New developments in Dubai: buying off-plan property
Compare projects under construction, payment schedules, documents and risks before reserving.
An off-plan purchase is a purchase before construction is complete. You choose a home using plans, specifications and contract documents, so price alone is not enough. Project status, the developer’s record, contract terms and the funds needed to complete all matter.
Izzy Agent helps international buyers organise project comparisons and the purchase steps. Confirm current unit availability, price and the scope of assistance. A rendering illustrates the proposal; check the actual unit’s view, included finishes and contractual completion arrangements.
Four areas to compare before buying off-plan
Price and total budget
Compare the price with similar completed homes. Add registration, agreed brokerage fees, furnishing and a reserve. Buying at launch does not guarantee a discount or profit.
Payment schedule
Check each instalment’s amount, due date and conditions in the contract. Schedules do not always follow actual construction progress; allow for delays and your own liquidity needs.
Project, registration and escrow
Verify the project and developer with DLD, registration documents and the correct project account. Escrow does not remove construction risk or guarantee an automatic refund.
The home and its surroundings
Compare plans, floor area, finishes and permitted changes. Separate operating facilities from future plans and check nearby construction and ownership costs.
An archived off-plan listing example. Availability and price require fresh confirmation; checked 29 October 2026.
Sobha Orbis Tower B | Motor City
From project checks to handover
Verify the project and seller
Check the project name and number with DLD and the seller’s authority. Compare current construction progress with the proposed completion date and record when you checked.
Reservation and sale agreement
Before paying, review the reservation terms and SPA: the unit, price, charges, dates, delays and exit conditions. Confirm the payment recipient and dispute procedure.
Interim registration and payments
Off-plan sales fall under DLD’s interim register, commonly referred to as Oqood. Confirm registration and the project account details. Pay according to the contract and retain receipts.
Monitor progress and changing plans
Track construction status and instalment dates. If completion is delayed or you intend to resell, check the contract, approvals and current procedure; do not assume an automatic consent or refund.
Inspection and completed-property registration
Arrange a technical inspection, defects list and contract settlement. Registration of the completed home follows project completion and fulfilment of contractual obligations; interim registration is not the final ownership document.
Example locations: checks for the individual project
Downtown Dubai
Description
Buildings around Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
What to check
Noise, outlook, traffic and the particular building’s charges.
Dubai Marina
Description
A marina district with apartment developments.
What to check
The walking route to the beach, access and the actual unit view.
Palm Jumeirah
Description
Apartments and villas on an artificial island.
What to check
Beach-access rights, community rules and ownership costs.
Business Bay
Description
An area of residential and business development.
What to check
Surrounding construction, transport and comparable-home prices.
Jumeirah Village Circle
Description
A residential district with varied developments.
What to check
Commuting, operating amenities and supply of comparable homes.
Questions about new developments and off-plan purchases
Compare projects before reserving
Share your budget, preferred location and intended use date. We can establish which documents and costs need checking.
Sources and update
Updated: 30 October 2026 · Izzy Agent Team
Useful information before buying
Izzy Agent newsletter
Subscribe to receive Izzy Agent updates about Dubai property.
Buttondown handles signup in a new tab. Unsubscribe with one click.