Off Plan Properties in Dubai

Introduction

Off plan properties in Dubai refer to homes that are sold before or during construction. Buyers purchase directly from the developer based on floor plans, brochures, and show units. Dubai has become a global hub for off‑plan sales because the emirate allows 100 % foreign ownership in designated areas and offers strong regulatory protections through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). In addition, developers provide flexible payment plans and competitive launch prices, making off‑plan purchases attractive compared with fully built units. The market includes apartments, townhouses, and villas across master‑planned communities, giving investors many options. This page explains why off‑plan property is popular in Dubai, the types available, regulatory protections, payment plans, and how to buy safely.

Why Buy Off Plan Properties in Dubai

Buying off‑plan property can be appealing for several reasons:

• Pricing advantage vs ready units. Launch prices are typically lower than completed homes because buyers agree to wait for construction. Prices tend to increase as projects progress toward handover, offering potential capital appreciation without speculation. However, investors should focus on the quality of the project and location rather than expecting guaranteed returns.
• Flexible payment structures. Developers usually require a down‑payment of around 5-20 %, then staggered instalments during construction. Mortgage financing is available, but banks often limit the loan‑to‑value (LTV) to around 50 % on off‑plan properties, and loans are only released when construction reaches certain milestones.
• Regulatory protection. Dubai’s laws require developers to own 100 % of the land and provide a guarantee (via completing 30 % of construction, depositing funds in escrow, or a bank guarantee) before selling off‑plan units. Buyers’ instalments are deposited into escrow accounts monitored by the DLD. RERA only allows developers to advertise off‑plan projects after registration and approval, and contractors must provide a 10 % performance guarantee.
• Market confidence. The emirates off‑plan market accounted for over 60 % of residential transactions in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong demand from local and international buyers. Infrastructure investment, visa reforms, and stable political conditions continue to support long‑term growth.

Types of Off Plan Properties in Dubai

Off Plan Apartments in Dubai

Apartments are the most common off‑plan properties. They range from studios to large penthouses in high‑rise towers. Apartments are generally more affordable and have lower maintenance costs compared with houses. They are ideal for singles, couples, and small families and often come with shared amenities such as gyms, pools, and concierge services.

Off Plan Townhouses in Dubai

Townhouses are multi‑level homes that share one or two walls with neighbouring units. They occupy smaller plots than villas and are more affordable, offering community living with shared parks or pools. Maintenance costs are lower than villas, making townhouses attractive for families seeking a suburban feel at a moderate price. Townhouses provide private outdoor space but less privacy than detached villas.

Off Plan Villas in Dubai

Villas are standalone homes on larger plots. They offer high privacy, more space, and the ability to customise interiors or landscaping. Villas suit larger families or those seeking premium living with private gardens and sometimes private pools. These homes generally command higher prices and entail higher maintenance costs. Example price ranges show a three‑bedroom villa starting around AED 2.8 million versus a similar‑sized apartment at AED 1.5 million.

Dubai Off Plan Market Overview

The off‑plan market in Dubai remains robust. More than 46,000 off‑plan sales were recorded in the first half of 2025, representing about 60 % of all residential transactions. Demand comes from both end‑users and investors who value the city’s strong infrastructure, safety, and lack of property taxes. Developers continue to launch new projects in communities such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Emaar South, Sobha Hartland, and Jumeirah Village Circle. Government initiatives like long‑term residency visas also encourage investment. While prices can fluctuate, the market benefits from transparent regulation and high construction standards.

Reputable Developers Offering Off-Plan Projects

Several well‑known developers dominate the Dubai off‑plan market, including Emaar Properties, Meraas, Nakheel, Damac Properties, Sobha Realty, Binghatti, Imtiaz, Samana, and Beyond by Omniyat. Rather than focusing on promotional lists, buyers should evaluate developers based on.

