much interest of this. I guess most lenders will be queing up to offer finance when the Torch is finally built but in the meantime yes it could be a problem if you want to sell before completion to somebody who doesn't have a wallet full of cash. I suppose to be fair DubaiSelect thought it better to put the non-status scheme into operation (as not everybody would qualify for bank finance) and no doubt they had to offer some exclusivity to the provider of the finance in this regard.

I agree most of the views from the Torch could well be compromised in the future. Who knows what they'll build and where. I decided to play safe, forget about the views and purchase an 02 property overlooking the pool. Much cheaper. Also I'm looking to rent it out either holiday lets or if that does not work a long term company let. The rental for a property without a view isn't that much lower. At least I'll be able to see the pool.

I agree most of the views from the Torch could well be compromised in the future. Who knows what they'll build and where. I decided to play safe, forget about the views and purchase an 02 property overlooking the pool. Much cheaper. Also I'm looking to rent it out either holiday lets or if that does not work a long term company let. The rental for a property without a view isn't that much lower. At least I'll be able to see the pool.

Good philospophy! I too am thinking of renting out - reasonable return on invetment. My MAJOR concern is return of capital - I cannot see who in their right minds will want to purchase a seconhand aprtmt in, say, 10 years when there will be so much choice and the current crop of towers will start to look decidedly shoddy (some are already in this category!!)

You've got a good point. I was going to buy two units, then sell one at completion to make a bit of money but decided against it as it may well be difficult to find a buyer especially with so much new stuff being built. As long as you're in it for the long term it's a reasonably safe investment. The good thing about the Torch is that it's at a prime site and near to the Internet and Media cities so rental demand should not be a problem. I like the idea of holiday lets as I'll be able to use it myself. I calculate the finance is costing me £570 p.m. interest only (100% finance by way of a UK mortgage against my UK rental properties) plus the service charge at £130 p.m. (sorry, I have to work in sterling) which equates to approx £700 p.m. or, £9,000 p.a. Now if I can rent it out for holidays at say £500 per week after costs (may have to use an agent though) I only need to let it for 18 weeks each year to break even. Rest of the time it's for me and family/friends. Should be able to achieve this, but worse case scenario I'll do a 12 month company let, and rent in Dubai is always paid upfront so I'll get 12 months rent at the start of each year. A one bed should rent for at least £700 p.m. in two years time. Can't see any downside myself.

morris you seem confident and looks like you have done your homework,you were lucky to get a one bed as most were sold straight away.ive opted for a two bed the reason i wanted to hold back funds was mainly due to little activity on site also the dollar keeps getting stronger making it more expensive.

Don't worry you'll still be okay renting out a two bed, maybe it's even better than a one bed for holiday lets. In my view a one bed does limit you a bit in the holiday market. I was tempted by a two bed (and sometimes wished I'd gone for it) but the funding was a bit tight for me. I didn't want to sell any of my UK rental properties. Even long term as a company let a two bed should do very well, maybe two friends who want share to make it cheaper or perhaps an ex-pat family with a child (or two of the same sex). I reckon the rental returns as a proportion of your purchase price will be about the same overall.

Ok. We now know that from floor 1 to floor ? 15 it is possible that there won,t be a marina view.I don,t believe that there will be a clear sea view either. Now does any one know where the location of the new Marina Shopping Mall is in relation to the Torch and Marina Heights? and will building a shopping mall in this area and ? a hotel in the front of the Torch will affect

1) The value of any unit.
2) The choice of people who are looking to either rent to live or to holiday.

When I was in Dubai recently I asked a solicitor to look at a contract for a different Tower, the Solicitor stated that a developer should state in a contract wether the view is a clear, obstructed marina or seaview. Perhaps Dubaiselect ought to consider this to give investors protection and you know exactly what are you buying. No one would be happy to buy an off plan marina or seaview and end up looking at bricks and mortar instead for prices from 130k!!

morris you seem confident and looks like you have done your homework,you were lucky to get a one bed as most were sold straight away.ive opted for a two bed the reason i wanted to hold back funds was mainly due to little activity on site also the dollar keeps getting stronger making it more expensive.

Don,t worry there will always be some one bed units come back on the market when people read their contract.

Part of the low rise shopping mall may by between Marina Heights and the Torch with a walkway bridge over the road back towards the MAG tower. This should increase the capital and rental value of the property due to convenience and facilities, but would like to see a render.

I've just reserved 5304 (53rd floor marina view) and am a bit concerned that the view wont be as good as an 05 or 06.

I think the balcony will be the same as an 05 but the view from the bedroom and the living room will probably look onto marina heights and not be as good as marina facing.

I have of course had re-assurances from the salesmen that "04 is as good if not better as 05" which I take with a pinch of salt.

Any unbiased comments would be appreciated.

this needs part two, just noticed !!!


^^ any floor plans of the torch ,too lazy to search, and we might be able to help you

try pages 4 and 5 of this thread.
I'm a bit concerned that roshana and marina towers will block my view of the length of the marina.
Does anyone know how many floors these will have?
I'm on th 53rd and am hoping I'll be higher than them

I think they're all a good bit smaller so it shouldn't be a problem at your floor

04 view should'nt be too bad if you look to the right (distance between towers is quite large) but not as good as an 05 view, but AlMillion should get a nice view of your bedroom.

Is the glass in MH and Torch reflective on the outside for privacy?

I't will be fun seating in Marina Boulvard and watching MH and Torch owners throwing eggs and tomatos to eachother, from their tarraces and balconis. :D

j/k

i can take part in the match than but i need a tomato gun otherwise i will not be able to reach these two :D

the glass facades are usually reflective.

Hope this week we see it under construction!!

Hi, I'm new to the forum and thought I'd let you know I received a few pictures from Dubai Select today of the boards all up on site and also of a few men working - Can someone please kindly tell me how to attach these for all to see?

go to www.tinypic.com

upload your pictures.
you get an url from tinypic. sth like www.tinypic.com/3499.jpg

click this button in SSC post reply http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/editor/insertimage.gif
and copy and paste the url you got from tinypic.com

click post reply , that's it.
:)

welcome to the greatest forum on earth. :cheers:

http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=fu76zn
http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=fu772b
http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=fu76mh
http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=fu76nk

yippie! :)
finally

Anyone know what the guys with the wheelbarrow are doing?

