How do I buy off-plan property in Dubai, step by step?
To buy off-plan in Dubai, check the project and developer in the Dubai REST app, compare the launch price with DLD closed sales nearby, then reserve with a deposit and sign the sale and purchase agreement (SPA). The developer registers the sale on Oqood, DLD's off-plan register, and the 4% DLD fee is usually paid in full at that point. You then pay instalments into the project's escrow account until handover, when you inspect the unit, pay the final balance and receive the title deed.
Notable live launches
- EMAAR "Palace Villas – Ostra New Phase" NEW LAUNCH
The Oasis · Emaar Properties · 5 bed · from AED 17,600,000 · handover 2029
- EMAAR "Address Villas – Tierra New Phase" NEW LAUNCH
The Oasis · Emaar Properties · 5 bed · from AED 17,600,000 · handover 2029
- ENAAM "Elyra Residences" NEW LAUNCH
Dubai Silicon Oasis · Enaam Properties Development · 0–2 bed · from AED 695,000 · handover 2028
- SAEED TARRAD "Lunara Tower" NEW LAUNCH
Majan · Saeed Tarrad Real Estate Development · 1–2 bed · from AED 850,000 · handover 2029
- IMTIAZ "KORE by IMTIAZ" NEW LAUNCH
Dubailand Residence Complex · Imtiaz Developments · 0–2 bed · from AED 679,000 · handover 2028
- PRESTIGE ONE "Sanctuary by Prestige One" NEW LAUNCH
Ras Al Khor · Prestige One · 1–3 bed · from AED 1,914,000 · handover 2029
Decision factors
- Payment plan
Turn the plan into dates and amounts: what is due before handover, the handover payment, and any post-handover instalments. Add the 4% DLD fee, which is usually paid in full at Oqood registration when you buy from a developer. Off-plan mortgages are capped at 50% loan-to-value, so most of the pre-handover money is usually cash. Pay only into the project escrow account named in the SPA, and keep receipts and your Oqood certificate.
- Handover
At handover, inspect and snag the unit in writing before the final payment, confirm the service charges, and register the title deed with DLD. Plan for a 6 to 12 month delay to the SPA date.
- Developer
Look at the developer's completed projects: how close past handovers came to the promised date, build quality and snagging, and the service charges residents actually pay. Confirm the project and its escrow account are registered with DLD/RERA.
- Community
Compare the launch price per sq ft with DLD closed sales for similar units in the same or nearest completed community, not portal asking prices. Check how much new supply hands over in the same area and year, because that sets your resale and rental competition.
- Objective
Decide first whether this is a home or an investment. End users should add rent paid until handover to the cost; investors should judge net yield after service charges and vacancy, and how easily the unit will resell.
Methodology
SKID screens live Dubai off-plan launches from its off-plan catalog. For each launch it compares the asking price per sq ft with Dubai Land Department (DLD) closed sales for like-for-like units nearby (same size band, unit type and comparable floor and view), maps the payment plan into the total cash a buyer needs up to handover (instalments, the handover payment and the 4% DLD fee), and weighs handover timing, the developer's delivery record and upcoming supply in the community. The result is one of four calls: Reserve, Negotiate, Wait or Walk Away. Projects shown on this page come from that live screen, not from a static list, so prices and availability change as the catalog updates. Rules and fees quoted here are general; confirm anything material with DLD before you sign.
Data updated 21 Oct 2026