Off-plan
Off-plan properties in Dubai
Off-plan property in Dubai is bought from a developer before construction is complete, usually through staged payments into a regulated escrow account. It can spread the cost and give access to new stock. It also carries delay, specification and resale risk. Verify the developer and project on Dubai REST, read the SPA and plan for handover before paying a reservation.
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- Payments
- Staged into a project escrow account
- Verification
- Developer and project on Dubai REST
- Registration
- Oqood interim registration with DLD
- Risks
- Delay, specification change, exit liquidity
- At handover
- Snagging, title deed, service charges
How off-plan works
You reserve a unit, sign a sales and purchase agreement (SPA) and pay instalments linked to dates or construction milestones. Payments go into the project's escrow account, which is regulated under Dubai law. The purchase is registered with DLD as an Oqood. On completion you pay any remaining balance, snag the unit, and receive the title deed. Our guide to title deeds and Oqood explains the documents.
Browse off-plan by type
- Off-plan apartments: building specification, payment plans and future service charges.
- Off-plan villas and townhouses: master plan, plot position and community build-out.
If you need to move in or let soon, compare ready properties for sale.
Five checks before paying a reservation
1. Verify the developer and project on Dubai REST. See how to verify a developer on Dubai REST. 2. Escrow. Pay only into the project escrow account. Read RERA escrow accounts explained. 3. Advert permit. Scan the Madmoun QR code on the advert. 4. SPA terms. Check the completion window, grace period, delay remedies, specification changes and resale conditions. 5. Cash flow. Model every instalment. Our off-plan payment plans guide explains the structures.
The complete list is in our off-plan due diligence checklist.
Researching developers
Our neutral developer profiles explain which communities each developer is associated with and how to research their projects from public sources. We do not rank developers. Judge each project on its registration, escrow, contract terms and the completed buildings you can visit.
Selling before handover and at completion
Many buyers plan to sell before completion. Developers often restrict this until a set share of the price is paid, and an NOC is needed. Read selling or assigning off-plan before handover. At completion, use our snagging checklist. Our property handover service can attend for overseas owners.
Questions people ask
Is off-plan property safe in Dubai?
Dubai regulates off-plan sales through project registration and escrow accounts, which reduces some risks. Delays, specification changes and market movements remain possible. Verify the project on Dubai REST and read the SPA.
Do I pay the 4% DLD fee on off-plan?
The 4% DLD transfer fee applies to off-plan purchases and is usually paid at Oqood registration. Some promotions change who pays it, so check the offer terms.
Can I get a mortgage for off-plan property?
Bank lending on off-plan is limited and usually becomes available near or after completion. Plan to fund the construction instalments yourself.
What happens if the project is delayed?
Your rights depend on the SPA and on Dubai regulations. Check the completion window, grace period and remedies before you sign, and take legal advice if a delay arises.
Can I resell before completion?
Often yes, subject to developer conditions and an NOC. Check the SPA, because some developers require a minimum share of the price to be paid first.
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