Buying from a developer in Dubai (off-plan): how it works and what to watch out for
Off-plan in Dubai means buying a property from a developer before construction is finished. It is the most popular form of purchase in the emirate: according to industry data for the first quarter of 2026, the primary market accounted for about 70% of transactions. Below we explain how it works and what to pay attention to.
What the payment looks like
At reservation you usually pay 10–20% of the price, and the rest in instalments. Common plans include those tied to construction progress (e.g. 60/40 or 50/50), plans with a small payment during construction (e.g. 80/20 or 90/10) and plans with a deferral of part of the price (20–30%) for 1–3 years after handover.
How the buyer’s money is protected
Payments go to an escrow account supervised by Dubai’s regulators (Law No. 8 of 2007), and the developer gains access to the funds only after successive construction stages are completed. The contract is registered in the Oqood system at the Dubai Land Department, which confirms the buyer’s rights.
Costs and buffer
Besides the price, you pay a DLD fee of 4% of the value. It is also worth leaving a financial reserve (15–20% is usually indicated) for delays and unforeseen expenses.
Resale before completion
Selling during construction is possible, but developers usually require a significant part of the price to be paid beforehand (often 30–40% or more) before they approve the transfer of the contract. In periods of market tension, such as March 2026, resale during construction slows down, so it is not worth assuming a quick exit from the investment.
The most important risks
When buying from a developer, you start receiving rent only after the property is handed over, and construction can be delayed. That is why off-plan is not a good choice for people who need quick rental income, nor for short-term speculators. Since February 2026, buying a property worth at least AED 2 million, including off-plan, gives the right to apply for a 10-year Golden Visa.
Before signing the contract, check the developer and its previous projects, the project registration, the escrow account, the payment schedule and the expected handover date.
See also: Dubai districts – a guide, apartments in Dubai, houses in Dubai and a comparison of Dubai and Spain. Have questions? Contact us. The buyer pays no commission when buying through World Residence.
Frequently asked questions
Are my payments safe when buying off-plan?
Payments go to an escrow account, and the developer receives the funds only after the construction stages are completed. This does not completely eliminate the risk of delays, so it is worth checking the developer.
How much do I have to pay at the start?
Usually 10–20% of the price at reservation, and the rest in instalments according to the developer’s payment plan. On top comes the DLD fee of 4%.
Can I sell the apartment before construction is completed?
Yes, but developers usually require a significant part of the price to be paid beforehand, often 30–40% or more, before they approve the transfer of the contract.
Updated: 13 October 2026. Sources: Dubai Land Department.
