If you are choosing between an off-plan and a ready apartment in Dubai, start with one question: what is it for? Living in it, renting it out or a longer-term investment - the answer points to the format. Below is a side-by-side comparison, with no promises about returns.
How you pay
Off-plan. You buy from the developer and pay in instalments under a payment plan: a first payment, payments during construction and the balance at handover. Some plans continue after handover. The money goes into the project escrow account under RERA supervision. Plans are explained in our guide to payment plans.
Ready. You buy from an owner. When Form F is signed a deposit of 10% is usually paid, and the rest on the day of the sale, from your own funds or with a mortgage. The steps are in our guide on buying a ready apartment.
When you get the keys
Off-plan: at handover, on the date stated in the sale and purchase agreement (SPA). Until then you cannot live in it or rent it out. Ready: usually a few weeks after the price is agreed, once the sale is registered and the Title Deed is issued.
The costs
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee is 4% of the price in both cases. The rest differs:
| Off-plan | Ready | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Oqood, small admin fees | Trustee office: AED 2,000 or 4,000 + VAT, Title Deed AED 250 |
| Agent | Usually paid by the developer, please confirm | Usually about 2% of the price, by agreement |
| Mortgage | Used less often | Registration 0.25% of the loan amount |
| Service charge | After handover | Every year, depends on the building |
A 4% example: South Lofts from AED 549,000 - fee AED 21,960; Listone Residence from AED 554,888 - about AED 22,196.
The risks
Off-plan is about time and outcome: the building is still being built, and you receive the apartment later than you make the first payments. Protection is the escrow account and Oqood registration; always check that your payment goes to the project account.
Ready is about condition and paperwork: you see the unit in person, but you must check the service charge, any debts (confirmed by the developer’s NOC certificate, which the seller obtains) and the state of the apartment.
Who suits which
- Off-plan if you want to spread payments, are not in a hurry for the keys and can wait for handover.
- Ready if you need an apartment now, to live in or rent out, and can pay the full amount or take a mortgage.
- On a tight budget, see apartments under AED 600,000.
- If you are abroad, buying remotely works for both.
Prices and availability change, so please confirm current terms on any project before you reserve.
Where to start
Tell me your budget and goal, and I will suggest the right format and check the costs. Message me on WhatsApp - Svetlana, a Dubai real estate consultant with more than 20 years in the UAE.
