Properties for Sale in Dubai Properties for Sale in Dubai Marina Properties for Sale in Palm Jumeirah Apartments for Sale in Dubai Marina Apartments for Sale in Palm Jumeirah Properties for Rent in Dubai Properties for Rent in Dubai Marina Properties for Rent in Palm Jumeirah Apartments for Rent in Dubai Marina Apartments for Rent in Palm Jumeirah Real Estate Agents in Dubai About Eagle Wings Property Experts Sell Your Property in Dubai Property Services in Dubai Living in Dubai Apartments for Sale in Dubai Commercial Properties for Sale in Dubai Commercial Properties to Rent in Dubai Off Plan Projects in Dubai Meet the Team Real Estate Jobs Dubai

Off-Plan Properties in Dubai

Off-plan means buying a property before it is finished. Developers usually offer staged payment plans, and buyers often secure a lower entry price and first choice of unit. It also carries risks, so we help you compare projects with clear eyes.

Why people buy off-plan

Payment plans. Pay in stages during construction, and sometimes after handover.
Choice. Early buyers get first pick of floors, views and layouts.
New-build quality. Modern layouts, amenities and communities.
Lower upfront cost in many cases compared with completed properties nearby.

What to check before you reserve

Developer track record. Past projects delivered, on time and to spec.
Project registration. Off-plan sales in Dubai are regulated, with escrow accounts and registration through the Dubai Land Department (Oqood).
Payment schedule. What you pay, when, and the penalties for late payments.
Handover date and specification. Get them in writing.
Resale rules. Some projects restrict resale until a percentage has been paid.

Costs

Off-plan buyers typically pay the 4% DLD fee plus smaller admin charges, and agency commission may be paid by the developer in some projects. Always confirm in your sale agreement.

Our Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying off-plan safe in Dubai?

Dubai regulates off-plan sales. Developers must register projects with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), open a project-specific escrow account, and can only withdraw funds against verified construction milestones. Every sale must also be registered on the Dubai Land Department’s Oqood system. This gives real protection, but it does not remove all risk. Delays and changes in market value can still affect you, so choosing a developer with a good delivery record matters.

What is an escrow account?

It is a bank account controlled under RERA rules, where all buyer payments for a project are held. The developer cannot spend this money freely. It can only draw funds as construction reaches certain stages, verified by an independent engineer. A percentage of the project funds is also retained for a year after completion as a guarantee against structural defects.

What is Oqood?

Oqood is the Dubai Land Department’s registration system for off-plan sales. When you buy off-plan, your Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is registered there, which records your interest in the unit until the title deed is issued at handover. An off-plan sale that is not registered has no legal protection, so ask to see your Oqood certificate.

What happens if the developer is late?

The SPA sets an expected completion date and usually a grace period, commonly six to twelve months, during which delay is not treated as a breach. If the project is delayed beyond that, you may be able to claim compensation under the SPA or seek termination and a refund, and you can complain to RERA. If RERA cancels a project, the developer must refund buyers through the escrow account. Read the delay clause in your SPA before signing, because the remedies depend on it.

Can I sell before the property is completed?

Often yes, through an assignment of your SPA to a new buyer, but developers set rules. Many require you to have paid a minimum percentage first, commonly 30% to 40%, and to obtain the developer’s approval and pay a transfer fee. Check the resale conditions in your agreement, because a property you cannot resell easily is harder to exit.

Can I sell a property that has a tenant?

The UAE Central Bank caps the loan-to-value ratio for off-plan purchases at 50%, regardless of buyer category. In practice, most buyers pay through the developer’s payment plan during construction and arrange the mortgage on completion once the property is ready and can be valued for a normal loan. Speak to a bank before you commit so you know how you will fund the final payment.

Can I get a mortgage on an off-plan property?

Look at recent actual transactions of similar units in the same building or community, comparing size, floor, view, condition and layout. Price per square foot is the usual yardstick. Asking prices on portals are only what sellers hope for, whereas transaction records show what buyers paid. Overpricing is the most common mistake, because properties that sit unsold for weeks tend to attract lower offers.

What extra costs do off-plan buyers pay?

Off-plan buyers generally pay the 4% DLD registration fee plus small admin charges, and a fixed fee for registering the sale. The trustee office fee that resale buyers pay is not usually charged at registration. On many projects, the developer pays the agent’s commission, but confirm this in writing. There is also a fee to issue the title deed at handover.

What if I cannot make a payment on time?

The developer cannot simply cancel and keep everything. Dubai law limits how much a developer can retain from a defaulting buyer, based on how far the project has progressed. As a rough guide, it can retain up to about 25% of the price if the project is under 60% complete, up to 40% between 60% and 80%, and more if it is over 80% complete, subject to legal procedure. Tell the developer early if you expect difficulty, and get legal advice before responding to any default notice.

Find out what your property is worth

Eagle Wings Property Experts fosters a vibrant, motivating culture for personal and professional growth.