From booking and SPA to escrow, payment plans and handover — every step explained.
1. Choose the developer before the project
A project is only as good as the company building it. Look at the developer's delivery record: were previous projects handed over on time, and how do they look five years later? Every off-plan project in Dubai must be registered with RERA and have an escrow account — ask for both numbers.
2. Reserve the unit and sign the SPA
Once you choose a unit you pay a booking amount, usually 10–20% of the price. The developer then issues the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), which sets out the price, payment plan, handover date and specification.
- Check the expected completion date and the penalty clauses for delays.
- Confirm the exact unit size and what is included (kitchen appliances, wardrobes, parking).
- Make sure every payment goes to the project's escrow account.
3. Register with the Dubai Land Department
The sale is registered on the Oqood system, and the DLD registration fee of 4% of the price is paid at this stage. Some developers cover part of this fee during a launch.
Tip: compare payment plans by how much you must pay before handover — not just by the headline split.
4. Pay during construction and prepare for handover
Instalments follow the schedule in your SPA, often linked to construction milestones. Before handover you will be invited to inspect the unit; this is the moment to report any defects (snagging) so the developer fixes them before you take the keys.