How buying off-plan in Dubai works

Buying off-plan means buying a home before it is finished, directly from the developer. Prices are usually lower than for finished homes and payments are spread over the construction period. These are the usual steps.

1. Choose the project and the developer

Compare location, handover date, payment plan and the developer's track record. Every project on PBD.ae shows its developer, area, scheduled handover and sales status, and developer pages show what they have delivered before.

2. Check the project is registered

Off-plan projects in Dubai must be registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and have an escrow account before units are sold. See How to check a project before you pay.

3. Reserve the unit

You choose a unit and pay a booking amount, often 5–20% of the price. You sign a reservation form; read it, because it says when the deposit is refundable.

4. Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA)

The SPA sets the price, unit details, payment plan, completion date and what happens if either side is late. Check the handover date, the grace period, penalties and the resale conditions before you sign.

5. Oqood registration and the DLD fee

The developer registers your purchase in the DLD's interim register (Oqood). The DLD fee is 4% of the price plus small admin fees, usually paid at this stage. Some developers pay it for buyers on new launches. Use our buyer tools to estimate all costs.

6. Pay the instalments

You pay the payment plan into the project's escrow account, not to the developer's own account. Many plans link instalments to construction milestones; some continue after handover.

7. Handover

When the building is complete you inspect the unit (snagging), pay the handover instalment and service charges, and receive the keys.

8. Title deed

After the final payment, the DLD issues the title deed in your name. If you used a mortgage, the bank registers it at this stage.

General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the Dubai Land Department and, for larger purchases, a lawyer.