Off-plan refers to buying a property before completion, directly from the developer, with payments staged across construction and after handover.
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).
The risk is framed: payments flow through a RERA escrow released against progress, and the contract is registered at the DLD via Oqood.
Sources: Dubai Land Department — RERA · Updated 2026-06-23