Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers on buying off-plan in the UAE.
Off-Plan Basics
What off-plan property means in the UAE, how buying before completion works, and the key risks and rewards every first-time investor should understand.
7 answers
?Payment Plans
How UAE off-plan payment plans work — 60/40, 80/20, construction-linked milestones, booking deposits, and what happens if you miss an instalment.
6 answers
?Golden Visa via Property
UAE Golden Visa through property investment — the AED 2 million threshold, off-plan and mortgaged property eligibility, family sponsorship, and renewal.
6 answers
?Escrow & RERA Protection
How RERA escrow accounts under Dubai Law 8 of 2007 protect off-plan buyers, how funds are released, and how to verify a project is registered.
6 answers
?Fees & Buying Costs
The full cost of buying off-plan in Dubai — DLD 4% transfer fee, Oqood registration, agency commission, admin fees, and what to budget beyond the price.
6 answers
?Handover Process
What happens at off-plan handover in Dubai — completion notice, inspection, final payment, title deed issuance, and connecting utilities before moving in.
6 answers
?Off-Plan Mortgages
Financing off-plan property in the UAE — 50% LTV caps under construction, handover finance, eligibility for residents and non-residents, and timing.
6 answers
?Foreign Buyers
How non-residents and expats buy UAE off-plan property — freehold zones, remote purchases, taxes, inheritance planning, and repatriating rental income.
6 answers
?Resale & Assignment
Selling off-plan before completion in Dubai — assignment rules, developer NOCs, minimum payment thresholds, transfer fees, and how Oqood transfers work.
6 answers
?Service Charges
Dubai service charges explained — what they cover, the AED per square foot model, RERA's Mollak oversight, sinking funds, and budgeting as an owner.
6 answers
?Rental Yields
Understanding rental yields on UAE off-plan property — gross versus net, what drives returns, short-term letting rules, and how to estimate realistically.
6 answers
?Developer Due Diligence
How to vet a UAE developer before buying off-plan — track record, RERA registration, escrow checks, SPA red flags, and delivery history that matters.
6 answers
?Dubai vs Other Emirates
Comparing off-plan investment across the UAE — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah on regulation, foreign ownership, pricing, and liquidity.
6 answers
?Snagging & Defects
Snagging inspections and defect liability in Dubai — the 1-year MEP warranty, 10-year structural liability, hiring inspectors, and getting defects fixed.
6 answers
?Post-Handover Payment Plans
Post-handover payment plans in Dubai — how paying after completion works, title deed implications, resale mid-plan, and weighing them against mortgages.
6 answers