Off plan means buying a home before it is finished, usually straight from the developer. You pay in stages during construction, which makes it easier to enter the market. It also means you need to trust the developer, the timeline and the contract, so we look at all three before we recommend a project.
Why Buyers Choose Off Plan
- Payment plans spread over the construction period, for example 60% during building and 40% on handover.
- A lower entry price than a similar ready home in the same area.
- A brand new unit with the developer’s warranty after handover.
- First choice of floor, view and layout when you book early.
How Your Money Is Protected
In Dubai, payments for off plan units go into an escrow account linked to the project, as required by Law No. 8 of 2007. Your purchase is also registered with the Dubai Land Department through Oqood. We check that both are in place before you pay anything.
How A Payment Plan Works
You usually pay a booking amount of 10% to 20%, plus the 4% Dubai Land Department fee, when you reserve the unit. The rest is split into instalments linked to dates or to construction stages. Some developers offer post handover plans, where part of the price is paid over a few years after you get the keys. We put every instalment into a simple schedule so you can see exactly what you pay and when.
Questions We Ask Every Developer
- Has the developer handed over earlier projects on time?
- Is the project registered and is the escrow account active?
- What happens to your payments if the handover date moves?
- What are the service charges likely to be once the building is complete?
Off Plan Or Ready?
Off plan suits you if you can wait two to four years and want to spread the cost. A ready home suits you if you need rental income now or want to move in straight away. Many investors hold a mix of both. Developers we work with include Emaar, Damac, Sobha, Nakheel, Meraas, Ellington and others. If you prefer a ready home, see our property for sale in Dubai.
Handover And Snagging
When the building is complete, the developer invites you to inspect the unit before you take the keys. This is called snagging. Check walls, doors, tiles, plumbing, air conditioning and electrics, and list every fault in writing so the developer fixes it under warranty. We can attend the inspection for you or arrange a professional snagging company, which is useful if you live abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the handover is late?
Your sale and purchase agreement sets the expected completion date and what happens if it moves. Read that clause carefully before you sign. Because your payments sit in a project escrow account, the money can only be released to the developer as construction progresses.
Can I sell an off plan unit before handover?
Often, yes. Many developers allow resale once you have paid a set share of the price, commonly between 30% and 40%. The developer charges a fee and issues an NOC. The exact rule is in your contract, so check it before you buy.
Can I get a mortgage for off plan property?
Some banks lend on off plan homes, usually up to about 50% of the value, and some do not lend on them at all. Most off plan buyers use the developer’s payment plan during construction and only consider a mortgage at handover.
Do I pay the 4% Dubai Land Department fee on off plan?
Yes. The 4% fee applies to off plan purchases as well, and it is usually paid when the sale is registered through Oqood, at the start rather than at handover.
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