What should I ask when buying a new-build or off-plan property in the UAE?

For any off-plan or new-build UAE purchase, first confirm the project is registered with RERA and has an active escrow account — the escrow account number must appear on your SPA. Verify it on the Dubai REST app under Project Status. If the developer cannot show you the escrow number, do not pay.

Ask for the expected handover date and what happens if it slips: Check the SPA's delay clauses closely — your remedies depend on that contract and on RERA/DLD rules for the project, so ask a lawyer before you rely on any grace period. Get the exact payment plan in writing — booking, construction milestones, and post-handover schedule if any. A 10-year post-handover plan sounds attractive but often carries a higher headline price.

Ask which developer entity issues the Oqood (interim registration with DLD), what the DLD registration fee for the Oqood is (the 4% DLD fee applies; developers sometimes pay part of it as an incentive), and what the unit-swap and cancellation policies are before handover. Finally, ask for the snagging window — usually 30 days from handover — and the defect liability period (minimum 12 months by law).

Last reviewed 2026-10-01 by PropertyConnect Editorial. Sources: Dubai Land Department (DLD); Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), part of DLD.

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