Off-plan property is a large part of the Dubai market, and for good reason: payment plans can ease cash flow and entry pricing can be attractive. But you are buying a promise to deliver, so the developer and the contract matter as much as the unit itself.
Developer & delivery
- Track record: Has the developer delivered comparable projects on time and to a good standard? Handover history is the single best signal.
- Financial resilience: Look for signs the developer can fund completion across market cycles, not just in a strong market.
- Current pipeline load: A developer launching far more than it has ever delivered carries more execution risk.
Regulatory & contract protections
- Escrow account: Confirm the project is registered and that your payments go into the regulated escrow account, not directly to the developer.
- RERA registration & Oqood: Verify the project and your interim registration are properly recorded.
- The SPA: Read the sale and purchase agreement for the delivery date, penalty and grace provisions, and what happens if the project is delayed or cancelled.
The numbers
Model the payment plan's implied financing cost, the expected net yield on completion, and the total transaction costs. Compare against ready alternatives in the same community before deciding.
Get an independent view
Because we hold no inventory and disclose our compensation in writing before you commit, we can tell you plainly when an off-plan deal does not stack up. Independent developer and delivery due diligence is one of the most valuable — and most skipped — protections in this market.
This checklist is general guidance, not legal advice. Engage qualified counsel for contract review and our advisory team for transparent analysis.
Apply this lens to your own mandate with our team.
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