So it's underway? :D

yepp.

i don't know why exactly but this makes me feel so excited to see the boards, the tower ,the dubai marina signs, the 'heartbeat of a new city' and that nice wave, :D

so happy now.

Yes......the only way is up.

Anyone know what the guys with the wheelbarrow are doing?

Looking for oil.

Cool. Hope D-L shot some pics of Dubai Marina and SZR today!!!!
Last pics of Marina are 2 weeks ago.

As always I must prefix this post by saying that we avoid the temptation to contribute to these open discussions unless we have anything factual of value to announce. I was however intending to post an image to confirm that Zublin's contruction team are on site full time and that that work is underway, but as is often the case in this high-speed information age, someone has beaten us to it.
Once again I must emphasise that the contractual anticipated completion date of the tower remains on target and has never changed.

With regards to some earlier posts relating to variations in the timing of payment instalments between some contracts; purchasers who have received contract offers less than 30 days before the original second instalment date of 1st December have been offered a delayed second instalments to avoid the consequence of expecting a 30% deposit on contract exchange. Notwithstanding this one small concession, the remainder of the payment schedule will remain unchanged. Naturally anyone who has been offered these terms will have bought from the limited choice of apartments now remaining and at our current list price, which has increased slightly from our launch pricelist.

We look forward to keeping all our purchasers of units in this development updated with the progress of constructuon now that it is underway.

I've just reserved 5304 (53rd floor marina view) and am a bit concerned that the view wont be as good as an 05 or 06.

I think the balcony will be the same as an 05 but the view from the bedroom and the living room will probably look onto marina heights and not be as good as marina facing.

I have of course had re-assurances from the salesmen that "04 is as good if not better as 05" which I take with a pinch of salt.

Any unbiased comments would be appreciated.

We're going to be near neighbours! I'm buying 5306 (and 5206). IMHO the best views are type 06, followed closely by 05 - but from that high up, it's all good really. Plus the boldness and scale of the architecture in the Marina means whichever way you face, it's going to look pretty impressive.

Giles, how long do you think 4 guys with a wheel-barrow will take to build the tower? lol What a joke!

ok you were not serious about the MH thing ;)

no :lol: ok to get back on topic. is it just me or does the design of this tower not fit in at all with the marina? and the concept is a bit tacky.

i think one of the appeals of the marina is the variety of designs- something for all tastes.

well the marina usually has those classic stuff like al ameera or no1, but in the supertall block even le reve or the MH, or OH and Infinity fit quite will imo, though they are rather modern.

the fact that each tower is different will add to the amazing mix of architecture once DM is finished. You cant expect everone to like each design.

However if they were all square tall blocks (like JBR) then it will be like a soviet style housing development. I am thankfull that Emaar is being bold and allowing some unusual designs.

^^ :cheers:

Just heard from Dubai Select that the Swimming Pool will be facing the Mall - (opposite to the Marina view)

Cheers
DC

do you mean facing Mag218 and Pinnacle? The (supposed) mall also extends to between torch and marina heights.

If this is true then it doesn't match the Model we have seen.

Hi All

New to this thread and just bought 4505 at The Torch :)

I have a question concerning me that I hope someone may be able to answer.

How many units have actually been sold to date???

Looking forward to watching the 4 guys and a barrow build 74 levels ... well after their break that is!

Regards

Steve & Viv

Gorilla - The swimming pool faces the Marina Pinnacle. The drawing in the contract is correct, however the model is incorrect and shows the pool facing the Al Amira Tower.

Hi Steve & Viv - the last I heard was that 67% was sold although I thought there were no longer any 2 bed marina facing apartments (like yours) so best to ask DS for an accurate %

For all you investors - the Pound is strong against the Dirham today, so take advantage (Sorry 'Dubai' if this winds you up...hehe)

Are the builders still on their tea break? does anyone know how long the piling phase takes?

Cheers
DC

Another off topic question.

All you overseas buyers how do you take advatage of the pounds strength best? have a Dubai based AED account and transfer money when the pound is strong?

well i generaly use the time tested method of...

ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT INVESTMENTS IN THE INVESTMENT THREAD

dubaiquote I PM you with a few ideas. Ignore "Dubai", we are not all unfreindly as him, he has a few problems! :weirdo:

Another off topic question.

All you overseas buyers how do you take advatage of the pounds strength best? have a Dubai based AED account and transfer money when the pound is strong?
either pay the developer in advance or transfer punds to USD when the rate is nice...

The USD is pegged to the AED. That way you have (almost) no currency fluctuation.

It is impossible with most banks outside the Emirates to open a AED account, hence the USD account...

http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=ilaogm

Picture taken a couple of weeks back - does anyone have any pictures taken that are more recent?

"DUBAI" why don't you have a day off and III don't see picture is link broken or is the Torch just switched off :hahaha:

http://tinypic.com/view/?pic=ilbmuc

http://tinypic.com/ilbmuc.jpg


No - batteries had just run out.

Hope this works otherwise I'm lost as to how to send this picture

you need to put tags around the link.

just highlight the weblink and click the yellow box on the toolbar when you post a message.

Here's the picture "III" was trying to upload i think

http://tinypic.com/ilbmuc.jpg

If this is wrong "III" let me know i will remove it

okay:This is the right one - Thank you

"DUBAI" u need to grow up. Plse let this thread go about its business.

btw nice pic guys. Last figure I got was 72+% torch sold. 2 bdrms avail. only n secondary mrkt now.

Does anyone have further information on the proposed mall between the Torch and MH? Height etc..

Great pic, gives a really good perspective on where everything is.

Still no progress, can't make out the guys with the wheelbarrow either!! I guess things will happen in the new year ...

Long long way to go!!!

great pic,

what worries me it shows the area in front of Torch and Marina Heights bigger than I imagined. Is it the way the photo was taken or it really is that big?!

