FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before buying an off-plan property in Dubai.
Can foreigners buy off-plan property in Dubai?
Yes – thanks to Dubai’s freehold property laws, foreign investors can purchase off-plan properties in designated freehold areas with full ownership rights.
How safe is it to buy an off-plan property in Dubai?
Dubai has a strong legal framework; RERA and escrow accounts protect buyers by ensuring developer compliance and secure fund allocation.
How do payment plans work for off-plan purchases, and are my funds protected?
You pay a deposit (5–20%) and subsequent installments based on construction milestones. All payments go into an escrow account monitored by RERA.
Will I be buying directly from the developer, or is there an intermediary?
You are buying directly from the developer; agents and advisors assist, but the contract is signed between you and the developer.
Do I have to pay any commission or fees for the service?
No, buyers don’t pay commission. Developers cover agency costs in Dubai’s off-plan market.
Do off-plan buyers get a Dubai residency visa with the property purchase?
The 2-year investor residence visa no longer has a minimum property value, but it needs a completed property (so not an off-plan one); with joint ownership each owner's share has to be at least AED 400,000. From a property value of AED 2 million, off-plan included, the owner may qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
Do I need to be in Dubai to purchase an off-plan property, or can I do it remotely?
No, you can complete the purchase remotely via online signing tools or a Power of Attorney appointed in Dubai.
What currencies are accepted for payment, and can I pay from overseas?
Payments are made in AED, but many developers accept USD, EUR, GBP, or even crypto. Transfers are made to official escrow accounts.
What taxes or government fees do I need to pay when buying property in Dubai?
Buyers pay a one-time DLD registration fee of 4% plus a small admin fee. There’s no annual property tax.
Are there any annual property taxes or capital gains taxes in Dubai?
No recurring property taxes or capital gains tax exist in Dubai. You only pay once upon registration.
What about maintenance or service charges on the property?
Owners pay annual service charges based on the property’s area, covering maintenance and common facilities.
What legal documents will I sign and receive when buying off-plan?
You’ll sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and receive an Oqood interim ownership certificate until the final Title Deed.
How is my ownership of the off-plan property recorded and recognized?
Ownership is registered in the Oqood system, then finalized with a Title Deed upon full payment and project completion.
What happens if the project is delayed or not completed on time?
Contracts specify completion dates with grace periods. In case of major delays, you may claim refunds under RERA protection.
Can I sell or transfer my off-plan property to someone else before it’s completed?
Yes, once you’ve paid 20–40% of the price, you can resell with developer approval and DLD registration.
Do off-plan properties come with any guarantees or warranties from the developer?
Yes – developers provide a 10-year structural warranty and a 1-year warranty for fixtures and finishes.
How can I verify that the project and developer are legitimate and approved?
You can verify projects and developers on the official DLD or Dubai REST app using RERA registration numbers.
What is the process for buying an off-plan property in Dubai?
Reserve a unit, sign the SPA, register with DLD, pay installments via escrow, and receive the Title Deed upon completion.
Can foreigners own land and villas in Dubai’s freehold zones?
Yes, foreigners can own land, villas, and apartments in Dubai’s designated freehold zones with full ownership rights.
Run the numbers for your case: Off-Plan Payment Calculator · DLD Fee Calculator · Golden Visa Checker · ROI & Yield Calculator
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