Buying off-plan in Dubai follows a set sequence: reservation, Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), Oqood registration, instalments paid into an escrow account, and handover. Dubai Land Department (DLD) data for 2 November 2026 shows 790 sales worth AED 2.06 billion, with off-plan accounting for 57% of deals. This guide explains each step in plain terms.
The market context
These figures are context only. They are not a forecast or a recommendation.
| Measure (DLD data, 2 November 2026) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Sales recorded | 790 |
| Total value | AED 2.06 billion |
| Median price | AED 1.3 million |
| Off-plan share of deals | 57% |
Step 1: Choose the project and check the basics
Start with the developer and the project. Browse all Dubai off-plan projects, or filter by area or developer. Ask for the project's registration details and the name of its escrow account. Confirm both with the DLD or with Dani before you pay anything.
Step 2: Reservation
You sign a reservation (booking) form and pay a deposit to hold the unit. The deposit amount and the time allowed to sign the SPA differ by developer. Read what happens to the deposit if you do not proceed, and ask for it in writing.
Step 3: Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
The SPA is the binding contract. It sets out the price, the unit, the payment plan, the expected completion date and the remedies if the developer is late. Check the payment schedule and the service charge terms carefully. If anything is unclear, ask before signing.
Step 4: Oqood registration
Oqood is the DLD's interim registration of an off-plan sale. It records you as the buyer on the project while it is under construction. The DLD registration fee is generally 4% of the purchase price. Whether the buyer or the developer pays it, and any extra administrative fees, depends on the offer. Check the current fee schedule with the DLD or Dani.
Step 5: Pay instalments into escrow
Dubai law requires off-plan buyers' payments to go into a project-specific escrow account. The developer can draw funds as construction progresses. Pay only into the escrow account named in your SPA. Do not pay by cash or to a personal account.
Step 6: Handover
When the building is complete, you inspect the unit and list any defects (snagging). The final payment is made and the keys are released. The title deed is then issued through the DLD. Ask about service charges and any handover fees in advance.
Quick checklist
- Developer and project registered, with a named escrow account.
- Reservation terms and deposit refund conditions in writing.
- SPA payment plan and completion date understood.
- Oqood registration confirmed after signing.
- All payments made to escrow, with receipts kept.
- Snagging list agreed at handover.
Residency and further reading
Some buyers ask whether an off-plan purchase can support a visa. See Dubai Golden Visa through property for the rules. More answers are in the investor FAQ. For ongoing figures, see market news.
Contact Dani on WhatsApp for prices and advice: message Dani here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps to buy off-plan property in Dubai?
Choose and check the project, pay a reservation deposit, sign the SPA, register the sale in Oqood at the DLD, pay instalments into the project escrow account, then inspect and take handover. Off-plan was 57% of 790 DLD-recorded sales on 2 November 2026.
What is Oqood?
Oqood is the DLD's interim registration of an off-plan sale. It records the buyer against the unit while the building is under construction. The title deed follows after completion and handover.
Where should I pay off-plan instalments?
Pay only into the project's escrow account named in your SPA. Dubai rules require off-plan buyer payments to be held there. Confirm the account details with the DLD or Dani before transferring money.
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.