^ Yeah, I was thinking the same. I've seen it many times but only a bird view really shows the size.

Hopefully for both towers' residents (Torch & Marina Heights), there will indeed be the Mall and not another tower.

Do you think there's any chance of super talls being built infront of these 2 buildings? there seems to be plenty of space for them.

Does anyone have further information on the proposed mall between the Torch and MH? Height etc..

Everyone's saying its cancelled, after the JBR mall was announced, but nothing official yet. probably more profitable to sell the land and build a small tower there.

they can actually build two 50F on the (three) plots in front of MH and The Torch. Doubt it though somehow.
i would wish the area remains like that.

Nothing tall will be build there IMO or the view of some of the Marine Phase 1 building's will be compromised.

Everyone's saying its cancelled, after the JBR mall was announced, but nothing official yet. probably more profitable to sell the land and build a small tower there.
That's just what I thought. Retail overkill.....

But are the JBR shops not more like boutique shops? i.e. not a supermarket and day-to-day stuff but more flashy / fashion / gadgets / etc?

That's just what I thought. Retail overkill.....

But are the JBR shops not more like boutique shops? i.e. not a supermarket and day-to-day stuff but more flashy / fashion / gadgets / etc?

it will probably be a bit of both, like mercato is now, but with more variety. they could also have 2 malls with the amount of space there is. ne low end one high end.

since when have marina developers been concerned about obstructing views of apts they have already sold?

^ I'm talking about EMAAR's own buildings.

That's just what I thought. Retail overkill.....

But are the JBR shops not more like boutique shops? i.e. not a supermarket and day-to-day stuff but more flashy / fashion / gadgets / etc?

There is a supermarket, just accross the road from the Marina Height,

i agree but this is maybe the only reason why there won't be highrise on the plots

^ I'm talking about EMAAR's own buildings.

They have sold them now though.

and i dont see emmar as the worlds biggest carer's.

i dont think they woud put up a 50 floor tower, but a 12-20floor tower could be a good earner.

doubt they would build it soon though. once all the marina plots are built up though people will be looking for space to build on, and they would be foolish not to use such a plot

The Torch Developer have said there is planning permission for medium size tower there 15-25 , but not sure how much of it is sales talk and how much fact.

My guess is Emaar will keep these plots for themselves.

would think so too.
still a lot of rumours for a 12F limit with hotel mid rise...

I dont believe there will be anything big built in front of the MH as thats the only car park in the whole of the marina. They need a car park for people that come for the shopping and the restaurants.

In front of the Torch lets hope the sales office of Emaar doesnt become a tall tower and stay as it is.

isn't there a public multi story car park there as part of phase one? I think this car park is to serve the sales office, if that goes then the car park goes too.

No comment

i heard 12F, there have been 16F and 17F rumours as well.
we don't know yet. but i doubt it will be 50F+

No comment

ask him if needs any help. i live in manchester, and need a job. i know more about dubai than he could imagine, with over 20 years experience.

guys, dont worry about how big the tower will be, i doubt they will use a plot like this untill all the others are built on, which means it probably hasnt been designed.

height limits in a place like this will be bent by wasta anyways,

so dont worry, there is nothing you can do.

"DUBAI" This is a forum about skyscarpers and not a job centre, i mean talk about the pot calling the kettle black have a go at INVESTORS, at least they are investing not asking for jobs.

Oh and just putting a bit about the torch in the message does not give justification. so keep your job applications to the JOB CENTRE

"DUBAI" This is a forum about skyscarpers and not a job centre, i mean talk about the pot calling the kettle black have a go at INVESTORS, at least they are investing not asking for jobs.

Oh and just putting a bit about the torch in the message does not give justification. so keep your job applications to the JOB CENTRE


It does justify it!

Everyone should know "DUBAI" always right, even if he's applying for a job here which has totally nothing to do with the tower.

Why does it not suprise me that response "DUBAI" :weird:

he was talking about the tower as well and there was just the short opportunity to ask the question, so therefore nothing really off topic.
AND since the job has sth to do with the tower it isn't off topic anyway.

afterall he is really into the forum and a good addition in every thread unlike other people here who are only talking about the torch, marina heights and diamond investments, and about nakheel being the worst company ever.

Haven't we had enough now. How about we just leave it.

Well talking about Rentals is related to the tower but "DUBAI" had a go at those people.... total hypocrisy if you ask me and like "malec" said lets get back to the tower.

Thanks for your input flow :)

no im going to continiue to be bathed in praise by dubaiflo!

besides, when i go and take photos of wheelbarrow mans latest position next week, you will be too

:p

random torch question to keep my posts relevent:

does anyone know how many lifts the building has?

wheres al millions- is he trying to blow dry the rugs in his underwater penthouse? is this like a poor mans hydropolis?

PMSL :rofl:

Introduction to the Torch (http://marinacomm.blogspot.com/2005/12/torch.html) .

good work GoDubai thanks

wheres al millions- is he trying to blow dry the rugs in his underwater penthouse? is this like a poor mans hydropolis?

lets all be very nice to Al million he is going to have the best spot for providing update on Torch construction from his top penthouse :okay:

if his penthouse is IN the marina he'll have to change his name to al thousands................but look forward to his torch shots just the same.

at the current rate of progress he should get a few months out of his first roll of film.

today

http://tinypic.com/io2782.jpg

Same response as in the princess tower thread.

its most probably at ground test period yet. Actual piling and foundation work will involve a lot more people.

Funny the way never see any workers in the photos, is it because they are mostly taken on Fridays?

^ Yes.

Does anyone know how long ground testing takes?

1st stage payments should have been completed, so with approx $10-12M in the coffers we should at least see some serious wheelbarrow action on site..well perhaps Zublin should take their holidays first....

DC

Hello everyone, I have just stumbled upon this thread. We have just bought an apartment in the Torch.I hope I have done the right thing!! I went to the Emaar building in front of Torch and all they told me was that there would definitely be a tower there but they do not know how high.

