Buying property under construction (Off-Plan) in Dubai is one of the most popular investment formats. Especially considering the 0% installment plan, the ability to choose the best unit at the start, and the potential increase in value by the time of delivery. But it is at the stage of choosing a new building that it is important to be as aware as possible: not all projects are equally suitable for living or investing.
In this article, you will receive a checklist of 14 key points that you must check before signing a contract with a developer.
- Decide on the purpose of purchase
The first and most important step is to understand why you are buying a property:
Purpose of purchase Suitable areas
For life Dubai Hills, Arjan, MBR City
For rent Business Bay, Downtown, Dubai Marina
For Off-plan resale at JVT, Dubai South, Sobha Hartland
Many shoppers' mistake is choosing an area based on visual impression rather than real purpose. For example, Dubai Hills is an area with a high level of comfort and excellent infrastructure for living, but it is already close to its peak in terms of investment profitability.
- Choose a broker with a blue license
The second most important step is choosing a professional and official broker who will be able to:
• Check the developer's reputation
• Check if the project is in the Freehold zone
• Check the SPA agreement for restrictions (for example, on rent)
• Make sure the developer has an escrow account
• Accompany the transaction from a legal point of view
Make sure your broker has a blue personal brokerage license (RERA Card) — it is issued by an official regulator and guarantees professional access to trades.
At Green City Real Estate, every broker has such licenses. This is our standard practice.
- Check the house's pet policy
Not all residential complexes in Dubai are pet-friendly. Some towers impose severe restrictions or bans, especially in the premium segment. If you have a dog or cat, be sure to check this before signing the contract.
- Family infrastructure
If you're planning to live in an apartment with children, proximity to schools, gardens, parks, clinics, and shopping malls becomes critical. Even short distances in Dubai can be a nuisance without convenient interchanges.
- Inspection of neighboring sites
Many investors buy an apartment with a “view”, but then a new building appears nearby — and all that remains from the window is concrete and the noise of construction.
Check out:
• What's on the neighboring sites
• What permits have already been issued
• Are construction projects planned in the neighborhood
Use the zoning map and the official DLD map.
- The developer's reputation and portfolio
Before buying, it is important to:
• Explore the developer's completed projects
• Compare promises and actual building quality
• Finding out whether the developer was a general contractor (contractor) is a plus
- Explore the SPA (purchase agreement)
Be sure to request a draft SPA (Sales Purchase Agreement) before payment:
• Are short term rentals allowed
• What are the resale conditions before delivery
• Are there any penalties for late payment
- Parking location and exit
There are projects in Dubai where the parking lot leads directly to the highway, and there may be prolonged traffic jams during rush hours.
Please specify:
• Where is the parking lot located
• Are there convenient entrances/exits
• Is a second trip planned?
- Number of elevators in the building
High-rise buildings with poor elevator logistics are a real comfort. Check:
• Number of elevators per driveway
• How many apartments are served by each lift
• Are there separate service elevators
- Is this a Freehold zone?
Buying in the Freehold zone is full and unconditional ownership. Some projects are located on borders and may formally be Leasehold.
- Resale before delivery
Developers allow the unit to be resold only after a certain% has been paid:
• Most often it is 30-50% of the total cost
• Please check if an additional transfer fee is required
• Does the developer have an internal resale process
- Escrow account: customer protection
All payments (except bookings) must by law go to an escrow account registered with the DLD.
Check out:
• Official escrow number
• The coincidence of data in the contract
• Appointment of an auditor and trustee
- Verification of project registration in the DLD
Be sure to make sure that:
• The project has a Project Number
• Assigned by Trustee Office
• The project is being registered with the DLD
The final checklist before purchasing Off-Plan
Point Why do you need it
The purpose of the purchase is to live or invest?
Licensed Broker — Legal Protection and Expertise
Animal policy — So you don't lose your pet
Infrastructure nearby — Comfort of life
Neighboring sites — View and noise
Developer's reputation — Will he deliver on time and with quality
SPA contract terms and conditions — Resale and rent
Parking — Easy to travel
Elevators — Comfort and logistics
Freehold Zone — Secure Property
Resale conditions — Exit from the project
Escrow account — Financial protection
Registration in the DLD — The legality of the transaction
Would you like to have it all checked for you? Only licensed brokers with blue personal RERA cards work at Green City Real Estate. We will check everything to the smallest detail and select only the most reliable options.
Contact us and we'll start our risk-free journey to your property in Dubai.
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