My Own Home: Salon boss puts down roots in Dh3.3 million villa she rented for six years

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Neda Farahany fell in love with the Dubai home she rented – so she bought it from her landlord.

Since then Ms Farahany, the founder of the salon We Nails Dubai, has upgraded the villa, in Jumeirah Village Triangle.

Ms Farahany, who is 41 and originally from Iran, lives with her helper and two dogs she says bring “much joy and warmth to the home”.

She showed The National around.

Please tell us about your home

It is a three-bedroom, four-bathroom villa located on a quiet residential street – one of the things I appreciate most.

It has a private pool and a big garden my dogs absolutely love, and also a garage. Overall, the house is quite efficient in terms of utilities, so running costs are reasonable despite the size.

I moved in as a tenant in 2017 and purchased it in 2023 for Dh3.3 million. Last year I completed a full renovation. Now the space feels perfectly aligned with who I am and the life I’ve built.

Neda Farahany at home with her with her dogs, Shea and Tala. Pawan Singh for The National

I moved to the UAE in 2009. It’s where my life and career took shape; I created We Nails Dubai in 2015 and lived in various apartments across Dubai, but this has become the first place that truly feels like mine.

Why did you decide to buy?

I had a wonderful landlord who supported me a lot, so the decision was more about long-term stability, a sense of security and peace.

Investing in a home was one of the smartest decisions I could have made. My mortgage payment is almost the same as market rent, but now that money goes toward something I own. I’m investing in my future, building equity in a property that has already appreciated.

I no longer have to worry about sudden rent increases or moving. It’s a grounding feeling, especially in a city I’ve built my life and business in.

What drew you to this property?

Ms Farahany jumped at the chance to buy a property she had rented for six years. Pawan Singh for The National

The location is incredible. Being a corner villa with a large plot size immediately sets it apart.

The pool and landscaping were already beautifully done, and because I took great care of the home during my time as a tenant, it always felt like mine.

When my landlord was considering selling, I didn’t hesitate. And because we handled the sale directly I was able to avoid agent commission fees.

Everything about this home – the size, the privacy, the outdoor space, the comfort – just felt right.

What made you choose this neighbourhood?

Before moving into this villa, I was living in JVT so knew the community well.

What drew me is how peaceful and quiet it is, something I value deeply, especially because We Nails is in JBR, one of the busiest areas in Dubai. Coming home to calm surroundings is essential for my balance and well-being.

The whole area is very well maintained, with