Off-Plan Payment Plans
Buy now, pay over 3-5 years. Dubai developers offer payment schedules from 30/70 to post-handover plans. Here's what each developer offers and what to watch for.
Why Off-Plan?
Off-plan means buying before construction completes. You pay in stages over 2-5 years. Benefits: lower entry cost, capital appreciation during build, and developer incentives.
Lower entry cost
10-20% booking vs 25%+ for ready property. Spread capital over years.
Capital appreciation
Property gains value during construction. Sell before handover if market rises.
Developer incentives
DLD fee waivers, furniture packages, post-handover plans. More negotiable than ready.
Choice of units
Best floors, views, layouts available at launch. Early birds get premium selection.
Common Payment Plans
30% during construction, 70% on handover
40% during construction, 60% on handover
50% during construction, 50% on handover
60% during construction, 40% on handover
70% during construction, 30% on handover
80% during construction, 20% on handover
40% construction, 60% over 3 years after
Developer Payment Styles
Different developers have signature plans. Know who offers what before you shop.
| Developer | Typical Plan | Post-Handover? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emaar | 80/20 | Rare | Largest developer. Premium pricing. 4% DLD paid by buyer. |
| DAMAC | 50/50, 60/40 | Yes | Flexible plans. Often covers DLD fees. |
| Sobha | 70/30, 80/20 | Sometimes | Known for build quality. Higher price/sqft. |
| Nakheel | 50/50 | Limited | Palm, JVC projects. Government-backed. |
| Danube | 1% monthly | Yes (60%) | Unique monthly plan. Post-handover focus. |
| Azizi | 40/60 | Yes (40%) | Aggressive pricing. Bulk launches. |
| Meraas | 50/50 | Limited | Premium locations. Dubai Holding subsidiary. |
Danube 1% Plan
Danube offers unique 1% monthly payments during construction (60-80 months), then 40-60% on handover or post-handover. Lowest entry barrier but longest commitment.
What to Watch For
Delays Happen
Dubai projects average 6-12 months delay. Your payment schedule doesn't shift—you pay on milestone dates regardless of construction progress.
Escrow accounts mandatory
All payments go to RERA escrow, not developer. Protected by law since 2007. Refundable if project cancelled.
Oqood registration
Off-plan contract registered with DLD. Costs 4% of purchase price. Some developers cover this.
Resale restrictions
Can't sell until certain % paid (usually 30-40%). Some developers charge 2-5% NOC fee to resell.
Default penalties
Miss payment and developer can terminate + keep deposits. Grace periods vary. Communicate early if issues.
Handover costs
Budget for: connection fees (~AED 5K), service charges (prepaid 1yr), snagging, furniture if needed.
Golden Visa Eligibility
Off-plan qualifies for Golden Visa if: property valued at AED 2M+ and at least 50% complete. Or use completed property value instead.
Strategy
Buy AED 2M+ off-plan now, apply for Golden Visa when project hits 50% completion. Or combine off-plan with existing property to reach AED 2M threshold.