Buy an Off-Plan Apartment in Dubai
Buying off-plan means investing in a project still under construction, or not yet started. Dubai off-plan property offers significant price advantages over completed stock, with the prospect of appreciation by handover and flexible, interest-free payment plans.
Why do experienced investors choose off-plan?
The launch price of off-plan projects averages 10–25% below the expected market value at handover. In a growing market such as Dubai, that margin can reach 20–40% by completion. This leverage effect makes off-plan particularly attractive: with a deposit of AED 100,000, you can control an asset worth AED 1,000,000.
Off-plan also offers maximum flexibility. You can resell the unit before handover (assignment) at a profit, hold it for long-term letting, or occupy it yourself. Many professional investors build their portfolios through successive off-plan purchases, with the profit from one project funding the deposit on the next.
The off-plan purchase process
The process starts with a reservation with the developer. You choose a specific unit (floor, orientation, layout) and sign a reservation form with a deposit of typically 5–10% of the purchase amount. Within 30 days, the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is drawn up and signed.
The SPA is registered with the Dubai Land Department through the Oqood system, the registration system for off-plan contracts. You receive an Oqood certificate confirming your rights as buyer. Further instalments are paid according to the agreed payment plan.
At handover, a snagging inspection takes place: you check the apartment for defects and the developer remedies them before you receive the keys. The Oqood certificate is then converted into a definitive Title Deed.
Managing risk in off-plan investments
Every off-plan project in Dubai must meet strict RERA requirements. The developer must own the land, have the project fully funded, and have opened an escrow account at an approved bank. All buyer payments are deposited into this escrow account.
Risks nonetheless remain: delivery delays, deviations in finishing quality and, in rare cases, project cancellations. Augusta Properties minimises these risks by advising exclusively on projects from developers with a proven track record of on-time delivery and high-quality finishing.
We monitor the construction progress of every project we have sold to clients and inform you proactively of any deviations.
Assignment: reselling before handover
One of the most attractive aspects of off-plan is the option of assignment, transferring your purchase contract to another buyer before handover. This allows you to realise a profit without financing the full purchase amount.
Most developers permit assignment once 30–40% of the purchase amount has been paid. The costs are typically 2–5% of the purchase amount, paid to the developer as a transfer fee. Your profit is the difference between your contract price and the current market value.
In a rising market, the profit on an assignment can be substantial. Investors who bought off-plan in 2021 in areas such as Dubai Hills or Creek Harbour realised returns of 30–60% on invested capital through assignments in 2023–2024.
Current off-plan opportunities
The off-plan market in Dubai is dynamic, with new launches every week. Current opportunities of note include Sobha Hartland II (MBR City) with prices from AED 900,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment, Emaar's The Valley and Creek Harbour with payment plans of up to 80/20, and Azizi Riviera in MBR City with monthly instalments of 1%.
In the premium segment, Omniyat projects such as Vela Dorchester Collection in Business Bay and One Za'abeel offer exclusive off-plan units with post-handover payment plans. Nakheel regularly launches new phases on Palm Jumeirah and in Dubai Islands (formerly Deira Islands).
Contact Augusta Properties for a current overview of the most promising off-plan projects, matched to your budget and objective.
Personal guidance from Augusta experts
Every situation is different. Our advisors would be pleased to discuss your requirements, entirely without obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to put down on an off-plan purchase?+
The deposit for off-plan varies by developer and project, but typically ranges between 5% and 20% of the total purchase amount. Some developers run promotional periods with reduced deposits of just 5%. The remainder is spread across the construction period and paid at handover.
Can I resell an off-plan apartment before handover?+
Yes, through an assignment or novation. Most developers allow this once 30–40% of the purchase amount has been paid. A transfer fee of 2–5% is payable to the developer. The sale proceeds through a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the developer.
What if the developer goes bankrupt?+
Your payments are protected by the mandatory escrow account. If the developer fails, RERA appoints an alternative party to complete the project, or refunds buyers from the escrow fund. This system has proven itself in practice.
How do I monitor construction progress?+
Developers publish periodic updates with photos and videos. You can also track the registered construction progress through the DLD app. Augusta Properties sends you quarterly updates on the progress of your specific project, including photos and an estimate of the handover date.
Is buying off-plan in Dubai safe?+
Thanks to RERA regulation and the escrow system, buying off-plan in Dubai is considerably safer than in many other countries. The key is choosing established developers with a proven track record. Augusta Properties advises exclusively on projects that meet our strict selection criteria.