Off-plan properties in real estate refer to properties that are under construction or in the planning phase. Buyers can purchase such properties during the planning or construction phase.

• One of its main features is a clear 3D representation plan to understand how it will look after completion. These properties are catching attention in recent years because buyers can purchase off-plan properties at a cheaper rate with a flexible payment option.
• These properties are catching attention in recent years because buyers can purchase off-plan properties at a cheaper rate with a flexible payment option.
• In fact, some developers also allow customisation. You can choose the layout, design, colours, etc.
• In most cases, buyers can resell the property before the final completion. Check with your developer what terms and conditions apply to reselling.

Before investing in new off-plan projects in Dubai, always check if the property is registered with RERA.

Investing in an off-plan property in Dubai has many benefits, but some of the major ones are mentioned below:

• A Comparatively Affordable Price: Off-plan properties are sold at a cheaper rate when compared with finished properties in the market. This advantage is because developers usually offer early discounts and incentives to sell their properties faster. This is one of the main reasons why these properties give a higher value.
• A Flexible Payment Option: Buyers also get the advantage of a flexible payment option for off-plan properties in Dubai, such as post-handover payment plans, extended payment terms, and registration fees waiver.
• A Higher Return On Investment: Off-plan properties in Dubai have a healthy capital appreciation. This is because buyers purchase the property at a lower price, and the price appreciates, sometimes, before the final construction is completed.
• Customisation Options: Though most off-plan properties have an already planned construction and design, buyers still get an option to customise the unit as per unique requirements they may have after the developer’s approval.
• Healthy Capital Appreciation: Such properties have an attractive potential for appreciation due to factors like the area, market fluctuations, and demand. This is especially beneficial for investors who are buying for resale purposes and profit-making.

Buying an off-plan property in Dubai is an easy and convenient process if guided the right way. Therefore, follow the steps below for a hassle-free journey:

• Step 1: Decide on a budget by considering three main factors, including the down payment, instalment payments, and legal charges (if any). Have a comprehensive budget plan prepared to avoid any surprises later.
• Step 2: Before investing, conduct market research to understand Dubai’s real estate trends and find out the best areas to invest in off-plan projects.
• Step 3: Dubai has many locations where property investment offers an attractive ROI. Select the best location aligned with your needs and goals.
• Step 4: Choosing the right developer is very important when investing in an off-plan project in Dubai. Select a reputable developer with a good track record.
• Step 5: Review and understand all the terms of payment before closing the final deal.
• Step 6: Complete all the legal requirements of buying Dubai’s off-plan property. Consult a property lawyer to avoid any legal issues.
• Step 7: Continue to monitor the construction’s progress.

Investing in Dubai’s off-plan properties is an excellent idea due to their lower entry points and affordable payment plans. If you plan to invest in Dubai off-plan properties in 2025, Business Bay, Meydan, Dubai Studio City, and Ras Al Khaimah offer attractive rental yields. These properties are often launched by reputed developers, making it a smart investment. By the time of handover, its value has increased.

Here are some of the reasons why smart investors have an eye on off-plan projects in Dubai South:

• Al Maktoum International Airport: Dubai South is situated next to the future world’s largest airport, with easy access to Central Dubai.
• Future-Ready Planning: Dubai South is a master-planned city focused on sustainability, including commercial, residential, logistics, and aviation districts.
• Near the Expo City: Dubai South’s location is expected to attract renters, buyers, tourists, and businesses in the near future due to the ongoing development.
• Cheap & Attractive Off-Plan Prices: Dubai South’s property prices are lower in comparison with other prime areas like Downtown and Marina. It’s an opportunity for buyers seeking an investment for capital appreciation.
• Freehold Ownership for Foreign Investors: For non-UAE nationals, full property ownership is available.

In Dubai, both residents and non-residents can buy off-plan properties. The non-residents must fulfil specific requirements, such as:

• Valid Passport and Identification
• RERA-Registered Contract & Oqood Registration
• NOC certificate from the Developer

It typically takes around 3-5 years for an off-plan property to be completed in Dubai. The timeline usually depends on multiple factors like the project’s size, the track record of the developer, and the property type.

