Buying Off-Plan

Buying Off-Plan Guides to Simplify Every Step

Step-by-step guides to simplify every stage of buying off-plan properties.

Step 1: Decide What You Want

  • Lowest entry price—buy early and snag the best units at launch pricing.
  • Capital upside—developers launch lower, then the value often rises before handover.
  • Flexible payment plans—instalments during construction and potential post-handover spreads.
  • Define your criteria: budget, preferred locations, developer reputation, required property size and layout, facilities, handover timing, and exit strategy.

Step 2: Register with a Specialist Off‑Plan Agency

  • Use a RERA‑registered agent with strong off‑plan ties—to ensure access to the full portfolio of approved projects, accurate brochure info, and pre-handover status updates.
  • A registered agency protects your interests through booking, SPA, and escrow steps.

Step 3: Compare & Select a Project

  • Your agent provides:
    • Floor plans, visual mock-ups, model units or show flats.
    • Detailed payment plans, brochures, delivery schedules.
  • Look for developer-backed projects with escrow registration under RERA. Confirm clarity on handover timelines and penalties.

Step 4: Reserve the Unit & Sign SPA

  • Visit the developer’s sales center, select your chosen unit, and pay the booking deposit (typically 10–20% of price).
  • Submit passport (and Emirates ID if you have one).
  • Within 30 days: pay the 4% DLD registration fee plus AED 1,000–5,000 admin fee (called Oqood fee) to register the off‑plan contract.

Step 5: Follow the Payment Plan

Stage% of PriceNotes
Deposit10–20%Upfront booking payment
Construction-linked~40–60% (split over milestones)Typically paid quarterly as per construction progress
At or Post-handover20–40% (2–3 years)Optional spread payment, subject to developer’s offer

Step 6: Handover & Final Ownership Transfer

  1. Attend a snag inspection when the project is nearly complete—raise any defect list before final payment.
  2. Settle final payment per your contract.
  3. The Oqood certificate gets converted into your official title deed through DLD trustee office.
  4. Once handed over, collect access cards, keys, and settle prorated service charges.
  5. After handover, you may move in, rent out, or sell the unit. Title deed issued in your name.

Key Considerations

  • Developer reputation matters—check track record of timely handover and escrow compliance.
  • Payment plan clarity—ensure exact breakdown of amounts and due dates is in writing.
  • Escrow guarantees your deposit safety—if the developer cannot deliver, your money must be refunded.
  • DLD fee regulations—note new rules (effective 2025) require that agency (2%) and DLD fees (4%) must be paid upfront, not financed via mortgage.

Your New property is Just a Click Away!

Get Started