UAE Off-PlanBuyer's Guide
A comprehensive step-by-step roadmap to navigating property acquisition, escrow laws, and payment structures across the UAE.
Your Guide to Buying Off-Plan in Dubai
A clear, step-by-step overview of how off-plan purchases work in Dubai, from setting your goal to receiving your title deed.
Steps
- Decide your priority: rental yield, capital growth or residency
- Set a total budget that includes fees and costs on top of the price
- Choose a payment plan that fits your cash flow
- Shortlist areas that match your goal
- Review the developer’s past projects and handover record
- Compare unit types, views and floor plans
- Check the project’s registration with the Dubai Land Department
- Confirm the project’s escrow account details
- Ask for the payment plan and handover date in writing
- Select your unit, floor and payment plan
- Sign the booking form
- Pay the booking deposit
- Pay the down payment, commonly 10–20% of the price
- Pay the 4% Dubai Land Department registration fee
- Review the completion date and delay terms before signing
- The developer registers your purchase with the Dubai Land Department
- You receive your Oqood registration certificate
- Keep the certificate safe for resale or visa applications
- Pay each instalment on schedule, into the escrow account only
- Follow construction progress with the developer
- Keep a receipt for every payment
- Inspect the unit and list any defects (snagging)
- Connect utilities such as DEWA
- Receive your title deed and become the registered owner
Set Your Goal & Budget
Start with why you are buying. Your goal shapes everything that follows, from the area and unit type to the payment plan that suits you.
- Decide your priority: rental yield, capital growth or residency
- Set a total budget that includes fees and costs on top of the price
- Choose a payment plan that fits your cash flow
Choose the Area & Developer
Location and developer matter as much as the unit itself. Compare communities, price per square foot and the developer’s delivery record.
- Shortlist areas that match your goal
- Review the developer’s past projects and handover record
- Compare unit types, views and floor plans
Verify the Project
Before paying anything, confirm that the project is registered and that it has an escrow account for buyer funds.
- Check the project’s registration with the Dubai Land Department
- Confirm the project’s escrow account details
- Ask for the payment plan and handover date in writing
Reserve Your Unit
Once you have chosen, you reserve the unit with a booking form and a booking deposit, which takes it off the market while the paperwork is prepared.
- Select your unit, floor and payment plan
- Sign the booking form
- Pay the booking deposit
Pay the Down Payment & Sign the SPA
The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is the contract that sets out your payment plan, handover date and the rights of both sides.
- Pay the down payment, commonly 10–20% of the price
- Pay the 4% Dubai Land Department registration fee
- Review the completion date and delay terms before signing
Register with the DLD (Oqood)
Off-plan purchases are recorded on Dubai’s interim register through an Oqood certificate, which secures your claim to the unit.
- The developer registers your purchase with the Dubai Land Department
- You receive your Oqood registration certificate
- Keep the certificate safe for resale or visa applications
Pay Instalments During Construction
You pay the balance in instalments linked to your payment plan. Funds sit in the project’s escrow account and are released to the developer as construction milestones are certified.
- Pay each instalment on schedule, into the escrow account only
- Follow construction progress with the developer
- Keep a receipt for every payment
Handover & Title Deed
When construction completes, you inspect the unit, settle the final payment, and your Oqood is replaced by a title deed in your name.
- Inspect the unit and list any defects (snagging)
- Connect utilities such as DEWA
- Receive your title deed and become the registered owner
Key Numbers
The Dubai Land Department fee on the property price, paid at the Oqood registration stage.
Commonly paid to secure the unit, with the balance following the developer’s payment plan.
Property valued at AED 2 million or more can qualify for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, including off-plan.
Buyer funds are held in a project-specific escrow account and released as construction milestones are certified.
Prepare & Ask
- A valid passport copy
- Emirates ID and residence visa, if you live in the UAE
- Proof of funds and source of funds
- Your booking deposit and chosen payment method
- Your selected unit, payment plan and handover date
Can foreigners buy off-plan property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign nationals can purchase property in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, including off-plan projects.
Is my money protected?
Buyer payments for off-plan projects are held in a project-specific escrow account and released to the developer as construction milestones are certified. Always confirm the escrow account details before paying.
Who pays the agent’s commission?
On most primary off-plan launches, the developer pays the brokerage, unless something else is agreed in writing.
What is Oqood?
Oqood is Dubai’s interim registration for off-plan purchases. It records your claim to the unit and is replaced by a title deed at handover.
Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan property?
Property valued at AED 2 million or more can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, including off-plan. Conditions and documents are updated from time to time, so we confirm the current requirements for you.
What if the project is delayed?
Your SPA sets out the completion date and the delay and penalty terms. Review them carefully before signing, and ask your advisor if anything is unclear.
Not sure where to start? Let us guide you.
Speak to an AdvisorThis guide is general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Fees, thresholds and regulations can change, so please confirm current requirements with the Dubai Land Department and your advisor before committing.