Where does my money go when I buy off-plan in Dubai?

For registered projects, instalments are paid into a project escrow account regulated under RERA and released to the developer as construction milestones are met.

Oqood is the DLD’s system for registering off-plan sales. It records your contract for a specific unit before the title deed is issued.

How much is the DLD fee?

The registration fee is generally 4% of the property value, plus smaller administrative charges. Confirm current fees with the DLD.

Buying Guides

Buying Off-Plan in Dubai: Oqood, Escrow, DLD Fees and a Pre-Purchase Checklist

16 October 2026 · 2 min read

Off-plan means you buy a property before it is built. In Dubai the process is regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), with specific protections for buyers. Here is what to know and check.

The key terms

Escrow account. Your instalments for a registered off-plan project go into a project escrow account controlled under RERA rules, not directly to the developer. Funds are released against construction progress.
Oqood. The interim registration of an off-plan sale on the DLD system. It records you as the buyer of a specific unit until the title deed is issued at completion.
SPA. The Sales and Purchase Agreement sets the price, payment plan, handover date and remedies if dates are missed.
Project registration and permit. Legitimate projects have a RERA project registration and an advertising permit number (Trakheesi) that should be shown on marketing materials.

Costs beyond the price

DLD registration fee, which is generally 4% of the property value.
Oqood registration and administrative fees.
Agency commission, where applicable, and possible mortgage-related fees.
Service charges once the building is handed over.

Ask the seller for a written breakdown so you know the total cash required, not just the headline price.

Pre-purchase checklist

Confirm the developer and project are registered with RERA/DLD and note the escrow bank and account details.
Check the advertising permit (Trakheesi) number on the brochure or listing.
Read the whole SPA, including delay clauses and cancellation terms, and consider legal review.
Understand the payment plan: how much is due at booking, during construction and on handover, and whether any post-handover instalments apply.
Pay only to the escrow account named in the contract, never to a personal account.
Verify the Oqood registration is completed and that the unit number matches your contract.
Research the developer’s track record on past deliveries.
Model returns in the ROI calculator using realistic rents and fees.

Golden Visa

Property investment can qualify for a long-term UAE residence visa when the value meets the current threshold. Rules and thresholds change, so see our Golden Visa page and confirm with the authorities.

Ready to compare options? Browse off-plan projects or talk to an advisor.

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Prices, launch phases, handover dates and fees change often: confirm everything against the developer’s current price list, the sales and purchase agreement and the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA sources before you pay a deposit.

Frequently asked questions

Where does my money go when I buy off-plan in Dubai?: For registered projects, instalments are paid into a project escrow account regulated under RERA and released to the developer as construction milestones are met.
What is Oqood?: Oqood is the DLD’s system for registering off-plan sales. It records your contract for a specific unit before the title deed is issued.
How much is the DLD fee?: The registration fee is generally 4% of the property value, plus smaller administrative charges. Confirm current fees with the DLD.