Off-plan selling in Dubai involves understanding the market regulations, developer permissions, and resale restrictions. The guide outlines all the procedures to ensure investors get maximum returns and remain within the law.
What Is it to Sell Off-Plan in Dubai?
Off-plan sale of property refers to the sale of a unit that is under construction to another buyer before completion. This is allowed legally in the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) regulations.
Example:
An investor purchases a unit with Emaar at 20 percent of the construction cost and sells the unit to another investor at 70 percent completion at a gain.
Key Entities:
- Seller (original investor) – assigns rights to the contract.
- Developer – issues NOC (No Objection Certificate)
- Buyer – remits outstanding installments.
Is it possible to sell off-plan in Dubai before it is handed over?
Yes, it is possible to sell off-plan property before handover, provided that the developer allows resale and the payment amounts have been met.
The typical requirements of the developer may include:
- Minimum 30%-40% of the price paid on the property.
- Project completion of some milestone of construction.
- Written consent of resale by the developer.
Emaar, Damac, and Sobha are some of the developers and have strict policies on resales, and their resale policies are meant to bring stability in the market.
Selling off-plan property in Dubai Step-By-Step
The resale procedure has set legal and administrative procedures.
| Step | Process description | Person responsible |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sign the sale agreement (Form F) | Seller |
| 2 | Acquire NOC (No Objection Certificate) | Developer |
| 3 | Office at the developer transfer contract | Seller Buyer |
| 4 | Office at developer transfer contract | DLD |
| 5 | Buyer/Seller (as agreed) Pay transfer fees |
Noticeable: The Oqood of DLD needs to be used to conduct the resale transactions to confirm the off-plan transfer as legal.
Read More: How to Purchase Off-Plan Property in Dubai with Flexible Payment Plans
Is Developer Approval to Sell an Off-Plan Unit in Dubai real?
Instead, all off-plan resales require developer approval. The developers check the eligibility of buyers and ascertain that there are no pending payments.
The transfer will not be processed by the DLD without the presence of an NOC. Most of the developers will collect an administration fee of between 2-5 percent of the original property value.
Example:
Assuming the price of an off-plan apartment is AED 2,000,000, the value of the NOC fee will be between AED 40,000 and AED 100,000.
How much are the Costs to sell Off-Plan Property in Dubai?
The fees are charged based on the developer, project, and resale conditions.
Common costs include:
- NOC Fee: AED 3,000-AED 5,000
- DLD Transfer Fee: 4% of the value of the property.
- Agency Commission: 2 percent of the sale price.
- Oqood Registration Fee: AED 5000-10000.
Hint: You should always verify the cost breakdown with your agent and developer, then proceed with resale.
Is it worth it to sell an off-plan property even before completion?
It can be profitable, yes, in case the market prices are increasing within the construction period. A significant number of investors sell units at a loss with the intention of making short-term profits.
Profitability Factors:
- Market Demand: Strong in such places as Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Downtown.
- Construction Progress: The units that were constructed earlier are higher valued in terms of resale value.
- Plan of payments: Flexible payment plans by developers are attractive to new purchasers.
Example:
An investor who buys at AED 1,000,000 can resell at AED 1,250,000 when the construction commences, and the investor will make a 25% capital gain.
How does off-plan transfer of property happen in Dubai?
The transfer is done at the sales office of the developer in front of the two parties. The transfer fees are paid by the buyer, and the transfer is registered by DLD.
Documents Required:
- Original Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
- Legal Emirates ID or Passport.
- Updated payment receipts
- NOC from the developer
At completion, the Buyer becomes liable for installment payments in the future.
What will the Dubai Off-Plan Resale Market in 2025?
The resale property market in Dubai is not on-plan and is performing well because of the investor confidence and the increasing international demand.
Market Indicators:
- In 2025, more than 65 percent of the new transactions are off-plan sales.
- Best developers: Emaar, Nakheel, Sobha Realty, and Damac.
- Trending resale projects: Dubai Hills, Creek Harbour, and Palm Jebel Ali.
Rationality: Customers like under-construction units because they offer low entry prices and alternative payment programs.
What Do You Need To know about off-plan investment resale in Dubai?
The off-plan selling of investments should be done on a timely basis. The value of prices will be based on location, reputation of the developer, and state of completion.
Key Recommendations:
- The Property Price Index of Monitor DLD.
- Sell at 70 percent-80 percent construction advancement at optimum advantage.
- Resale is to be avoided during low periods in the market.
Intelligent investors do business with RERA-registered agents who coordinate the negotiations, legalities, and advertising.
Off-Plan Selling Guide to Dubai Property Owners
In case you are intending to sell your off-plan apartment or villa in Dubai, you should employ the following best practices:
Checklist for Sellers:
- Check SPA conditions are resaleable.
- Establish a competitive market price.
- Use RERA-approved Form A (listing agreement)
- Hire a real estate broker licensee.
- Make NOC and payment clearance documents.
Example:
In the case of off-plan Dubai Hills villas, the demand is at its highest at the time of completion. The 3-6 months of selling before the handover will aid in attaining a better price.
FAQs
Is it possible to sell off-plan property in Dubai before handover?
You can, though the developer has to permit it, and you must have paid the percentage of the total value required.
How does off-plan property selling in Dubai work?
It entails obtaining approval from the developer, a sale contract, and handing over the ownership at the DLD.
Is developer permission required before I sell an off-plan unit in Dubai?
Yes, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) provided by the developer is a must.
What are the charges for selling an off-plan property in Dubai?
You will be required to pay the DLD transfer charges (4 percent) and the NOC charges, as well as the agency commissions.
Is the sale of an off-plan property before completion profitable?
Yes, when the market prices are high and you sell at the right time.
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