MAK Developers

You want to know how to buy off plan property in Dubai. You are in the right place. The Dubai market is on fire right now. In 2025, the city saw a record AED 680 billion in property sales. That is huge. 

Most of these sales were “off plan” homes. This means people bought them before the builder finished them. Why do they do this? It is often cheaper than buying a ready home. Plus, the value of homes in Dubai went up by 19.8 percent in 2025. So, you could make money just by waiting for the building to finish. 

This guide will show you exactly how to do it safely.

Why Everyone is Talking About Off Plan?

Buying off plan is exciting. You pay a small amount now and the rest later. Developers also offer cool payment plans. Sometimes you pay 1 percent a month. This makes it easy to own a luxury home.

Also, the market is growing fast. Business Bay alone had AED 38.31 billion in sales in 2025. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) was next with AED 24.52 billion. People love these areas. Now, let us look at the steps to buy your own unit.

Step 1: Set Your Budget and Do Your Homework

Do not skip this step. You need to know how much you can spend. Remember, you will pay fees on top of the property price. Check the area prices first. Look at places like Nad Al Sheba 1, JVC, or Jumeirah Golf Estates that offer excellent yields and growth.

The off plan buying process Dubai market offers ample choices. You can find studios for a lower price and big villas for millions. According to reports, a big surge in off plan is recorded in late 2025. 

Step 2: Pick the Right Developer

This is very important. You want a builder who finishes on time. Look for names with a good track record. Companies like MAK Developers are building boutique developments in untapped areas.

You can check their track record on the Dubai Land Department (DLD) app. It shows you if they finish projects on time.

Also, make sure the project has an Escrow account. This is a special bank account. Your money goes there, not to the developer’s pocket. It keeps your investment safe.

Step 3: Reserve Your Unit

Found the perfect off plan home? Great. Now you need to book it. You will fill out a reservation form. You also need to pay a deposit. This is usually 10 percent or 20 percent of the price.

You will need your passport and a few other papers. The developer will guide you through this. Make sure you understand the payment plan before you sign. Ask questions if you are not sure.

Step 4: Sign the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA)

This is the big contract. It outlines everything about your new home. It tells you the price, the size, and the finish date. Read it carefully.

The developer will send this to you after you pay the deposit. Once you sign it, the deal is official. You will also need to pay the DLD registration fee now. This is 4 percent of the property price. Do not forget this cost.

Step 5: Get Your Oqood Certificate

This is a fun word to say. “Oqood” means contracts in Arabic. It is a temporary title deed. It proves the home is yours while they build it.

The developer handles this for you. You just need to pay a small fee. Registration for these certificates rose by 30.8 percent in 2025. That shows how many people are doing this. Keep this paper safe.

Step 6: Make Payments and Wait for Handover

Now you just pay the installments on time. The developer will send you updates on the construction. You can watch your building go up floor by floor.

When it is done, you will get a notice. You then go and inspect the property. This is called “snagging.” You check for any small issues like paint scratches.

The developer will fix them for you. Then, you get your keys!

Key Costs to Remember

Buying a home costs more than just the price tag. Here is a quick list of extra fees:

• DLD Fee: 4 percent of the property value.
• Oqood Registration: About AED 3,000 to AED 5,000.
• Agency Fee: Usually 0 to 2 percent (developers often pay this).
• Conveyancing Fee: If you hire a legal helper.

Top Tips for Success

• Visit the Site: Even if it is just dirt, go see the location.
• Check the View: Make sure a new building won’t block your window later.
• Think Long Term: Will this area be popular in five years?
• Read the Fine Print: Know what happens if you miss a payment.

Is It Safe to Buy Property from Developer Dubai Markets?

Yes, it is very safe. The government has strict rules. The Escrow account law protects your money.

Developers cannot touch the cash until they reach construction milestones. Also, the DLD watches every project closely.

If a project gets cancelled, there are laws to help you get money back. Just stick to approved projects and authorized agents.

Your Dubai Off Plan Guide to Selling Before Completion

You might want to sell before the building is done. This is allowed. But you usually must pay off 30 to 40 percent of the price first. Check your contract for this rule.

It is a great way to make a profit if prices go up. Many investors did this in 2025 as prices rose fast. Just make sure you have the developer’s permission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can foreigners buy off plan property in Dubai?
Yes, absolutely. Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas. This includes popular spots like Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah. You get full ownership of the unit.

Q2: How to buy off plan property in Dubai with a mortgage?
You can get a mortgage for off plan property. However, banks usually only lend 50 percent for off plan. You will need to pay the other 50 percent in cash during construction. Most people use the developer’s payment plan instead.

Q3: What happens if the project is delayed?
Delays can happen. Your contract will have a “long stop date.” If the developer passes this date, you might get compensation. The government can also step in to cancel the project and refund buyers if needed.

Q4: How to buy off plan property in Dubai without an agent?
You can go directly to the developer’s sales center. They will not only help you select a unit but also provide full support from signing through handover. 

Q5: How to buy off plan property in Dubai and get a visa?
If you buy a property worth AED 750,000 or more, you can get a 2-year resident visa. For a 10-year Golden Visa, the property value must be AED 2 million or more. You can apply once the property is ready.

Q6: Do I pay tax on my property?
Dubai has no annual property tax. You only pay the one-time 4 percent DLD fee when you buy. You might pay a 5 percent VAT on the property price if it is a commercial space. Residential units are usually VAT-free for the first buyer.

Also Read:

• What Is SPA in Real Estate? Sales Purchase Agreement in Dubai
• How to Buy Property in Dubai from the USA – Complete Guide
• Understanding the Handover Process in Dubai Real Estate
• How Developers Price Off-Plan Property in Dubai? The Complete 2026 Guide
• Dubai Property Payment Plans Explained by Developers
• How Payment Plans Work When Buying Directly from a Developer in Dubai?