Example: Smaller apartments will be completed faster, whereas large-scale projects will take longer. Off-plan property construction is divided into multiple phases, from design, site preparation, structural work, and finishing to handover. Buyers are informed of each phase’s update through the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency).

Delays in completing off-plan projects can happen, but developers are held responsible with strict regulations and escrow account protections. Always do enough market research on your part for smarter purchase choices.

The payment plan structure for off-plan properties in Dubai is made easy by breaking the cost over time. With a flexible payment option, buyers can opt to pay as per the convenience granted by the developer they choose.

• The first payment option is the construction-linked option. In this case, the payment made is linked to the progress of the construction.
• The other option is the time-linked plan. In this, the payments are made monthly or quarterly, regardless of construction progress.
• Other than these two options, there are 80/20, 60/40, or 50/50 plans. It means the percentage paid during construction and the rest at the time of handover. For example, if you chose the 80/20 option, 80% of the payment is to be made during the construction, and the remaining 20% after the handover.
• Some developers also allow post-handover payment plans. It means that you can pay after you move in.
• Lastly, there’s a rent-to-own scheme where you can pay rent while a portion of it goes towards the final purchase.

Read the payment terms carefully.

As per Dubai Land Department, the sale of vacant commercial properties or the off-plan sale of commercial properties under the building license, are subject to a 5% VAT; however, the tax paid during the lease period can be recovered through the tax return of the tenant if they are a taxable person registered for tax purposes and entitled to tax refund. Tax paid towards the purchase of an entire building may be recovered according to the capital asset scheme if the cost of the property exceeds AED 5 million.

Real estate-related services, including brokerage, management, and real estate consultancy, are subject to 5% VAT on the value of the service rendered at the location where the property is situated, and in accordance with the standard business rules on taxation.

Before investing in an off-plan project in Dubai, there are certain things you should know and have a clear understanding of:

• Always check the developer’s history of delivering projects and their track record. It’s crucial for a safe and secure investment in off-plan projects.
• Before investing, always ensure that the developer is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. It’s a crucial step to protect you legally and to ensure that the project is legitimate.
• In the case of off-plan projects, the timeline is a crucial factor. Carefully review the timeline mentioned during the sales process and verify that the developer has a proven track record of delivering projects on time.
• Developers often offer a flexible payment plan for off-plan projects in Dubai. Carefully understand the payment plan, instalments, dates, and especially the post-handover payment structure. Terms and conditions may apply that you cannot miss.
• One of the most important parts of an off-plan project is that the payment you make should go into an RERA-approved escrow account. Direct payment to the developer is not allowed. This is to ensure your money is safe until the final handover.
• It is also strictly advised to check the service charges estimate. This is because it can affect your long-term holding costs.
• Before making the final choice, it is crucial to consider the exit option and resale restrictions. This is because some off-plan properties restrict resale before the final handover, and can cause trouble if you plan to sell it before completion.
• Last but not least, review SPA. SPA stands for Sales and Purchase Agreement. It includes terms, responsibilities, and other penalties you may encounter. Before you sign the SPA, ensure a property lawyer has reviewed it.

Dubai’s off-plan market is gaining momentum with its innovation and increasing demand among buyers. With Luxury beachfront communities and smart city developments in the pipeline, the city offers high-potential opportunities for investors and buyers alike.

Investors are showing interest in the latest off-plan projects in Dubai in zones like Business Bay, Meydan, etc., with flexible payment options as a preferred choice. The key to smart investing is to buy from reputed developers at a strategic location. Looking for the right property as per your budget and goals? Our experts can help!

Yes, you can resell your off-plan property in Dubai before completion or the final handover. There’s a process for it called assignment. But when you plan to resell such properties, there are specific guidelines set by the DLD that you must follow, along with complying with the developer’s policy.

• The policy requires that you have paid a minimum percentage of the property value before approving a resale.
• When this criterion is fulfilled, you also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer.
• Your property’s buyer must also sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) where assignment fees and administrative charges may apply.

Before making the final purchase, review all terms and conditions carefully.

Investing in off-plan properties with Vista Properties offers a plethora of benefits, including the best locations and flexible payment options. At Vista, transparency and integrity are at the core. We only work with reputable clients on new off-plan projects in Dubai to ensure our clients’ investment pays off. We value our customers and provide end-to-end guidance from selection to handover. For smart real estate investment in Dubai, we are your reliable partners.

