Dubai has witnessed remarkable growth over the past two decades, and with the city attracting an increasing number of new residents each year, this expansion shows no signs of slowing. The resulting population growth has fueled the recent real estate boom, providing developers with the confidence sustained demand brings. At the same time, it has sparked a surge in investors seeking strategic off-plan opportunities – the ideal scenario for those who happen to be selling off-plan units. Read on to discover everything you need to know about how to sell off-plan property in Dubai.
Understanding the Basics
The Rise of the Off-Plan Market
While off-plan properties have historically been priced below secondary properties, that margin has grown narrower in a post-COVID market. In the five years between October 2020 and September 2025, average off-plan prices across the city rose from AED 1,390 per square foot to AED 2,010, a remarkable increase of almost 45% according to data from the Dubai Land Department. As the properties and the infrastructure surrounding them continue to develop, driven by strong residential demand, buyers who invest in off-plan during this period can expect to reap excellent returns.
Today, Dubai’s off-plan market is continuing to grow at a rapid pace, with off-plan sales accounting for over 70% of all sales transactions in Q3 2025. At the rate that new projects are selling out, there is continued pressure on the resale market.
Developers are attempting to mitigate that pressure by launching large-scale projects across the city, but supply continues to lag behind the mammoth levels of demand, as Dubai continues to experience unprecedented immigration rates – with nearly 500 new residents arriving each day. By comparison, only around 44,000 units are projected to be delivered by the end of 2025, further intensifying interest in the off-plan market. Potential residents are willing to wait a bit longer to take possession of a property as long as they can secure its purchase now, which offers prime opportunities for sellers.
How to Sell Off-Plan
Step 1: Meeting Minimum Payment Thresholds
For people who own off-plan property, the main focus between taking ownership and completion is ensuring timely payment of instalments. However, should you wish to sell, then there are a number of considerations which need to be met.
One of the key things to consider is the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), which will outline how much of the property needs to be paid off before a sale can be made. Most developers, and the Dubai Land Department (DLD), expect that a certain portion of the total payment has been paid before the property can then be sold.
This typically stands at around 20-30% of the property’s value, but that figure varies from developer to developer, so it is essential to check your SPA to ensure that figure has been met. It is also important to check for any stipulations the developer has set out in the SPA. For example, a developer may have a clause stating that a higher payment threshold needs to be met before the unit can be sold.
Step 2: Finding a Qualified Real Estate Agent
Once this has been checked and the developer has confirmed that the mandatory minimum payment has been made, owners then need to find a real estate agent who ideally specialises in, or is at least familiar with, off-plan transactions in Dubai. If you bought the property through an agent (as opposed to direct from the developer), they can help you sell the property, or at least refer you to an agent who is skilled in sales.
An experienced agent can effectively market your property, attract qualified buyers, and manage negotiations on your behalf. A reputable agent will also provide guidance on pricing to ensure your property reflects its true market value. This approach helps you avoid underpricing, which could result in lost capital appreciation, as well as overpricing, which may limit interest from serious, qualified buyers.
Agents will also have dedicated channels through which they can market your property, including property portals, social media platforms and already-established networks to attract qualified buyers.
Alternatively, for those who bought directly from the developer, it is important to seek out a licensed agent. Some agents work extensively with specific developers, so researching if any agents specialise in the development your property is in will go some way to helping ensure you find the right one.
Once you have found representation, your agent can then provide advice on the correct price point to market your property at. Generally, it is a good idea to match the price point suggested by your real estate professional, who will be more in tune with market trends in the area or within the specific development.
Once a qualified buyer has been identified, your agent will then set about discussing the terms of the sale, including overall price and the transfer of the remaining payment obligations to the new buyer. It is also important to ensure the buyer understands the off-plan process and the completion timeline – when certain instalments are due, for example. Buyers also have the option of paying for the entire property upfront.
