Off-plan, ready or resale
Seven pillar pages for Dubai property: regulation, visa, tax, districts and off-plan — before you engage advisers.
In Dubai a purchase follows one of three routes: off-plan (under construction), brand-new ready from the developer, or the secondary market (resale between owners). Each has its own entry price, timeline and risk profile.
Three purchase routes
Off-plan: staged payments until handover; a RERA escrow account protects funds under the applicable framework. Ready (primary): the developer sells a finished unit — immediate inspection, sometimes a higher ticket, standard DLD transfer. Secondary market (resale): buying from an existing owner, often in mature areas. The unit can be viewed straight away; due diligence focuses on title, service charges, history and any mortgage. Separately, an off-plan assignment means buying a buyer's contract before handover (Oqood / developer approval).
Key points
- Off-plan: read the SPA, payment plan and developer delay penalties.
- Ready / resale: inspect condition, service charges and building fees.
- Resale: check the DLD title, absence of mortgage and unpaid service charges.
- Compare all-in cost (fees + financing) over the hold period, whatever the route.
Every project and resale unit is specific — due diligence required.