The best off-plan projects in Dubai are defined by their growth potential, payment structure, developer’s reputation, and location, like Dubai South, Meydan, and others. In Dubai’s fast-growing real estate market, the best off-plan projects in 2025 are the ones offering a mix of value, time, and trust. In 2025, smart investors are looking for off-plan properties in Dubai with a sustainable design, flexible payment options, and a potential for higher yields. Therefore, invest in properties that fit your goals to find the best. At Vista, we curate a list of properties for our clients, matching their budgets, payment preferences, areas, and customisations.

Currently, indicators like a high level of investor confidence and increasing demand for off-plan properties reflect Dubai’s robust off-plan market. The key aspects of the current market are as follows:

• Around 60% of the real estate sales in Dubai are for off-plan properties, showing how popular this option is among buyers.
• This increasing number highlights investor confidence in Dubai's new off-plan projects and sees potential in its value to rise in the coming years.
• With flexible payment options offered by developers, more people can invest even in prime areas like off-plan projects in downtown Dubai and others.
• As the construction progresses, the prices are expected to rise. Your chances of earning money in the future increase.
• The prices are lower when compared with ready-to-move properties.
• Business Bay, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) are some popular areas for off-plan investments.

Understand the market thoroughly for a smart investment.

In Dubai, there are various types of off-plan properties, including small studios, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom apartments, large villas, and luxury penthouses. Understand them here:

• Villas: Villas are the preferred choice for people looking for luxury living in Dubai. They are spacious and offer privacy.
• Apartments: Apartments are the most common and preferred type of off-plan property in Dubai, including options like studios and penthouses.
• Townhouses: For buyers looking for something more than apartments but less than villas, townhouses are the ideal choice. Off-plan projects in Dubai South and JVC are popular for offering townhouses.
• Waterfront Properties: Popular for the stunning view these properties offer, they are located along the coast or near waterways.
• Branded Residences: These are unique, high-end residences with premium facilities made in a partnership between developers and brands.

Off-plan properties in Dubai cater to a range of buyers with different budgets, demands, needs, and preferences.

In case the developer delays or goes bankrupt, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is an authorised body responsible for protecting buyers. All payments made for the property are secured in a RERA-approved escrow account. The amount in that account can only be used for that particular project.

Now, when the developer delays or goes bankrupt, RERA has the authority to cancel the project and use all the amount to refund to buyers. Therefore, it’s important you have all the contract copies, receipts, and other papers for the claim, in case anything happens. Also, always ensure the project is registered with RERA before investing.

Our property consultants guide you at every step with transparent communication, updated information, and professional support whenever needed. It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time buyer or reinvesting; we make it smooth and informed for you at every step:

• Personalized Consultation: Our experts curate a property listing as per your budget, goals, and additional preferences you may have.
• End-to-End Assistance: We handle the entire process for you from selection to the final booking.
• Transparency & Due Diligence: We provide verified details about developers, RERA approvals, payment plans, and project timelines to ensure informed decisions.
• Market Insight: You get access to real-time updates on Dubai’s property market, upcoming launches, and exclusive investment opportunities.
• Clear Communication: Our experts keep you updated to ensure there’s clarity at every step.
• Legal & Paperwork Guidance: We assist with reviewing contracts, understanding terms, and managing all required documentation in line with UAE property laws.
• After-Sale Support: Our commitment continues even after the sale. We are there to assist you with any queries or other services you may require.

With us, your investment in property is handled with care and confidence.

Yes, you can get off-plan properties in Dubai at a price lower than ready-to-move properties. This is because developers often have some pre-launch discounts to offer, along with flexible payment options. It means you end up paying less than the market price with a scope for a higher return on investment (ROI). Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, off-plan properties in Dubai have the potential to maximise ROI over time.

Investing in Vista’s off-plan projects means investing in an elevated lifestyle in some of Dubai’s best communities. Our offerings are thoughtfully designed around the idea of holistic living, including green spaces, serene water features, and recreational zones. From kids' safe play areas to sports for recharge, we have properties with a mix of comfort and convenience.