Did they say when this tower will be built or when the details will be released if this is a huge tower then it will be a disastor!

well this would be most prime position (and sold accordingly) maybe even better than current phase 1, 2N or Marinascape, but would definately be a disaster for MH and Torch as well as for their own phase 1 towers.

I have a 2 bed marina view on a lower floor and I don't intend spending to much time staring out the window - there is to much to do in Dubai...... but hopefully from a No.6 aspect we should have views past any Tower which may be erected directly in front of the Torch

DC
ps Welcome to Paul and Sue

Hello everyone, I have just stumbled upon this thread. We have just bought an apartment in the Torch.I hope I have done the right thing!! I went to the Emaar building in front of Torch and all they told me was that there would definitely be a tower there but they do not know how high.

Well Dubai Select are sticking to their story that the tower only has planning for a low number of floors - think it was around 14 or so - MAny have bought apartments from Dubai Select given this guarantee from them. It will be interesting to see if DubaiSelect are lying or not - could have some big law suits on their hands. Would welcome a public statement by Dubai Select on this one!

When I spoke to one of the MD's in Dubai Select Dubai a while back they assured me that when they purchased the land, Emaar had told them that they would not build anything higher than 18-20 floors max in front of the Torch, but this was not backed up in writing. I was also told that the width of the building will be alot less than the Torch and because of the position of the Sales Office this would not totally obscure the marina view and should still have a decent view of the Marina.

A lot of people have paid the extra premium for a marina view in comparison to what has been paid for the other sides of the building. I was wondering whether Dubai Select would reduce their prices if the marina facing customers no longer have the view they paid for?

Also, would this reduce the value of the property and the rental potential, compared to if there was nothing built in front?

Yes a tower will be built there, barring a crash in the RE Market. No you wont get compensation from anyone. Yes you will have to rent it out for a lot less, they could get a similar view in the gardens or Karama. and no we realy dont care, as we are more excited for the prospects of getting another supertall on this block than your tragic loss. perhahps you had too much money in the first place?

I actually think the marina's already looking really dense even without ocean heights, the torch, 23 marina, najd tower, princess tower and infinity tower. Just look at this pic:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/dubainico/db2.jpg

I agree with some of the comments made. I spoke with Dubai select and they told me the emaar building would be up to 17 floors max or it may be converted into a yacht club (I hope this one is correct).
When I went to have a look, it does seem that even if they build a 50 storey tower, there will still be a view across the marina to the left. Its the gamble we have to take.

the inconsistency in terms of floor numbers needs to be addressed imo. Initially it was 16 floor. from III's post we have 18-20, Paul n Sue got told up to 17. bit conflicting. Let's hope Emaar doesn't go for 50 as this will dfnlty impact MH and T owners as far as capital appreciation n rental yields concerned.

A Yacht club would be a very nice touch -

I doubt that there will be another 'tall', although a good indicator will be the uptake on apartment rentals and sales at Marina Heights.....ie.I think Emaar will only build a tall if there is demand for it....

DC

A 17 story hotel on top of a yacht club sounds like a good option for this space.

I wouldnt think a yaght club would be built there because of its proximity to several others. DIMC has just expanded on one side of Mina Seyahi, JASC is about to be rebuilt on the other, and there are the pontoons outside of phase 1.

A comunity sports centre would be a good idea, i know all the buildings have there own facilities, but no big sports pitches, or olympic size training pools. or maybe a food cort to centralize all the take-away restaurants in the marina.

all very interesting ideas but again I will add a word of caution for those readers who just come across this forum by chance, these are all speculations.

What we need is an Emaar insider. Whatever happened to "markmyword" he always had juicy pieces of news about future dev :)

yeah i wonder where he is as well.

afterall i would really hope they turn this into a community project, not just another tower.
But i also doubt emaar would be stupid enough not to sell this plot for 20m.
Dubai , restaurants etc should be part of the shopping mall in the tallest block (if it will be built) and the marina mall.
So i doubt this will be another one, a sports complex sounds good but unlikely...

How about a fire station?

afterall the nearest one is over half an hour away, probably 45 mins by the time all these are done.

A great idea, but somehow I doubt it ;)

If anyone else is sick of the pointless negative comments by some of the forum members, why not try here (http://www.hidubai.com)

:lol: :hahaha:

why don't YOU stay there?
Btw ban him is advertising another forum here.

:D just visited to other forum it is really ON FIRE :eek:

and full of misinformation or so you think Marina Heights will be finished in January.. :lol:

In fact we are really excited about buying an apartment in the torch which is in a fantastic location in a really exciting city. Cannot wait until its finished

If anyone else is sick of the pointless negative comments by some of the forum members, why not try here (http://www.hidubai.com)

Its not our fault that nobody likes your forums.

and ranier medows doesnt like people putting up ads for other forums.

any building going on?

put a cinema there by the way.

An entertainment plazza would be great there - an IMAX cinema and lots of restaurants around. More entertainment is needed in the Marina area. Marina resident need something to do in the evenings without having to drive to far or at all.

A great idea. Thousands of marina residents will need places to chill out in the evenings after a hard day's work. Cafes and this sort of stuff in the marina is perfect if you don't want massive traffic jams from people trying to get out.

Won't JBR have this sort of stuff though?

^ But an IMAX theater is on the IBN BATTUTA Mall that it is very near to Marina, especially after the new planed roundabout 5.5 will be constructed.

as every single tower in the marina and jlt will have shops, cafes and restaurants and with 4 malls in the neighborhood you will not be bored

marina mall
jbr mall
mall of the emirates
ibn battuta
(palm jumeirah)

28.12.2005
http://tinypic.com/j997a9.jpg

where is the sense in putting the machinery on site and then wait for 1-2 months :weird:

These supertalls had better start soon :bash:

Perhaps they're trying to give the impression work has started so they don't lose lots of investors ...

where is the sense in putting the machinery on site and then wait for 1-2 months :weird:

Free parking!

we all know the joys of parking in and around TECOM!

When I was there, 2 days earlier then the picture, the site was exactly the same and my picture was taken from the same angle, so no reason to post it.

