Property guide

Off-Plan Property Guide: Buying New Projects in the UAE

Off-plan means buying directly from the developer before completion, usually with a small down payment and flexible instalments. It is the largest segment of Dubai’s market, and with the right project it combines a lower entry price with capital growth by handover.

4 min readBy Jet Horizon expertsUpdated November 2026
01

Why buy off-plan

A lower entry price than ready stock, staged payment plans (often 10–20% down), brand-new specifications and the potential for price growth between launch and handover.

02

Choose the developer first

Track record matters more than renders. Check completed projects, delivery history and build quality. We work directly with partners including Binghatti, Danube, Samana, Imtiaz and Sanzen.

03

Verify the project

Make sure the project is registered with RERA and has a dedicated escrow account. You can confirm both in the Dubai REST app before paying anything.

04

Understand the payment plan

Compare construction-linked and post-handover plans. A 50/50 or 60/40 plan spreads the cost, while post-handover plans let rental income help pay the balance.

05

Reserve and sign the SPA

Pay the booking amount, sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement and register the unit on Oqood, the DLD interim register. The 4% DLD fee is usually paid at this stage.

06

Handover

At completion you inspect the unit (snagging), settle the remaining payment and receive the keys and title deed.

Off-plan costs at a glance

DLD / Oqood registration4% of price + admin fees (usually at booking)
Down paymentTypically 10–20%
Agency commissionUsually nothing for the buyer on new launches
Service chargesStart from handover

This guide is for general information only. Fees and regulations change, so confirm with the relevant authority or speak with our team before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

Is my money protected when buying off-plan?

Yes. Payments go into a RERA-supervised escrow account and are released to the developer only as construction milestones are certified.

Can I sell before handover?

Usually yes, once you have paid the percentage the developer requires (often 30–40%) and the developer transfer fee.

What happens if the project is delayed?

Your SPA sets the completion date and remedies, and RERA monitors project progress and can step in on stalled projects.

Speak with our Real Estate specialists today

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