Step 3: Transferring the Property
Property transfer is a process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Several key steps must be considered and properly executed to ensure the transaction proceeds as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
1. Familiarity with Local Laws: Understanding the legal framework which governs property transactions in Dubai is essential to ensuring a smooth transfer process. Dubai’s real estate market is governed by Law No. 13 of 2008 (also known as the RERA law), while the Strata Law controls properties in jointly owned communities. While it isn’t necessary to understand these laws verbatim, it certainly helps to understand the more prominent points.
2. Verifying Title Deeds: In order for a transaction to proceed smoothly and to ensure its legitimacy, verifying proof of ownership is an important step. In this case, that proof would be the Oqood issued upon registering the initial property purchase. The verification will be done by the buyer or their agent through the DLD website, but sellers need to ensure that the original documentation is provided.
3. Approvals and NOCs: Depending on the property’s type and the mortgage status, approval from the developer will almost certainly be required. Some properties – such as in free zones, for example – require NOCs to ensure compliance with community regulations. These certificates confirm there are no outstanding violations or objections and are essential for completing the transfer process.
4. Drafting and Executing the SPA: Once the checks have been completed and verified, the SPA must then be drafted and signed. Just like the title deeds, the SPA is an essential component of the process, as it outlines the terms and conditions of the transaction. It also ensures that the rights and obligations of each party have been clearly understood and set out, including things like mode of payment and possession date, among others. Considering the importance of the document, engaging legal expertise at this stage, in order to protect your interests as the seller, is common practice.
5. Fees and Taxes: The buyer is responsible for the payment of all applicable fees; however, it is important for both parties to be fully informed to ensure a smooth and timely transfer process.
6. Joint Ownership: In certain cases, properties may be jointly owned by two or more parties – such as spouses or business partners. When selling an off-plan property, it is essential that all co-owners fully understand their respective rights and responsibilities and are in mutual agreement regarding the transfer. Clear communication, professional legal guidance, and proper documentation are key to navigating these potentially complex arrangements with efficiency and transparency.
7. Potential Disputes: Even with meticulous planning, sellers may occasionally encounter disputes or challenges during the transfer process. It is crucial to address such issues promptly by seeking appropriate legal advice and pursuing effective methods of conflict resolution. All legal matters must be fully resolved before the property transfer can be completed.
8. Register with the DLD: Registering the transaction with the DLD is one of the most important steps in the transfer process. Both parties (or a representative) must appear before the DLD to complete registration formalities, submitting required documents such as the sale agreement and the title deed. Once the DLD is satisfied, the new owner's details can be recorded and a revised deed issued, thus removing your legal rights to the property.
9. Mortgage Transfer (if applicable): If you have bought the property with a mortgage, transferring ownership involves some extra steps. Both buyer and seller need to coordinate with the lender to either transfer the mortgage or arrange for it to be paid in full. Transferring a mortgage requires lender approval and may involve additional fees, so it is important to coordinate with the lender early in the process to avoid any potential sticking points.
10. Estate Planning: While most property sales involve transactions with unrelated buyers as part of an investment strategy, some transfers may occur within families as part of broader estate planning. In such cases, it is essential to seek professional legal advice to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Making informed decisions regarding the transfer of assets – including consideration of potential tax implications – is crucial in facilitating a smooth and legally sound process.
11. Document Review: Upon completion, it is important to review and maintain comprehensive records of the sale, including the sale agreement and title deed. This will ensure a smoother process in the future should any discrepancies arise.
12. Understanding Tax Implications: Dubai currently has no capital gains tax on property for individual sellers. However, it is important to understand potential tax implications for investors planning to sell for profit, as things like VAT may apply to certain property transactions. Consulting a qualified tax specialist is strongly advised to ensure full clarity on your specific circumstances and to mitigate any risks associated with unforeseen or unaccounted tax obligations.
Just like resale property, selling off-plan requires the knowledge of a qualified real estate professional and some knowledge of the Dubai real estate market. By working with an experienced agent, understanding buyer motivations, and staying informed about pricing, payment plans, and developer requirements, sellers can navigate the off-plan market with confidence. With careful planning and the right guidance, selling an off-plan property in Dubai can be a smooth and profitable experience, allowing you to maximise returns while meeting the needs of today’s discerning buyers.
