Buying Off-Plan Property in Dubai

Who can buy in Dubai, and where

Foreigners, including people who do not live in the UAE, may buy property in the areas of Dubai designated for them. Well-known examples include Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Which area suits you depends on whether you want a city setting, a waterfront lifestyle or something quieter, so it helps to start with how you plan to use the home.

How buying off-plan is protected

A developer selling off-plan must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, which is part of the Dubai Land Department. Your payments do not go straight to the developer's general account: they are paid into a project escrow account reserved for construction. Before committing, ask us to confirm the developer's registration and the escrow arrangements for the project you like.

Every off-plan sale must also be recorded in the Dubai Land Department's interim property register, known as Oqood, or it is void. In practice this means your purchase is not complete until it appears on that register.

Title deeds and the official register

Outside the Dubai International Financial Centre, which keeps its own register, a sale is valid only when recorded by the Dubai Land Department. That is the body that issues the title deed once the property is complete and registered.

Costs beyond the price

Buyers pay Dubai Land Department registration and title deed fees, plus a registration trustee's service fee. If a broker is involved, a commission may also apply. Once you own, you pay service charges for the shared areas of the building or community. Ask for a full cost breakdown before you reserve a unit, so there are no surprises.

Prices, currency and where to start

Prices and official fees are quoted in UAE dirhams (AED), the national currency, which is pegged to the US dollar. Our current selection includes 41 projects, with prices starting from AED 598,500. As a guide to the market, the typical price per square foot is AED 700-4,800.

Use the project cards on this page to compare developers, handover dates and payment plans. We can then talk through which option fits your budget and timeline.

Buying when you cannot be in Dubai

A buyer who cannot attend can complete the purchase through a representative holding a duly notarised power of attorney. This makes it possible to buy from abroad without travelling for the signing. We will explain each step and the documents involved before you decide.

Updated October 2026 · Data: Palmera