Most Dubai off-plan projects ask for 10–20% when you book, then instalments during construction, and the rest at handover. Common plans are 60/40, 50/50 and 70/30 (paid during construction / at handover). Post-handover plans let you pay 30–50% over 2 to 5 years after you get the keys, and "1% a month" plans split the price into small monthly payments. All payments go to the project's escrow account, registered with the Dubai Land Department.
Updated November 2026 by Dani Diemzy, Dubai property agent since 2011. Payment plans change with every launch: ask for the current plan for the exact unit.
Types of off-plan payment plans in Dubai
| Plan | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Construction-linked (e.g. 60/40, 50/50) | Instalments tied to construction milestones, the balance at handover | Buyers who will pay the last part in cash or with a mortgage at handover |
| Post-handover (e.g. 50/50 with 50% over 3 years after handover) | Part of the price is paid after you receive the keys, often while the home is rented out | Investors who want rent to help cover the payments |
| 1% monthly | A deposit, then about 1% of the price every month until paid | Buyers who prefer predictable monthly payments |
| Low deposit / "zero down" | A small or deferred booking amount, sometimes with the DLD fee split or paid by the developer | Getting started with less cash; check the total price carefully |
Can you buy property in Dubai on instalments?
Yes. Off-plan payment plans are interest-free instalments paid directly to the developer's escrow account, with no bank and no credit check. Some developers also offer instalments on ready homes they still own. For resale homes, the usual way to pay over time is a mortgage.
Is "zero down payment" real?
Some launches advertise very low or zero down payments, usually by deferring the first instalment or covering part of the 4% DLD fee. You still pay the full price over the plan, and generous plans often come with a higher price. Compare the price per sq ft with similar projects nearby on our prices by area page before you commit.
What to check before you sign
- The total you pay before handover. If you plan to resell before completion, many developers only allow it after 30–40% has been paid.
- What happens if construction is delayed. Read the SPA: instalments are linked to dates or milestones, and the handover date can move.
- The escrow account. Payments should go to the project's escrow account, not a personal or sales account. Every project page on BuyDubai shows the DLD project number and escrow bank.
- Post-handover payments and your rent. Work out whether the expected rent (see rental yields by area) covers the post-handover instalments.
- Fees. The 4% DLD fee is usually due at booking, on top of the deposit, unless the developer covers part of it.
Payment plans by developer
Each developer page lists its projects under construction in Dubai, with construction progress and handover dates. Ask Dani for the current payment plan for any of them:
- Emaar off-plan projects
- DAMAC off-plan projects
- Sobha off-plan projects
- Binghatti off-plan projects
- Azizi off-plan projects
- Danube off-plan projects
- All developers
Frequently asked questions
What is a post-handover payment plan?
A plan where part of the price, often 30–50%, is paid after you get the keys, usually over 2 to 5 years.
Do off-plan payment plans charge interest?
Developer payment plans in Dubai are normally interest-free. The cost of a generous plan is usually built into the price.
Can I get a Golden Visa with an off-plan payment plan?
Off-plan property can count towards the AED 2 million Golden Visa threshold under conditions. See our Golden Visa through property guide.
Get the current payment plans
Tell Dani your budget and he'll send the projects with the payment plans that suit you, with the full cost breakdown. Browse all Dubai off-plan projects or read how to buy property in Dubai.
This article is general information about the Dubai property market, not financial advice. Prices and regulations change; ask for up-to-date details before you buy.