Buying off-plan means buying a home from a developer before it is finished. You usually pay in instalments during construction and the rest at or after handover. Dubai has clear rules to protect off-plan buyers — here is how it works and what to check.
How off-plan payment plans work
A typical plan has:
Every developer's plan is different, so read the payment schedule in the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) carefully.
Escrow: where your money goes
Payments for registered off-plan projects in Dubai must go into the project's escrow account, not the developer's general account. The money is released to the developer as construction progresses. Always pay into the escrow account named in your SPA — never into a personal account.
Oqood registration
Off-plan sales are registered with the DLD in the Oqood (interim) register. This records you as the buyer of the unit before the title deed exists. The DLD registration fee applies, per the current DLD schedule.
What to check before paying a deposit
1. The project is registered with the DLD/RERA — you can check registered projects and developers through official DLD channels such as the Dubai REST app
2. The ad has a valid DLD permit — see [how to check a Dubai property ad](/blog/how-to-check-dubai-property-ad-permit)
3. The escrow account details in the SPA
4. The unit details — floor, size, view and specification — match what you were shown
5. The expected handover date and what the SPA says about delays
6. All fees — DLD registration, admin and service charges after handover
Be careful with promises
Licensed brokers should not promise guaranteed returns, rental yields or future prices. Construction can take longer than planned, and future rents and prices are not certain. Make your decision on the facts in the SPA and your own budget.
Off-plan with Al Firouz
We only advertise off-plan units with a valid DLD permit and show the permit on every listing. Browse our [off-plan projects](/off-plan), read our [guide to buying as a foreigner](/blog/buying-property-dubai-guide-foreigners), or plan costs with the [upfront payment calculator](/tools/upfront-payment-calculator).