Just heard from Dubai Select that they have signed a contract with Dubai Civil Engineering for the main construction once piling has finished. Cannot find their web page, can anyone please help and also what other buildings they may be working on?

I was was also told that they expect main construction to commence early March rather than at the end of the month but do not know how true this is especially if the main piling has not yet started and there's no consistency of workers being on site.

According to emporis, Dubai Civil Engineering are working on

Manchester Star Tower
Time Place
Manchester Tower
The Icon
Azure

and also involved in

Al Mejara Towers
Al Sahab Towers
Dreams
Unnamed Twin Towers

Also they were awarded the Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ)

piling will take half a year i'd say. they have not even started...

Are you sure they did not mean that piling will start in March? That seems more likely. That would mean main tower construction would then not start until around September 06. So we could see at least 12 floors done by the end of the year. At 1 floor per week this could then mean construction could be complete by mid 2008

Still all just guessing on my part :)

Does DCE has enough experience to build a 84st 345 meters tall tower? Have they build anything over 100 meters yet?

well one tower must always be the first :D
better than any sharjah company i am sure.

well if they have done sahab and al majara..

any developments on the plot?

or does the plot thicken.................?

I was just about to throw away the notes I jotted down from an article in MEED--I'm sure no one out there gets this magazine because it's too expensive! Anyway the article said--this isn't an exact quote--3 companies shortlisted as main contractor: Arabtech, Arabian Construction Company and Gammon & Billimovia. Not sure about spelling on the last one--can't read my own handwriting.

The article also noted, piling by German co. Ed Zueblin and the main consultant as Khatib & Alami. Some of this info I'm sure you guys know, but I think the shortlist may be news.

thanks go dubai.
the short list was news to me.
Arabtech (www.aj.com) are based out of Jordan.
Arabian Construction Company (www.accsal.com) have worked on Rose Tower and Park Place.
Gammon and Billimoria (www.gb-llc.com) are out of India.

What about Dubai Civil Engineering.

That is strange because III said that he just heard from Dubai Select that they have signed a contract with Dubai Civil Engineering for the main construction once piling has finished.

but we don't know what exactly is going to be built by whom, so technically all three companies could be involved.

they are running massive ads for this tower in the UK.

Obviously 'cos its sold out - lol!

they are running massive ads for this tower in the UK.


Where have you seen these ads, i have not seen them???

Seen them in the property magazines in the UK throughout 2005. eg. Homes Overseas Magazine. They are not sold out yet.

Ahhh ok don't really read that stuff, apprentley Infinty tower in the marina has an advert in the emirates in flight magazine. Work Friend told me who flew emirates to Australia

there are tons of developments advertisising in the Emirates in flight.

There was a full page ad in the Daily Mail on Sunday....DS quoted that 20% unsold.

Dubai Select confirmed that they signed a deal on Christmas Eve with Dubai Civil Engineering for the main construction but as Dubai flo has mentioned there may be other companies invovled - will let you know if I find out any more on this

Or it could just mean that despite MEED's expensive price tag, their information was dated, if not just incorrect.

Buying property in Dubai has never been so easy thanks to the introduction of a payment plan which enables outright ownership of property without the need for a mortgage or regular monthly payments. The flexible payment plan from Dubai Select, a leading authority on buying property in Dubai for investment purposes, makes it possible for individual investors to ‘cash in’ on the current property boom being witnessed by the Emirate state, being able to purchase a property without having to demonstrate proof of earnings or the need to secure a loan.

The Dubai Select payment plan offers outright ownership to purchasers with a payment schedule stretching over 15 years. It is distinct from a mortgage where you are applying to borrow funds which are secured against the property, and you might be expected to demonstrate that you can meet the repayments. It is also unlike other payment schemes offered in Dubai, which require purchasers to make monthly payments over the period of the build, with the final payment due on completion. With the 15 year plan, payments are made in quarterly instalments and since the plan is not a loan there is no ‘interest’ over that time which means the payment instalments will not change, therefore investors can plan their finances more accurately without having to understand the complexities of variable interest rates.

Commenting on the scheme, Mark Stott, MD of Dubai Select; "The property market in Dubai is booming, with capital appreciation having risen between 15 - 25% annually and rental yields remaining high. Typically however it has only been institutional investors who have reaped the financial rewards. By introducing a more flexible payment scheme we are opening up the market to individual investors".

Purchasers of Dubai Select's property through the payment plan pay a slightly higher purchase price. The plan has been calculated to allow for approximately 7% inflation annually over the 15 year period, but the current property market in Dubai is more accustomed to increases of well over double that annually.


Dubai Steve maybe you could get a place in the tourch and still keep marina heights :D

Buying property in Dubai has never been so easy thanks to the introduction of a payment plan which enables outright ownership of property without the need for a mortgage or regular monthly payments. The flexible payment plan from Dubai Select, a leading authority on buying property in Dubai for investment purposes, makes it possible for individual investors to ‘cash in’ on the current property boom being witnessed by the Emirate state, being able to purchase a property without having to demonstrate proof of earnings or the need to secure a loan.

The Dubai Select payment plan offers outright ownership to purchasers with a payment schedule stretching over 15 years. It is distinct from a mortgage where you are applying to borrow funds which are secured against the property, and you might be expected to demonstrate that you can meet the repayments. It is also unlike other payment schemes offered in Dubai, which require purchasers to make monthly payments over the period of the build, with the final payment due on completion. With the 15 year plan, payments are made in quarterly instalments and since the plan is not a loan there is no ‘interest’ over that time which means the payment instalments will not change, therefore investors can plan their finances more accurately without having to understand the complexities of variable interest rates.

Commenting on the scheme, Mark Stott, MD of Dubai Select; "The property market in Dubai is booming, with capital appreciation having risen between 15 - 25% annually and rental yields remaining high. Typically however it has only been institutional investors who have reaped the financial rewards. By introducing a more flexible payment scheme we are opening up the market to individual investors".

Purchasers of Dubai Select's property through the payment plan pay a slightly higher purchase price. The plan has been calculated to allow for approximately 7% inflation annually over the 15 year period, but the current property market in Dubai is more accustomed to increases of well over double that annually.


