Read the market before it moves.

Off-plan means buying a home before it is completed, usually directly from the developer. Investors are drawn by lower entry prices than completed stock, staged payment plans and the potential for value growth by handover. The trade-off is time and delivery risk, which is why the developer's record and the contract terms matter.

A plan such as 60/40 means 60% of the price is paid in instalments during construction and 40% at handover. Some plans extend payments after handover. Map every instalment to a date before you commit.

Property ownership above a value set by the authorities can support long-term residency. Eligibility rules, including how off-plan property is treated, change from time to time, so confirm the current criteria with the Dubai Land Department and the federal residency authority before you rely on a purchase for a visa.

Payments for registered off-plan projects in Dubai go into a project escrow account and are released against construction progress. Ask for the project registration and escrow details before paying, and check them with the Dubai Land Department.

Yes. Reservation, contracts and payments can be handled remotely. We work in Arabic, French and English, and share every document in the language you read best before you sign.

Expect registration and administration fees at purchase, and service charges once the building is handed over. Ask for a written breakdown for the specific project, as fees vary.