Off-plan property explained. Dubai real estate term · Costa Global Capital
Glossary/Off-plan property

Off-plan property.

Property bought from a developer before construction is complete, paid via a staged payment plan.

Definition

What Off-plan property means.

Off-plan property is real estate purchased from the developer during the construction phase, typically with a staged payment plan tied to construction milestones. The buyer signs an SPA, registers an Oqood, and takes ownership at handover when the title deed is issued.

The team's read

What this actually means for buyers.

Off-plan is where Dubai's best capital appreciation has historically lived, but it also carries the highest project-level risk. Mario only recommends off-plan from Tier 1 developers with verified escrow accounts and a proven handover record. Buyers should expect 18 to 48 months from booking to handover depending on the project phase. Standard payment plans run 60-40, 50-50, or post-handover (with 30 to 50 percent paid after keys).

Typical payment plans
60-40, 50-50, post-handover
Construction window
18 to 48 months
Escrow
DLD-mandated developer escrow account
Resale before handover
Yes (with Oqood)
Best for
Capital appreciation, structured payments

Have a specific deal in mind?

Mario walks every European investor through these mechanics on the first call. The diligence trail is what separates a clean deal from a regret.