Dubai has a strong legal framework for off-plan property transactions. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) monitors all developers, and the Escrow Law (Law No. 8 of 2007) mandates that all buyer payments be deposited into a dedicated escrow account. Funds in this account are strictly used for the project’s construction and are audited by independent parties. This helps ensure that if a project is delayed or faces issues, buyers are either protected through timely completion or provided refunds.

Off-plan properties are generally sold with staged payment plans. You typically pay an initial deposit (often 5–20% of the purchase price) to reserve the unit, then make installment payments as the construction reaches key milestones. Every payment is deposited into an escrow account designated solely for that project, ensuring your funds are ring-fenced and used exclusively for construction.

You are buying directly from the property developer. Platforms or agents serve as facilitators to help you browse listings and arrange viewings, but the contract and payment process is directly managed between you and the developer. The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is signed with the developer, and all subsequent transactions take place through their approved channels.

No. The platform is free for buyers – you do not pay any commission or service fee. In Dubai’s off-plan market, standard practice is that any brokerage fees are covered by the developer.

Purchasing property can make you eligible for a UAE residency visa; however, it is not automatic. Typically, investing AED 2 million or more qualifies you for a long-term (Golden) visa valid for 5 or 10 years. Properties valued at AED 750,000+ may qualify for a shorter, 2-year renewable residency—subject to meeting specific conditions. Note that you must apply for the visa yourself through the Dubai Land Department or immigration authorities. For the exact terms and possibilities, consult an advisor who can provide you with comprehensive information.

No, you do not need to be physically present in Dubai. The entire process—from signing the reservation and purchase agreements to making payments via wire transfer—can be completed remotely. Dubai’s digital services (like the Dubai REST app) and experienced developers make it possible to handle all transactions online or via a Power of Attorney appointed locally.

Property prices are listed in United Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED), but many developers also accept payments in other major currencies or in Bitcoin. Payments are typically made via international bank transfer to the project's dedicated escrow account. Always calculate whether it’s more beneficial for you to exchange the currency yourself or to pay the contractor in a different currency.

Dubai offers a relatively low-tax environment for property buyers. There is no stamp duty or recurring property tax; however, you are required to pay a one-time Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fee of 4% of the purchase price (plus a small administrative fee, usually around AED 580) at the time of registration.

No. Once you’ve paid the one-time DLD fee, there are no recurring annual property taxes, and Dubai does not impose capital gains or income taxes on property sales or rental income. (Do note that tax obligations in your home country may still apply.)

Once the property is delivered, owners are responsible for annual service charges. These fees—calculated per square foot—cover the cost of maintaining common areas, security, and facilities. RERA mandates that these charges be approved through a transparent budgeting process by the building’s management.

The primary document is the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), which details the property, payment schedule, and construction milestones. After the SPA is signed and your initial deposit is paid, your purchase is registered with the Dubai Land Department, and you receive an interim ownership certificate (Oqood). When the project is completed and fully paid for, you receive the final Title Deed.

Your purchase is first registered in Dubai’s Interim Real Estate Register via the Oqood system. This temporary certificate confirms your future ownership. Once the property is completed and final payments are made, the Dubai Land Department issues a final Title Deed in your name.

Off-plan contracts include a set completion date plus a grace period (typically 6–12 months). If delays extend beyond the agreed period, the SPA may allow you to cancel the contract and claim a refund or compensation. The escrow system and RERA oversight further protect your funds should a project face significant delays or cancellation.

Yes. Most off-plan properties allow assignment or transfer before completion. Typically, this requires that you have paid a minimum percentage (often between 20–40%) of the property price. You’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer, and the transfer is then registered via the DLD’s Oqood system.

Yes, financing is available; however, banks typically offer mortgages for up to 50% of the property’s value for both residents and non-residents. Payments are released in phases during construction into the project’s escrow account. Be prepared to contribute a larger down payment, as per bank requirements and Central Bank limits.

Yes. Under UAE law, newly built properties come with a 10-year structural warranty covering major defects, as well as a one-year defects liability period for fixtures and fittings. These warranties ensure that any significant issues in construction or finishing are addressed by the developer.

Before purchasing, verify that both the project and developer are registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA. Check for an approved escrow account and review the developer’s track record. Using official platforms like the Dubai REST app or the DLD website is recommended to ensure your investment is safeguarded.

The process is straightforward and well-regulated:

Step 1: Identify and reserve the property by paying a booking deposit.
Step 2: Sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer.
Step 3: Register the sale with DLD and obtain an interim ownership certificate (Oqood).
Step 4: Make installment payments based on construction milestones, with funds secured in escrow.
Step 5: Upon completion, finalize payment, complete snag inspections, and receive handover.
Step 6: Complete the title transfer to receive the final Title Deed.