Dubai Steve maybe you could get a place in the tourch and still keep marina heights :D

Do you have a contact number or web-site to Dubai Select?

PS. If they don't charge interest how do they make money?

^ Google is your friend. its the <name of the company>.co.uk (now you'll have to do some of the work) :D

They make money be making a sale whereas otherwise a unit might go unsold. Also, they do add a 7% rate charge per annum--for inflation. How, I wonder, will this be different from say a 6.5% interest rate from a mortgage provider?

Juiced i thought Google was my friend,

Website is http://www.dubaiselect.co.uk/

I wonder if they are exhibiting at "Dubai Property Show" in London this weekend?

wanna bet they do? ;)

Hi guys,

I've spoken to a Dubai Select representative who mentioned the tower is 80% sold. I'm sure he said that to make me complete the sale ASAP. Here's a link to some interesting documents, including a few examples of their financing:
http://www.dubaiselect.co.uk/resources/torch/pdfs.htm

Cheers

Here's a link to a page which list exhibitors at the Dubai Property Show in London

http://www.dubaishows.com/content/visitor_information_2.asp

Dubai Select are not on list, But Infinity Tower is.

Thanks for linkto financing document now we just need an accountant to explian what it all means.

But from what i can see if we take example of the 707 apartment

For option one the total cost is : 818,570 AED

For Option Two the total cost is : 1,172, 490 AED

Which if my maths is good give a diffrence of 353920 AED if you pay over 15 years

Now if they not charging interest why such a big diffrence for same apartment on different payment plans

Answers on a Postcard Please

They make money be making a sale whereas otherwise a unit might go unsold. Also, they do add a 7% rate charge per annum--for inflation. How, I wonder, will this be different from say a 6.5% interest rate from a mortgage provider?

The lengthy payment plan works out like a 15 year 7% fixed rate mortgage. Which is not that much more than the Dubai Banks rate. However, everyone gets approved no matter what. It is non status. You can also pay off early at any time and avoid the interest charges.

I am now the proud owner of a shiney new 2 bedroom Torch Apartment. Purchasing was very easy.

No more bull from HSBC to deal with!! very happy about that.

What apartment number Dubai Steve?

congrats Dubai Steve. :cheers:

Congratulations Dubai Steve, hope your going to invite the whole forum to the house warming party.

You still got you Marina Height Apartment, because i thought at one point you were only selling it because HSBC would give you mortage for the Torch.

I echo the congrats! if they are charging Dhs 353,920 more for spreading the payment over 15 years, this does represent an interest charge and I suspect higher than what inflation would really be. But I agree that not having to go through some annoying verification process makes this a big plus. It makes perfect sense for them to avoid the hassle and expense of the middleman--the banks. If you default at any point, I'm sure they have the option of repossessing the property--so they're protected and again you don't have to hassle with the banks.

Regarding the Dhs 353,920 again, my feeling is this is not a high price to pay for the payment plan. It represents about 40% of the actual unit cost. If I'm not mistaken, when you pay with a mortgage plan the percentages are calculated in some kind of compounded way so that your 6.5% rate is calculated not on the total unit cost--say Dhs 818,000, but on the purchase price plus all the interest you eventually have to pay. In other words you pay interest on the compounded interest! So, as these crooked banks would work it out, your 6.5% interest will just about double the purchase price in 15 years. Without actually doing the math, my guess is you would be paying at least Dhs 1,500,000 on a 6 or 6.5 percent bank mortgage.

Hooray--cut out the banks!

I am now the proud owner of a shiney new 2 bedroom Torch Apartment. Purchasing was very easy.

No more bull from HSBC to deal with!! very happy about that.

Congratulation on the purchase ... and I told you HSBC Dubai is shitty

Congratulations Dubai Steve, hope your going to invite the whole forum to the house warming party.

You still got you Marina Height Apartment, because i thought at one point you were only selling it because HSBC would give you mortage for the Torch.

Yes I am inviting all the regulars in the forum for a house warming party!

Have a 2 bed marina facing type 06 - on a high floor.

I have read that the windows on the higher floors are all from floor to ceiling, the views should be spectacular and also have a nice view of the Infinity tower lit up at night.

No I am not keeping Marina Heights.

http://tinypic.com/ilbmuc.jpg

If they build the small hotel (15 floors?) in front of the torch plot where the Emaar sales office is, do you think they will keep the fountain / roundabout next to it?

Well hotel would need access to it so they may do, anyway steve your on a high floor so won't block your view :)

Steve,

Do you know which floor numbers will have windows from floor to ceiling?

i have bought once on floor 48 and am hoping mine is one of them.

cheers!



Yes I am inviting all the regulars in the forum for a house warming party!

Have a 2 bed marina facing type 06 - on a high floor.

I have read that the windows on the higher floors are all from floor to ceiling, the views should be spectacular and also have a nice view of the Infinity tower lit up at night.

No I am not keeping Marina Heights.

Steve,

Do you know which floor numbers will have windows from floor to ceiling?

i have bought once on floor 48 and am hoping mine is one of them.

cheers!

As I understand it floors 23-53 of the 2 bedroom TYPE B "boast spacious balconies and floor to ceiling windows which fully compliment the stunning views over Dubai Marina and the Palm Jumeirah."

I am not sure if the 1 beds or lower floors also do. But dubaiselect advertise the floor to ceilings on the above types only

congrats n your purchase Steve.

im moving into steve's 2nd bedroom !

Anyone know any ghost busters ?

Has there been any actitvity on the site this week? Thanks in advance.

The Torch site seems to be frozen in time! Dubai_Steve, when did you take the nice photo? Looks like there is plenty enough space to put another tower of any size between the Torch and MH.

Anyone know any ghost busters ?


:rofl: nothing helps against juiced. except sauerkraut.
btw where is ben burj?

Anyone worried about being able to rent out their Torch Apartment in 2.5 years time? or do you think the upper marina has class and will be more in demand than JBR?

