Well we started to look in January, told too early for March move in, but glad we were seeing agents then. There are plenty of properties yes, but if they don't have the keys and the NOC then you can wait at least 14 days to have this processed through Mazaya (the developer), try to find a property that has been FULLY handed over, not just paid for but they have the keys (these are like rocking horse do'dah!) we had 3 houses lined up all 'paid' for but no keys handed over and all fell through with a week to move day ..... that's the top tip. We were literally on the drive of the villa with the removals van before the deal was finalised - far more traumatic than moving from the UK!
Your question about areas, well some are more lived in and landscaped than others - we wanted an Aurelia A1 or A2, depends where you want to be. We are in RN sector very undeveloped and not many neighbours, but we have quick access to the 66 highway which is great for my sch run and DH's work, you may prefer to be nearer the main gate if you need quick access to the 311 - Helena from Landmark is very au fait with the project, I believe she lives here. Then it's a matter of if you want one over looked, not near the Du/etisalat communication towers, one on an outside of the cul-de-sac or in the middle row? .... it's all particular pref on the A1 & A2s. I can't comment if you're looking at the bigger properties.
Hope this all helps - we're glad we moved from Ranches, the space in the house is excellent, we have a few teething problems with the property, but that's 'cos it's new - but I don't regret moving one bit.
We have just come back from a quick look see at the Villa.
Is there any area better than another?
And how much time is plenty?
We don't actually need a new place until June, and it looks like there are loads available on the Villas, but is that maybe not the case?
Helena from Landmark is good - in the end we used Waters Edge but that was only because there was a paperwork race. There are lots of properties up here, but beware they all seem to have last minute paperwork hand over problems, 3 villas fell through for us in 2 days due to the developer not releasing keys/NOCs due to a final payment that has taken a lot of LLs by surprise. Give yourself plenty of time, have lots of patience ... the move is worth it - we love it (although I am slightly greyer from the process!)