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Investing in Off-Plan Properties: What You Need to Know
Payment plans, escrow protection, and how to evaluate a developer
Jul 21, 2026 7 min read
Off-plan sales typically make up the majority of Dubai transactions, driven by flexible payment plans and prices that sit below comparable ready stock. The trade-off is that you're buying against a construction timeline rather than a finished product — due diligence on the developer matters as much as the unit itself.
Due Diligence
Evaluating a Developer
- Check their track record of on-time delivery across previous projects
- Confirm the project has an active RERA escrow account
- Review the payment plan against the construction milestone schedule
Costs
What You Pay Beyond the Price
- 1
Booking Fee
Typically 5–20% of the purchase price at reservation.
- 2
DLD Fee
4% of the purchase price, usually payable at the time of the initial payment.
- 3
Agency Commission
Where applicable, usually 2% of the purchase price.
FAQ
Questions about this guide.
Still unsure about something? Our team is one message away.
Talk to usEscrow rules mean the developer only accesses funds against completed milestones, which limits (but doesn't eliminate) delivery risk. Contracts typically specify a grace period before penalties apply.
Yes, via an Oqood (pre-registration) transfer, subject to the developer's no-objection certificate and any resale restrictions in the contract.
It carries construction and delivery-timeline risk that ready property doesn't, offset by a lower entry price and flexible payment terms.
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