Finding a new apartment in Dubai under AED 700,000 is getting harder every year, especially one with a proper resort style pool deck and a payment plan that doesn't ask for a big chunk upfront. That's the gap SAMANA Developers is aiming at with SAMANA South Haven 2, a new off plan launch in Dubai South with studios starting from AED 644,000. It follows the original South Haven, and it's built around one simple idea: a low entry price spread over a long, gentle monthly plan. Here's what's actually on offer, what it really costs, and who it makes sense for.
The project at a glance
You can see the full details, layouts and current availability on our SAMANA South Haven 2 project page.
The two layouts
Studios come with a kitchen, bathroom, balcony and an open living and sleeping area. These are the entry point, and for most investors they'll be the main attraction. A studio near a major employment and airport zone is the kind of unit that tends to suit single professionals and couples looking to rent.
Two bedroom apartments add separate bedrooms, a living and dining area, a balcony and a dedicated store room. That extra storage sounds minor, but anyone who has lived in a Dubai apartment knows how quickly suitcases and boxes take over a bedroom. These suit small families or buyers who plan to live in the unit themselves.
SAMANA hasn't published unit sizes or a starting price for the two bedroom units yet, so ask for the exact square footage and a cost sheet for the specific unit you're considering.
The payment plans, broken down
This is where South Haven 2 stands out. There are two options:
PDC plan: 10% down payment, then 1% every month for 80 months, plus an extra 5% in month 6 and another 5% in month 12. This needs post dated cheques from a UAE bank account.
Non PDC plan: 15% down payment, then 1% every month for 75 months, plus the same 5% payments in month 6 and month 12. This one suits buyers abroad who don't have a UAE bank account.
Here's what that looks like in AED on a studio at the starting price of AED 644,000, using the PDC plan. These are simple calculations for illustration; your actual unit price may differ.
Two things to budget for on top of this. First, Dubai Land Department registration fees, which for off plan purchases are typically 4% of the price plus admin charges, and are usually paid at booking. Second, the two 5% payments in the first year. Many buyers focus on the 1% monthly figure and get caught off guard by these. Plan for them from day one.
An 80 month plan runs for well over six years. Since the handover date hasn't been announced, ask how many of those instalments fall after handover. That affects how soon you could rent the unit out while still paying, and how your cash flow looks. If you'd like to compare this with other SAMANA structures, our guides to the 30/70 plan and 40/60 plan explain the differences.
Amenities
The amenity list leans heavily towards resort style living:
- Pools and leisure: a large leisure pool deck, adult pool, kids pool, outdoor jacuzzi, lazy lounge, lawn seating, sunken seating and an outdoor cinema
- Fitness: outdoor gym, jogging track, multipurpose court, and, per the launch announcement, a rooftop indoor gym with steam and sauna
- Work and family: a co working lounge with private booths, a reading lounge, kids play area and an outdoor gaming arcade
The co working lounge is a smart touch for a location like this, where many residents may work from home part of the week. Do confirm the final amenity list against the brochure and your SPA, since launch materials can change. More amenities also tend to mean higher service charges, so ask for an estimate. Our guide on Dubai service charges explains how these are set.
Why Dubai South
According to SAMANA, the project is within roughly 15 to 20 minutes of Al Maktoum International Airport, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Marina and Dubai Parks and Resorts, depending on route and traffic.
The long term story here is Al Maktoum International. In April 2024, Dubai announced an AED 128 billion plan to expand it into one of the largest airports in the world, with DXB's operations expected to move there gradually over roughly a decade. If that plays out, Dubai South sits right next to one of the city's biggest future employment hubs. That's the bet. But it's a long term one, and timelines on projects this size can shift. We compared this area in detail with another popular corridor in Downtown Jebel Ali vs Dubai South.
Who South Haven 2 suits, and who it doesn't
It suits you if: you want a first Dubai property with a low entry price, you prefer small monthly payments over a large lump sum, you're comfortable holding for several years, and you believe in Dubai South's growth around the airport.
Think twice if: you need rental income soon, you want a ready unit, or you'd prefer an established neighbourhood with schools, retail and the metro already in place. In that case, a ready apartment elsewhere might fit better.
Whichever way you lean, do your homework before booking. Check the developer and the project's escrow registration using our guide on how to vet a Dubai off plan developer, read your SPA carefully, and run your own rental numbers with our Dubai rental yield guide.
Final thoughts
SAMANA South Haven 2 makes a clear offer: an amenity rich apartment in a growth area, at a price and payment pace that's easy on the wallet. The 1% monthly plan is the real attraction, especially the non PDC option for buyers outside the UAE. The unknowns, mainly the handover date and unit sizes, are worth pinning down before you pay. If you'd like a personalised cost sheet, the latest availability, or help comparing it with other SAMANA projects, message our team.