1. Track record and delivery history. Check how many projects the developer has completed and whether handover timelines were met.
2. Financial stability. Large, well‑capitalised developers are more likely to deliver projects on time.
3. Project registration and escrow. Ensure the project is registered with the DLD and has an escrow account. RERA regulations require developers to open an escrow account and deposit funds before sales.
4. Quality and after‑sales service. Review previous communities to gauge construction quality and the developer’s responsiveness after handover.

Payment Plans & Golden Visa

Developers offer instalment schedules that typically start with a 5-20 % down payment, followed by construction‑linked payments and a final amount due on completion. Some plans include post‑handover payments, spreading the cost over several years. Buyers may finance the property through a mortgage, but banks usually restrict the LTV to around 50 % for off‑plan purchases and require significant progress on construction.

Golden Visa Eligibility for Property Investors

The UAE’s Golden Visa programme provides long‑term residency for investors. Under federal rules, real‑estate investors can obtain a five‑year renewable Golden Visa if they own property worth at least AED 2 million. The investor must present a letter from the emirate’s land department confirming ownership of property valued at not less than two million dirhams. The property may be purchased with a mortgage from a local bank approved by the relevant authority. Investors who deposit AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund can apply for a ten‑year visa. These visas allow holders to live and work in the UAE without a local sponsor, and they can sponsor family members and domestic staff.

How to Buy Off Plan Property in Dubai

1. Research and shortlist projects. Compare locations, unit types and developer reputation. Check whether the project is registered with the DLD and RERA.
2. Reservation and sales agreement. Once you choose a unit, pay a reservation fee and sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA). Ensure the SPA lists construction milestones, completion date, escrow account details and penalties for delays. Developers can only start selling after providing a 30 % guarantee (via construction progress, bank guarantee or cash deposit) and registering the project.
3. Make payments through escrow. Pay instalments to the project’s escrow account, not directly to the developer. This protects your money until construction milestones are met. RERA requires developers to deposit buyer payments into escrow accounts and restricts withdrawals to construction expenses.
4. Register with Oqood and DLD. Oqood is the DLD’s online system for off‑plan property registration. Developers or their authorised agents must register each sale through Oqood, and buyers pay a registration fee equal to 4 % of the property’s value plus administrative charges (around AED 250–500) and a knowledge fee (AED 10-20). The sale is then recorded with the DLD.
5. Final payment and handover. On completion, pay the remaining balance and other fees. Inspect the property, request a snagging report, and ensure utilities are connected before accepting handover.

Fees & Costs Buyers Should Know

1. DLD registration fee: 4 % of the purchase price. Typically paid at the time of signing the SPA or registering the Oqood contract.
2. Oqood registration fee: Approximately AED 3,000 or 4 % of the property value plus administrative charges (developers usually provide details).
3. Developer administration fee: AED 1,000-4,000.
4. Title deed issuance fee: AED 250.
5. Real estate agent commission: Typically 2 % of the property price.
6. Mortgage arrangement and bank fees: Banks may charge processing and valuation fees; mortgage LTV is capped at around 50 %
7. Service charges and maintenance fees: Payable after handover; these vary by community and property type.

FAQs

Can foreigners buy off plan property in Dubai?

Yes. The UAE allows foreign investors to purchase off‑plan property in designated freehold areas. Buyers should ensure the project is registered with the DLD and that payments are made through escrow accounts to protect their investment.

Is buying off plan property safe in Dubai?

The DLD and RERA have strict regulations to protect buyers. Developers must own the land, provide a guarantee (via completion of 30 % of construction, cash deposit or bank guarantee) and open an escrow account before selling. Instalments are held in escrow and released only for construction expenses, reducing the risk of project abandonment.

What is Oqood registration?

Oqood is the DLD’s online system for registering off‑plan property sales. Developers or authorised agents enter contract details, and buyers pay a registration fee (around 4 % of the property value plus small administrative charges). Oqood generates a contract that serves as proof of ownership until the final title deed is issued.

Are there property taxes in Dubai?

Dubai does not levy property taxes on residential property. Buyers pay a one‑time 4 % registration fee to the DLD and annual service charges to maintain communal areas. There is no capital gains tax on property sales.