How Off-Plan Property Financing Works in Dubai

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Off-plan properties in Dubai have eventually become one of the most acceptable investment ventures for local and international investors. Off-plan means buying properties still under construction or in planning stages, although at much lower prices than when completed. Therefore, the finer nuances of off-plan financing in Dubai would speak to very well-informed investment decisions.

Understanding Off-Plan Financing in Dubai

Off-plan financing refers to financing arrangements allowing property purchases before completion. More commonly in Dubai, it may include signing a sales agreement with the developer and then a structured payment plan for the whole construction period.

Key Components of Off-Plan Financing

  1. Down Payment: An initial payment made when booking the property. This amount usually ranges from 10% to 20% of the property’s total value, depending on the developer and the specific project.
  1. Installments During Construction: Payments are made at various stages of the construction process. These installments can be time-linked (scheduled at regular intervals) or construction-linked (tied to specific milestones in the building process).
  1. Final Payment Upon Handover: The remaining balance is paid when the property is completed and ready for occupancy.

Common Off-Plan Payment Plans in Dubai

Developers in Dubai offer various off-plan payment plans to cater to different financial capabilities and investment strategies. Some of the most prevalent plans include:

  • 80/20 Payment Plan: Buyers pay 80% of the property’s price during construction and the remaining 20% upon handover. This plan is popular due to its balanced approach, allowing significant payment to be deferred until completion.
  • 60/40 Payment Plan: Under this scheme, 60% of the payment is made during construction, with the remaining 40% due at handover. This structure provides a more balanced distribution of payments throughout the project’s development.
  • 50/50 Payment Plan: This plan involves equal payments of 50% during construction and 50% upon handover, offering simplicity and predictability in financial planning.
  • Post-Handover Payment Plans: Some developers have plans in which a percentage of the payment is post-dated even after delivery. Thus, such a 30/40/30 plan would mean payment of 30% during construction, 40% at the time of handover, and 30% within a definite period after handover. These plans increase access for buyers since payments are more spread out over a much longer period.

Financing Off-Plan Properties Through Mortgages

While many buyers opt to finance off-plan properties through direct payment plans with developers, obtaining a mortgage is also a viable option. However, there are specific considerations:

  • Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: The maximum LTV for off-plan properties is typically 50%. This means buyers must provide a down payment of at least 50% of the property’s value.
  • Developer Approval: Not all banks finance off-plan projects. Financing is often limited to projects by reputable developers with a proven track record.
  • Interest Rates and Terms: Interest rates for off-plan mortgages may differ from those for completed properties. To secure favorable terms, it’s essential to compare offers from various banks.

Market Trends and Statistics

The off-plan property market of Dubai has made tremendous progress over the years. The Dubai Land Department recorded 35,370 off-plan sales transactions amounting to AED 71.1 billion by the end of 2022. It is against a transaction volume of up 47.9% and sale values of 60.3% compared to the previous year.

Transactions in Dubai’s real estate sector saw 18,038 deals in September 2024, with off-plan properties recording 73 per cent. This spike highlights increased investor confidence in Dubai’s off-plan market.

Advantages of Off-Plan Financing

  • Lower Entry Prices: Off-plan properties are often priced lower than completed units, providing an opportunity for capital appreciation upon completion.
  • Flexible Payment Plans: Developers offer various payment structures, allowing buyers to choose plans that align with their financial situations.
  • Customization: Purchasing off-plan allows buyers to select preferred units, layouts, and sometimes finishes, tailoring the property to their preferences.

Potential Risks and Considerations

  • Construction Delays: Delays can affect the expected return on investment and occupancy plans.
  • Market Fluctuations: Property values may change between the purchase date and completion, impacting the investment’s profitability.
  • Developer Reliability: It’s crucial to research the developer’s track record to ensure project completion and quality.

Why Choose MBR Properties?

Here are the key reasons why MBR Properties is the best choice for your off-plan property investments in Dubai:

Expert Guidance

Our team of real estate professionals have vast experience with Dubai’s off-plan property market. They are aware of the prevailing market trends, promising developments, and available financing options so that they can offer you expert advice prepared specifically to suit your investment needs.

Wide Range of Options

Transparent and Hassle-Free Process

We collaborate with the best developers in Dubai, giving you access to the best off-plan portfolio. Be it luxurious villas, affordable apartments, commercial properties, or anything in between, we will find something suitable for your needs.

At MBR Properties, we prioritize transparency and simplicity. From the initial consultation to the final transaction, we handle every detail, ensuring your journey is seamless and stress-free.

Customized Payment Plans

We work with developers who negotiate and present the off-plan payment plan in Dubai that would suit your financial goals. This could either be post-handover payment plans, milestone-based payments, or other requirements which you have, and we will make sure we find a plan that works for you.

Free Property Viewings and Consultations

At MBR Properties, we offer complimentary property viewings, including convenient hotel-to-hotel pick-up and drop-off services. This ensures you have firsthand insights into your potential investment while enjoying exceptional customer service.

Legal and Financial Support

As the legal and financial issues surrounding off-plan financing in Dubai are quite complex, our company is best placed to offer turnkey services related to legal documentation, developer agreements, bank financing options, etc.

Your Next Steps in Off-Plan Property Investment

The decision to invest in off-plan properties can sometimes be expensive and possess risks and hence planning plays an important role. With MBR Properties, we make this process easier with unmatched experience and support while still keeping your interests a priority. We know the market, and more importantly, we have a customer-centric approach that helps you make your property purchase a reality.

Ready to begin—head over to the MBR Properties or feel free to reach out directly. Let us help you discover the best off-plan payment plans Dubai offers and invest in one of the world’s most profitable real estate markets. Contact MBR Properties for the best off-plan property in Dubai!