Everything You Need to Know About Off-Plan Property in the UAE
The UAE’s off-plan property market has consistently attracted both local and international investors due to its dynamic nature and strong growth potential. With numerous new developments, the market provides opportunities to purchase properties before completion, often at competitive prices. The UAE government’s commitment to real estate and infrastructure development, combined with flexible payment plans and high-quality designs, has fostered a thriving market.
Top Off-Plan Projects for Buying Off-Plan Property in the UAE
From high-end residences in Dubai to waterfront communities in Ras Al Khaimah and affordable housing in Ajman, investors and homebuyers can explore prime locations with flexible payment plans and promising capital appreciation.
Top Off-Plan Projects in Dubai
- Emaar South: Located in Dubai South, this development by Emaar offers starting prices from AED 850K. Ideal for buyers seeking proximity to the Expo 2020 site and Al Maktoum International Airport, the project also offers a flexible payment plan.
- Ghaf Woods: Starting from AED 1.2M, this project by Majid Al Futtaim is expected to be handed over in 2027. Ghaf Woods comes with a convenient 60/40 payment plan, providing additional flexibility for buyers.
- The Valley by Emaar: This development by Emaar is priced from AED 1.53M and is set to be handed over in Q4 2028. Multiple payment plans are available, making it easier for buyers to invest in this premium community.
- Madinat Jumeirah Living: With prices starting at AED 1.46M, this upscale development by Meraas is expected to be completed in 2025. It offers multiple payment plans, ensuring flexibility for potential buyers.
- Athlon: Developed by Aldar, Athlon starts at AED 2.8M and is scheduled for handover in Q3 2028. The project offers a 60/40 payment plan, providing convenient terms for prospective buyers.
Top Off-Plan Projects in Abu Dhabi
- Saadiyat Lagoons: Located on Saadiyat Island, this upscale development by Aldar starts from AED 6.4M. Handover is scheduled for Q2 2026, and buyers can benefit from a flexible 40/60 payment plan.
- Manarat Living: This Aldar development is also situated on Saadiyat Island near Abu Dhabi’s cultural district. Prices start at AED 635K, and completion is expected in Q1 2026, with a 40/60 payment plan.
- The Sustainable City: Located on Yas Island and developed by Aldar, this eco-conscious community starts from AED 892K. The project is set for completion in Q1 2026 and offers a 35/65 post-handover payment plan.
- Bloom Living: Developed by Bloom, Bloom Living starts from 590K. With multiple payment plans, this project is expected to be completed in 2026.
- Reem Hills: Set on Al Reem Island, this luxury project by Q Properties starts at AED 10.3M. With stunning waterfront views and lush greenery, the project is scheduled for handover in Q4 2025. Reem Hills also offers a 40/60 payment plan.
Top Off-Plan Projects in Ras Al Khaimah
- Mina Al Arab: Developed by RAK Properties, Mina Al Arab offers a mix of luxurious beachfront villas and upscale apartments, with prices starting from AED 500K. The project features flexible payment plans.
- Al Hamra Village: Developed by Al Hamra Real Estate, Al Hamra Village is a well-established community that includes golf course villas, seafront apartments, and a wide range of leisure facilities. Prices start at AED 900K, and it offers resort-style living with a 50/50 payment plan.
- Marjan Island: Positioned as Ras Al Khaimah’s premier island destination, this luxury development by Eagle Hills starts at AED 800K, with completion expected in 2028.
- Bayviews: Located on the scenic Hayat Island, Bayviews presents value-driven apartments starting from AED 530K. The project includes a 40/60 payment plan, with completion expected in Q3 2025.
- Falcon Island: Developed by Al Hamra, Falcon Island is an exclusive gated community that starts at AED 1.7M. The project is set for completion in 2025 and offers a structured 50/50 payment plan.
Top Off-Plan Projects in Sharjah
- Aljada: Developed by Arada, Aljada is one of Sharjah’s largest master-planned communities. Prices start from AED 650K, and the project offers flexible payment plans. Phased handovers are ongoing and will continue through 2027.
- Masaar: Also by Arada, Masaar is a nature-inspired villa community built around wellness and smart living. With prices starting from AED 1.3M and a flexible payment plan, completion is expected in 2026.
- Maryam Island: Positioned along the Sharjah waterfront, this premium project by Eagle Hills starts from AED 478K. It is expected to be handed over in 2027 and comes with a 30/70 payment plan.
- Tilal City: Developed by Tilal Properties, Tilal City is a mixed-use community offering freehold and leasehold plots for both residential and commercial use. Prices start at AED 1.7M, with tailored payment plans available based on plot type and size.
- Al Mamsha: Developed by Alef Group, Al Mamsha is a vibrant, walkable, car-free community. With prices starting from AED 515K, the project is scheduled for handover in 2029 and includes a 40/60 and 50/50 payment plan.
Top Off-Plan Projects in Umm Al Quwain
- AYA Beachfront Residences: Set along the scenic coast of Umm Al Quwain, this project offers homes starting from AED 1.1M. Handover is scheduled for Q4 2027, and the development includes a 40/60 payment plan.
- Coraline Beach Residences: Located in Al Seanneeah, this Sobha Realty project starts from AED 1.15M. Completion is expected in Q4 2028, and it comes with a 60/40 payment plan.
- Coastline Beach Residences: Also in Al Seanneeah, this modern beachfront development by Sobha Realty is priced from AED 1.21M. Scheduled for handover in Q3 2028 and offers a 60/40 payment plan.
- Bayside Marina Residences: Facing the marina in Al Seanneeah, this waterfront project by Sobha Realty starts from AED 1.23M. It is set for completion in Q1 2029 and includes a 60/40 payment plan.
