M&M Real Estate · Dubai property advisory
This off-plan property in Dubai FAQ explains how project selection, payment plans, registration, escrow and handover fit together. M&M Real Estate advises international investors on off-plan and ready property, with analysis of the project, developer and costs before a purchase.
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Off-plan property is bought before construction is complete, using the project plans and a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA). The right decision depends on the specific unit, its payment schedule, the developer’s record and the buyer’s ability to fund each stage.
M&M assesses the investment before you choose a unit
M&M Real Estate is a Dubai property advisory firm for international investors. Its advisors assess off-plan projects, payment structures, ownership options and likely exit routes, then help buyers compare a shortlist against their budget and timeline.
M&M’s off-plan advisory considers developer track record, product specification, location, micro-market conditions and resale liquidity. The off-plan project service also covers access to pre-launch and early-release opportunities.
Support across the purchase
M&M supports international buyers from initial assessment through handover. Its off-plan property service explains the advisory scope.
Investors can review current Dubai investment cases, compare Ellington Properties, Emaar Properties and DAMAC Properties, or use the Dubai area guides to assess location fit.
Frequently asked questions about off-plan property in Dubai
What does off-plan property mean?
Off-plan property is purchased before the home is built, using the developer’s plans, specifications and contractual documents. The SPA sets out the agreed unit, price, payment schedule and delivery terms.
How long does an off-plan project take to complete?
Delivery typically takes 2-5 years according to M&M’s off-plan buying guide, with timing set by the individual project. Use the developer’s stated handover terms and allow for the possibility that construction timing can change.
What types of off-plan homes can I buy?
Dubai off-plan projects include apartments, townhouses, villas and waterfront homes. M&M presents curated off-plan villas as well as apartment and townhouse opportunities through its project pages.
Is off-plan property always cheaper than ready property?
No fixed price advantage applies across every project or unit. Compare the purchase price with similar homes in the same area, including size, outlook, building quality, payment timing and likely costs at handover.
Can a foreign buyer purchase off-plan property in Dubai?
Check the ownership structure for the specific project before proceeding.
Payments, deposits and purchase costs
How does an off-plan payment plan work?
A payment plan sets when instalments fall due, often at signing, during construction and at handover. The 20/50/30 example in M&M’s off-plan guide has 20% due at signing, 50% across construction milestones and 30% at handover; some projects offer a post-handover plan that spreads the final amount over 12-36 months.
How much is the off-plan deposit?
The initial payment depends on the project’s payment plan and reservation terms. M&M’s guide gives a 20% signing instalment as one example, so use the specific schedule and reservation documents for the unit under consideration.
What fees should I budget for when buying off-plan?
Include project and finance costs in the purchase budget.
Can I use a mortgage to buy off-plan property?
A mortgage may be available for an eligible buyer and project, subject to the lender’s approval and the stage of construction. Arrange the finance plan early and map the lender’s requirements against every payment due under the SPA.
Can I pay an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a launch?
An EOI records a buyer’s interest in a project or launch and is governed by its stated terms. Read how the payment is held, whether it can be refunded or credited, and what steps follow before signing the SPA.
Can I buy off-plan property remotely?
Ask the parties handling the purchase which identity checks, signed documents and payment arrangements they require.
Compare the full payment timeline before choosing a project. M&M advisors can review your budget, preferred property type and intended timeline against a shortlist of current opportunities.
Discuss an off-plan shortlist
Registration, escrow and off-plan risks in Dubai
What is an escrow account for off-plan property?
An escrow account is a project-specific account where buyer payments are held and released against construction milestones.
What is Oqood registration?
Off-plan properties must be registered with the Dubai Land Department through Oqood within 90 days of signing the SPA, as explained in M&M’s off-plan guide.
What does escrow protection cover?
Escrow controls how project funds are held and released as construction progresses. Dubai Land Department guidance says Article 14 requires 5% of the total amount paid into the escrow account to be retained for one year after project completion, as a guarantee that the developer or contractor addresses defects promptly and effectively. Read the Dubai Land Department’s escrow guidance.
How can I check a project’s registration and construction status?
Ask for the project’s registration details and construction progress, then compare them with the developer’s updates and delivery record before deciding whether it fits your timeline.
How do I assess a developer’s track record?
Review completed projects, delivery history, construction quality and the developer’s record in the specific type of property you are considering. M&M’s project analysis provides a starting point for comparing companies and projects.
How should I assess construction and market risks?
A construction delay can postpone occupancy and any planned rental income, so keep funds available for scheduled payments without relying on a specific letting date. Compare the project’s surroundings and planned nearby development as well as its build progress and developer record.
What happens if a project is cancelled?
The DLD’s project liquidation department requests the developer to return amounts paid to investors within 60 days from the cancellation decision. The exact process depends on the decision and project circumstances; the DLD’s cancellation guidance explains this procedure.
What should I look for in the SPA?
Read the unit number, area, layout, specifications, view description, payment dates, completion terms, transfer conditions and remedies in the SPA. Treat renders and show units as design illustrations, then compare the written contract with the features that matter to your purchase.
What foreign buyers get wrong in Dubai off-plan, what each mistake costs, and exactly what to do instead.
Download free→Resale, handover and ownership costs
Can I resell an off-plan unit before handover?
Resale follows the SPA and the project’s transfer conditions. Review any payment-status requirements, developer consent process, transfer charges and permitted resale timing before buying, especially if your plan depends on an early exit.
What should I do at handover?
Inspect the completed unit against the SPA’s specifications and record defects with clear notes and photographs. Submit a snagging list through the developer’s stated process and keep copies of inspection records and replies.
What costs and responsibilities begin after handover?
After handover, owners need to plan for service charges, utilities, maintenance and any costs linked to letting the property. Ask for the building’s service-charge information and include likely vacancy and maintenance in the rental-income calculation.
How does my home-country tax affect an off-plan purchase?
Tax treatment can depend on tax residence, ownership structure, rental income and the eventual sale. a tax adviser can assess the rules that apply to the buyer’s circumstances.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Plan the next step around your budget and timeline
Before selecting a unit, set the total amount available for the purchase, map each payment against its due date, and decide whether your priority is an apartment, townhouse, villa or waterfront home. Then compare the SPA, project status, developer record and handover costs for each shortlisted option.
An M&M advisor will go through your budget, timeline and shortlist with you. Speak with an M&M advisor
Figures are past data; this article is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice, and returns are not guaranteed.
