Guide Buying off-plan
Off-plan payment plans in Dubai
Off-plan homes in Dubai are sold on payment plans that spread the price across construction and sometimes beyond. Here is how the common plans work, what's due when, and what protects your money.
Updated · 5 min read
The common plans
| Plan | During construction | At or after handover | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60/40 | 60% in instalments while the building goes up | 40% at handover | Buyers who would rather pay less during construction, or will fund the balance with a mortgage |
| 70/30 | 70% during construction | 30% at handover | Buyers with cash to spread across the build who want a smaller payment at handover |
| 50/50 | 50% during construction | 50% at handover | Buyers keeping more cash back until the keys |
| Post-handover | Part of the price during construction | The rest in instalments for a period after handover | Investors who want the rent to help pay the balance |
The split is only the outline. Each developer sets its own schedule, so the real comparison is when each payment falls due.
What's due when
From booking to the last instalment.
- 01
Booking
A booking deposit, then the first instalment, often 10–20% of the price, when you sign the sale and purchase agreement (SPA).
- 02
DLD registration
The 4% Dubai Land Department fee is usually due at the start, when the developer registers the sale on Oqood.
- 03
Construction instalments
Further payments on set dates or construction milestones, all paid into the project's escrow account.
- 04
Handover
The balance due at completion, paid in cash or with a mortgage, after snagging and before you get the keys.
- 05
After handover
On a post-handover plan, the remaining instalments continue for an agreed period once you own and can let the home.
Before you sign
- 01
Read the schedule, not the headline
Two 60/40 plans can differ a lot in when the money is due. Check every date and milestone in the SPA.
- 02
Confirm the escrow account
Payments should go into the project's registered escrow account, not to the developer directly.
- 03
Know the resale rules
Many developers only allow a resale before handover once a set share of the price is paid, and charge a fee for it.
- 04
Plan the handover payment
If a mortgage will cover the balance, check what the bank will lend against the completed home well before handover.
Nearly complete? See handover and snagging. Still deciding? Compare off-plan and ready, see every fee in the real cost of buying, or look up SPA, Oqood and escrow in Dubai property terms.
General guidance as of October 2026, not financial or legal advice. Every developer sets its own plan and terms, so read the SPA for the project you're buying into.