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b237/dubainico/y.jpg

That's the $64,000 question! Will there be a glut of empty apartments 3 years hence or will most be sold and occupied? If there is a good market for rentals then beach goers will prefer JBR.Working people would probably prefer the north side towers.

I think also dpends on how apartments are being rented i.e Short term holiday rentals or Long Term Rentals for workers etc.

Some Marina towers have 3 year rental gurantees which means the dvelopers must think they can rent these places out.

But there no logic to anything in Dubai at the moment so time will tell i'm sure.

which bit is Upper Marina? I take it it is NOT the side the Marina Heights is on?

I used to live in Hawaii where it was so easy when talking about directions--everything was moutainside, seaside or a reference to two other geographical features that everyone knew. Who here ever knows what's north, south, east and west, much less upper and lower? That being said, wouldn't Upper Marina be the Marina Heights side, since it is nearer Dubai?

Also it isnt as classy since MH is there, so yes, that would be Upper Marina probably.

:lol:

why not referring to the beach and SZR side of marina, and east and west side?

btw i'd say the "upper" :lol: marina will always be the better and more sought of location i do not really know why but i think so. can't put my finger on it.

It is the "upper" marina because it is the head of the Marina and also it will be "the tallest block on the planet" :) No Marina Diamonds are allowed in the "upper" marina.

21/01/2006

And the tea-break continues...

http://tinypic.com/mc514z.jpg

JBR will be marketed well in the holiday brochures to people who think they are getting a beachfront property and who will get a bit of a shock when they find themselves in the Canyon. The Marina will be longer term rents. At least that's my thinking!

I think the Torch can also be a holiday let tower because the quality should be better than JBR and is is amongst Grosvenor and other classy Marina holiday hotels. JBR will be for cheaper holiday lets. Torch can be for the more sophisticated marina tourists, but the apartments will have to be furnished to a higher standard and have good views to compete.

^ Don't be fulled by the apparent JBR canyon. Is more of an ilusion that reality. If you can't see them up close (not in Dubai) just see some aerial shots and you'll see how clever the towers positioning is on most of the sectors.

This is what I mean:

Look at the left side

http://www.maldivevacanze.it/salvataggio/dubai%20foto/Dubai_Jumeirah%20beach%20residence.jpg

agree altin.

as i already said they are positioned very clever.
if you want you can make it look like a canyon by the perspective but in reality, every tower has at least three sides with rather good views.

And BTW, the JBR has something to offer that no other tower in the entire Marina has: BEACH ACCESS!

Currently I'm working with an organisation in Dubai that deals with holiday lets and we're finding that the Marina is a pretty popular place for holiday lets. Once the marian is complete it will look awesome it will be good for long term lets and holiday lets.

The rate at which Dubai is going both the JBR and the Marina will be occupied for holiday lets.

hopefully not, imagine.. this would be sooo crowded :eek:

Hi guys went to the Dubai London show on saturday...saw the model of the torch ...looks spectacular.... they were selling the left overs of apartments.....that seemed the case for all the developers there... i should have bought at the torch and not jbr ...but i belive all the rooms at my apartment at jbr are sea view so that should be worth something

Thanks for the info kano.

I guess some people may prefer to stay on a quality Marina front tower than a very busy beach for their holiday, otherwise Al Marsa would not be a hotel for example. Since there are less quality marina front apartments available in the "upper marina" :) than JBR. I think these will fill before JBR fills completely. But I would say JBR will always be at least 60% full.

well my apartment is at the front end ...next to the Le Royal maridian nearer to the marina so its bnot in a bad position......I got the dvd for trident .grand....and i think thats a really good buy....i was told 95 % sold...so only left overs

I nearly paid 1.5 million AED for one bed in the Trident last July.The advantage of the trident is that you not buying in an ordinary Tower but 5 stars Hotel .

I would agree Trident Grand is the best tower to buy in if you can afford it. Or more precisely, if the banks will give you the mortgage for this amount. This will always be rented so affordability is not the issue if you have 30% deposit, the banks are the issue. Its on the beach and 5 star.

Otherwise the Torch is a nice alternative especially with the easy payment plan, great location and attractive design. Of course these towers are all 2 to 3 years away from completion.

Thanks Steve, I only paid 20% so far,I need to borrow 70%. Do you know who can provide mortgage in Dubai apart from HSBC? I hear that Morgan Stanley will operatie in Dubai soon.

I agree with dubai steve. The trident and the torch are both good deals.....i was thinking of selling the JBR apartment which i bought but think two to 3 yaers is far away and if i get my apartment in auagust should be able to let it and gain two years rent.....indecisions indecisions.....+ DELAYS DELAYS.....+ LOCATION LOCATION = bad investments

From what I saw at the show, only 2-beds 03/04 and a few 3-beds are left. Oh and the Penthouses of course!!

Dubai Select claim they will sell all of them by end of Feb and the prices have been put up by 2% since the launch last year.

One sales guy claimed they will be launching a new development mid-year but this time only as a developer and will not be selling it themselves.

Any update on when piling will start for real?

well they claimed it started already and the constructions starts in 1.5 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well we know better here don't we :laugh:

Seems by "construction" they mean piling :)

possibly, I didn't press him since I wasn't sure he knew anyway.

If its true that means the work wont start until most of the units are sold (judging by their expectation to sell the remaining unit by end of Feb)

My feeling is that they have a trigger level after which will start work, somehere around say 95% since it will be very unlikely to sell 100% so soon.

Well I do hope they start soon as I am starting to loose confidence in their June 2008 completion plan!

I was told by Dubai Select in December that Piling foundations had started. Has anyone been to the site to verify this? we should be seeing (at the very least) machines drilling pile boreholes.

The truth is out there....or on a very long tea break discussing sales strategy

Well have a look at post 152 on previous page....it's a picture taken on the 21/01/2006 and as the caption says....the tea break continues.

