Thanks Mr Turtle, I have some time on my side, and a few months before the family follow on to join me. So if it does not go well, I can at least attempt to stay in the temporary accommodation rather than take what we do not want. Or, take the Meydan villa/townhouse (is there a difference?), suck it up for a few months until my better half gets herself a property job, and jump ship to a private letting.
Only time will tell.