Model off-plan property payment schedules for any Dubai development. Calculate booking fees, construction milestone payments, handover amounts, and post-handover instalments, so you know exactly what you owe and when.
Off-plan property in Dubai is sold before construction is complete (or sometimes before it starts). Buyers commit to purchasing at an agreed price and pay in instalments tied to construction milestones.
The most common off-plan payment structure in Dubai is a 60/40 or 40/60 plan, meaning 40% paid during construction (at milestones) and 60% due at handover, or vice versa. Post-handover plans allow you to pay a portion after taking possession, typically over 1–3 years.
DLD fees on off-plan are still 4%, but many developers waive them as part of promotional offers. Always verify whether a DLD waiver is a genuine saving or embedded in a higher price per sqft.
Dubai law (RERA Regulation No. 8 of 2007) requires all developer payments to be held in RERA-registered escrow accounts, protecting buyers if a developer fails. Always verify your developer's RERA registration and escrow account before purchasing.
| Plan Type | During Construction | On Handover | Post-Handover |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | 50% | 50% | , |
| 40/60 | 40% | 60% | , |
| 60/40 Post-HO | 60% | 10% | 30% (1–2 yrs) |
| 40/60 Post-HO | 30% | 10% | 60% (2–3 yrs) |
| 20/80 Post-HO | 20% | 0% | 80% (3–5 yrs) |
| 1% Monthly | 1%/month | varies | varies |
✓ Lower entry price vs comparable ready properties
✓ Capital appreciation from launch to handover (10–30%+ in strong launches)
✓ Flexible payment plan, spread cost over 2–5 years
✓ Buyer pays 0% agent commission (developer pays agent)
✓ Often includes developer DLD waiver and incentives
✗ Zero rental income during construction (2–4 years)
✗ Construction delays are common, factor in a 6–12 month buffer
✗ Market may change before handover, values can fall as well as rise
✗ Developer financial risk, verify RERA escrow compliance
✗ Finished product may differ from show unit / brochure specifications
Minimum deposits required by UAE Central Bank rules.
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Off-plan payment plans in Dubai typically involve a booking deposit (5–10%), followed by construction stage payments at specific completion milestones (e.g., 20% at foundation, 40% at structure, 60% at fit-out). The balance is due on handover. Post-handover plans allow buyers to continue paying instalments for 1–5 years after receiving keys, making off-plan more accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Dubai has strong buyer protections for off-plan purchases. RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) requires all off-plan developments to have a dedicated escrow account where buyer payments are held, funds can only be released to the developer at specific verified construction milestones. Before purchasing, verify the developer's RERA registration (check via the Dubai REST app or RERA website) and confirm the project's escrow account details.
Yes. Off-plan properties in Dubai can be resold in the secondary market (known as "assignment" or "NOC resale") once at least 40% of the payment plan has been paid. The developer issues an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to facilitate the assignment. This allows early investors to potentially sell at a profit before handover if market conditions are favorable.
If a RERA-registered Dubai developer is unable to complete a project, RERA has the authority to intervene. Options include appointing a substitute developer, completing the project with escrow funds, or arranging refunds from the escrow account. Projects registered with RERA and with proper escrow accounts have significant buyer protection. Always verify RERA registration before committing funds.