So there is some machineary on site but i don't think much work has taken place yet.

http://www.dubaiselect.com/media/img/torch-large-night.jpg

Floor plans have been rerendered.

http://www.dubaiselect.com/media/img/floorplans/torch/2b-b.jpg
http://www.dubaiselect.com/media/img/floorplans/torch/3b.jpg

That new render is stunning!, the floorplans are nice too:)

Emirates to Build Luxury Spa Next to The Torch

Emirates Group Chairman his Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum has selected land adjacent to The Torch for its latest project, the Dh300 million Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments & Spa.

This decision is exciting news for customers who have purchased or are considering purchasing property in The Torch, providing further endorsement for this prestigious location whilst also adding to the ever-growing wealth of services and facilities available in this already popular marina setting.

that first apt layout is hilarious..
3bdr looks good though.

From dubaiselect.com email:

Does anyone know where exactly this will be - perhaps in front of the Torch? and also how many floors it will have?

Emirates Group Chairman his Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum has selected land adjacent to The Torch for its latest project, the Dh300 million Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments & Spa.

This decision is exciting news for customers who have purchased or are considering purchasing property in The Torch, providing further endorsement for this prestigious location whilst also adding to the ever-growing wealth of services and facilities available in this already popular marina setting.

Construction Update

We [Dubai Select] are pleased to announce that construction of our landmark development, The Torch Dubai Marina is currently underway and on schedule for completion in 2008.

Our construction partners in the Dh435 million development, Dubai Civil Engineering ('DCE'), are confident that build deadlines will be met for June 2008.

From dubaiselect.com email:

Does anyone know where exactly this will be - perhaps in front of the Torch? and also how many floors it will have?

Emirates Group Chairman his Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum has selected land adjacent to The Torch for its latest project, the Dh300 million Emirates Marina Serviced Apartments & Spa.

This decision is exciting news for customers who have purchased or are considering purchasing property in The Torch, providing further endorsement for this prestigious location whilst also adding to the ever-growing wealth of services and facilities available in this already popular marina setting.

Just realised, this is Al Marsa Tower so not in front of the Torch.

Hi Guys,

New to this forum, so just thought id say "Hi". Apparantly, I have just bought the very last 1 bedroom apartment at The Torch on Friday and have been reading the comments from people on this forum recently. Not sure if some people on here are just scaremongerers, agents for other developments or just killing time, but either way, there is nothing said or predicted so far that can really hinder me or anyone else from the realisation that Dubai is about to become the greatest city on the planet, whichever way you look at it. Thats the bottom line.

So whether there is a 100 storey tower about to be built right in front of my "sea-view" balcony or slightly to the left of it, who cares?

The bottom line is that most of us UK citizens investing in dubai are more interested in the holiday letting market. In other words, the short term weekly lets to those people least interested in sitting on their balconies all day long gawping at the wonderful views in front of them. And even in the longer term, we all know both the dubai property prices and rental yeilds are both enjoying healthy appreciation.

Can someone remind me what all the scaremongerers are worried about again, please???

Hi Guys,

New to this forum, so just thought id say "Hi". Apparantly, I have just bought the very last 1 bedroom apartment at The Torch on Friday and have been reading the comments from people on this forum recently. Not sure if some people on here are just scaremongerers, agents for other developments or just killing time, but either way, there is nothing said or predicted so far that can really hinder me or anyone else from the realisation that Dubai is about to become the greatest city on the planet, whichever way you look at it. Thats the bottom line.

So whether there is a 100 storey tower about to be built right in front of my "sea-view" balcony or slightly to the left of it, who cares?

The bottom line is that most of us UK citizens investing in dubai are more interested in the holiday letting market. In other words, the short term weekly lets to those people least interested in sitting on their balconies all day long gawping at the wonderful views in front of them. And even in the longer term, we all know both the dubai property prices and rental yeilds are both enjoying healthy appreciation.

Can someone remind me what all the scaremongerers are worried about again, please???

traffic, heat, terror, market crash, poor quality, crappy developers, lack of planning, boom slow down, taxes, prostitution, rents, bubble ...

just the stuff coming to my mind now.

btw : hi and welcome to the forum

for any investment related question you may have, for exampe colour of your curtains, feel free to ask ,but do it HERE http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=280373

Hahahaha.

dubaiflo, you're such an optimist.............

... as usual ;)

:D nice one

traffic, heat, terror, market crash, poor quality, crappy developers, lack of planning, boom slow down, taxes, prostitution, rents, bubble ...

just the stuff coming to my mind now.

btw : hi and welcome to the forum

for any investment related question you may have, for exampe colour of your curtains, feel free to ask ,but do it HERE http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=280373
Can I take it from your reply dubaiflo that you have not invested in this city and if so why?

Dubaiflo has invested in the city in fact in Marinscape development hes just a little :weird:

Only joking flo

My lips are sealed!

Wassup Dubaiflo? Were you refused a mortgage on a property in Dubai or something?

i love dubai and we bought without mortgage so i don't mind.

i just told him what the 'scaremongerers' are saying, and what are indeed some negative aspects of Dubai's boom...

Well, I'm sure you'll agree that the "boom" far outweighs the "gloom".

Quite franky, its like saying "the downside to an orgasm is that it puts a little strain on the heart"!!!!

I think its more like having unprotected sex ... it might feel great but you could wind up with a STD or unwanted pregnancy!

Chose your partner carefully & take precautions!

in this case, choose the developer carefully and inform yourself about Dubai's market ;)

agree, Dubai is like sex... :D

agree, Dubai is like sex... :D

Lets hope that something starts to grow soon in the Torch plot. :hahaha:

heard that they have turned floor 22 from a service floor to apartments now!

no cooling for those floors then, more money for Dubai Select :)

hmm, that sounds worrying!

I hate all these rummors and all the changes developers make ..... i just wish these guys would stick to orginal plan.

If they lose Service Floor they will have to put it elsewhere in building. Time will tell we not even sure if this is happening.

I don't think a single developer in Dubai has stuck to the original plan ... from Emaar to Nakheel, they all seem to do things to make more money! It will get better with time.

well it maybe a rumour but one started by Dubai Select salesman!

I can confirm that a Dubail Select Salesperson is trying to sell apartments on floor 22, now if Dubai Select would like to come and officially deny that I will be happy to withdraw and apologize. :cheers: