Buying off-plan in Dubai, step by step

What off-plan means

You buy a home before it is built and pay for it in instalments during construction. The price is fixed when you book; the payment plan sets when each part falls due.

The steps

1. Choose a unit and pay the booking deposit set by the developer.
2. Sign the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with the developer.
3. The sale is registered with the Dubai Land Department (Oqood), and the 4% DLD fee is paid.
4. Pay the instalments in the payment plan while the building goes up.
5. At handover, pay the final amount, inspect the home, collect the keys and receive the title deed.

How your money is protected

In Dubai, payments for off-plan homes go into the project's escrow account, which the Dubai Land Department regulates under Law No. 8 of 2007. The developer draws on it as construction progresses. You can check a project's registration and progress on DLD's project status service.

Reading a payment plan

A 60/40 plan means 60% is paid during construction and 40% at handover. A 10/70/20 plan starts with a 10% deposit, then 70% during construction and 20% at handover. Post-handover plans let you pay part of the price after you receive the keys.

Check before you book

• The developer is on DLD's list of approved developers.
• The project is registered, and its escrow account is named in the SPA.
• The handover date, and what the contract says about delays.
• Whether and when you may resell before completion.
• Expected service charges, using DLD's service charge index.