Every buyer in Dubai faces the same early decision: buy off-plan from a developer, or buy a completed home. Neither is better in general. The right choice depends on your timeline, cash flow and appetite for risk.
Off-plan: the case for and against
Off-plan property is bought from the developer before or during construction, usually on a staged payment plan, and you receive it at handover. It can offer a lower entry price and flexible payments, and you get a new home. The trade-offs are time and uncertainty: there is no rent until handover, handover dates can slip, and what you buy is a plan rather than a finished building.
Your payments go into a project escrow account under Law No. 8 of 2007, which reduces developer risk but does not remove it. Read how escrow and Oqood work.
Ready: the case for and against
Ready property is complete and can be occupied or let straight after transfer. You can see exactly what you are buying, start earning rent immediately, and finance it with a UAE mortgage. Central Bank rules cap loans for expatriates buying a first home at 80% of value up to AED 5 million and 70% above. The trade-off is that the full price, or the deposit plus costs, is due at transfer.
Common payment plan types
- During construction, e.g. 30/70 or 40/60: the first share is paid in instalments while the building rises, the balance on handover.
- Post-handover, e.g. 60/40 with 40% over two to three years after handover: part of the balance is spread after you receive the keys.
- Monthly, e.g. 1% per month: fixed instalments over construction and sometimes beyond.
Questions that usually decide it
- Do you need rental income or a home to live in within the next year?
- Would you rather spread payments over construction, or pay at once with a mortgage?
- How comfortable are you with the risk of a handover delay?
Browse off-plan and ready properties, read about payment plans, or talk it through with an adviser.
Checked on 12 October 2026. General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Prices, availability, fees and rules change: confirm the details for your purchase with us before acting.