- Delphine Beach Residences: Positioned in a prime location in Al Seanneeah, this stylish project by Sobha Realty offers homes starting from AED 1.11M. Handover is expected in Q4 2027, and it includes a 60/40 payment plan.
Top Off-Plan Projects in Ajman
- Ajman One Phase 2: Located in Al Rashidiya and developed by Aqaar Developments, this upcoming phase offers affordable apartment living starting from AED 299K. The project is expected to be handed over in Q4 2026.
- Ajman Creek Towers: Developed by GJ Properties, this waterfront project features modern apartments starting from AED 630K. Completion is scheduled for Q4 2026, with a flexible payment plan available.
- Sealine Residence: Situated in Al Zorah, this stylish beachfront development by Al Zorah Development offers units starting from AED 1.42M. The project, set for handover in Q1 2026, includes a 50/50 payment plan.
- Sea Glints Mansions: Developed by Solidere International, this ultra-luxury collection of beachfront mansions starts at AED 29.5M. The project is expected to be completed by Q1 2026, with a 30/70 payment plan available.
- Azha Community: Located in Al Amerah and developed by Emirates Properties, this villa community offers serene suburban living starting from AED 1.74M. Handover is set for Q3 2025, and the project features a 48/52 payment plan.
Leading Developers Behind the UAE’s Newest Projects
Top Developers in Dubai
- Emaar Properties: Known for iconic projects such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Hills Estate.
- Nakheel: The master developer behind Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, and Dubai Islands.
- DAMAC Properties: Specialises in high-end branded residences like Safa One, DAMAC Lagoons, and Aykon City.
- Sobha Realty: Renowned for high-quality developments such as Sobha Hartland and Sobha One.
- Ellington Properties: Focuses on premium residences, with projects like One River Point, DT1, and Belgravia.
Top Developers in Abu Dhabi
- Aldar Properties: Shapes the capital’s real estate scene with landmark developments like Saadiyat Lagoons, Yas Acres, and Reeman Living.
- Bloom Holding: Delivers premium communities such as Bloom Living and Park View.
- Imkan Properties: Behind innovative projects like Makers District and Pixel.
- Reportage Properties: Known for developments like Diva on Yas Island and Al Maryah Vista.
- Radiant Real Estate: Emerging player contributing to the capital’s evolving skyline.
Top Developers in Sharjah
- Arada: Behind transformative projects such as Aljada, Masaar, and Nasma Residences.
- Alef Group: Known for its lifestyle-centric development, Al Mamsha.
- Ajmal Makan: Developer of Sharjah Waterfront City, featuring projects like Al Thuraya Island and Blue Pearls.
- Eagle Hills: Known for Maryam Island and Kalba Waterfront Mall.
- Sharjah Holding: A partnership delivering mixed-use developments.
Top Developers in Ras Al Khaimah
- RAK Properties: Delivered major developments like Mina Al Arab, The Bay Residences, and Marbella Villas.
- Al Hamra Group: Behind signature communities like Al Hamra Village and Falcon Island.
- Emaar Properties: Expanding in RAK with Address Residences Al Marjan Island.
- Dubai Investments Real Estate: Known for Danah Bay and Al Danah Residential Tower.
- Range Ras Al Khaimah: Developing beachfront projects such as The Beach House and The Beach Vista.
Top Developers in Umm Al Quwain
- Sobha Realty: Introducing luxury developments like Coraline Beach Residences, Coastline Beach Residences, and Bayside Marina Residences.
- Deyaar: Entering the UAQ market with AYA Beachfront Residences.
- UAQ Properties: Contributing to the emirate's real estate growth with residential and commercial projects.
Top Developers in Ajman
- Aqaar: Leading developer with projects enhancing Ajman's urban infrastructure.
- GJ Properties: Offers developments like Ajman Creek Towers, Glam Residence, and Oasis Tower 3.
- Al Zorah Development Company: Behind Al Zorah City, featuring projects like Gateway Porto Al Zorah.
- Solidere International: Partner in developing Al Zorah City.
- Emirates Properties: Engaged in residential and commercial developments across Ajman.
Benefits of Buying an Off-Plan Property in the UAE
- Lower Initial Purchase Price: Off-plan properties are typically sold at a lower price compared to completed properties, giving buyers the advantage of purchasing at a discounted rate.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Developers often offer attractive payment structures, such as paying in installments over a few years without needing a large upfront sum.
- Potential for Capital Appreciation: As the property nears completion, its value may increase due to the development of surrounding infrastructure or growth in the area.
- Customization Options: Buyers of off-plan properties may have the opportunity to customize certain aspects of the property, such as interior finishes, layouts, and fixtures.
- Strong Rental Yields: With the UAE’s growing demand for housing, off-plan properties can offer strong rental yields once completed.
Exploring Off-Plan Property Payment Plans in the UAE
Off-plan properties in the UAE are attractive due to flexible and developer-backed payment plans that reduce financial strain on buyers. Most plans follow a 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30 structure, where payments are spread across construction phases. Some developers offer post-handover payment plans, allowing buyers to pay the remaining amount in installments over a few years after moving in. Additionally, down payments can be as low as 5-10%, making homeownership more accessible.
Off-Plan Property Handover Timelines & Project Completion
Handover timelines for off-plan projects in the UAE vary, typically ranging from two to five years, depending on project scale and developer efficiency. While most developers adhere to projected completion dates, external factors such as regulatory approvals, material shortages, and construction delays can impact timelines. Buyers should choose reputable developers with a strong track record of timely deliveries.