The exact mechanics of an off-plan purchase — escrow protections, fees, payment structures and the Golden Visa pathway.
Unit selection against district comps, then an EOI/booking deposit (typically 5–10%) holds the unit at launch pricing.
The Sale & Purchase Agreement fixes payment schedule, handover date and penalties. Terms are checked line by line before a dirham moves.
4% Dubai Land Department fee + Oqood registration. Your interest is now legally recorded against the title.
Instalments flow into a RERA-regulated escrow account, released to the developer only against certified construction milestones.
Snagging inspection, final instalment, title deed transfer. Golden Visa processing can begin at AED 2M+ value.
Lease it, short-let it, or resell into the secondary market — the exit was modelled before you entered.
| Cost | Amount | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLD Transfer Fee | 4% | At registration | Sometimes split or absorbed in promotions |
| Oqood Registration | AED ~3,000 | At registration | Off-plan title registration |
| Booking Deposit | 5–10% | Reservation | Counts toward purchase price |
| Agency Fee | 0% to you | — | Developer-paid on off-plan |
| Service Charges | AED 10–30/sqft/yr | Post-handover | Modelled into net yield before purchase |
Property is the simplest route to long-term UAE residency. Here is exactly how the thresholds work.