# Off-plan

> Off-plan refers to buying a property before completion, directly from the developer, with payments staged across construction and after handover.

**Source canonique** : https://withlevel8.com/en/glossaire/off-plan
**Locale** : en
**Catégorie** : transaction
**Mis à jour** : 2026-06-23

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Buying **off-plan** offers a lower entry ticket (often 10-20% at reservation) and staged payment plans (e.g. 60% during construction, 40% at handover, or post-handover plans). Buyer funds flow through a **RERA-controlled escrow account** that releases tranches to the developer only as construction progresses.

The contract is registered at the **DLD** via **Oqood**. The main risk — delay or cancellation — is framed by law (Law No. 8 of 2007 on escrow accounts).

## FAQ

### Is off-plan risky in Dubai?

The risk is framed: payments flow through a RERA escrow released against progress, and the contract is registered at the DLD via Oqood.

## Termes liés

- [RERA escrow account](https://withlevel8.com/en/glossaire/escrow-rera)
- [Oqood](https://withlevel8.com/en/glossaire/oqood)
- [DLD (Dubai Land Department)](https://withlevel8.com/en/glossaire/dld)
- [Golden Visa](https://withlevel8.com/en/glossaire/golden-visa)

## Sources

- Dubai Land Department — RERA : https://dubailand.gov.ae