Your money, protected by law
Sending €30,000, €50,000 or €100,000 abroad is a big step. That's why we explain how the system works and show you how to check everything yourself.
“We don't want you to trust us blindly. We want you to be able to verify everything we tell you.”
The developer isn't paid until it builds
When you buy off-plan you don't pay the developer directly. Your money goes into the project's escrow account and is released in stages as construction progresses.
You pay
You transfer each instalment to the escrow account named in your contract, never to a personal account.
Project escrow account
An account at a DLD-approved bank, used only for that project. The developer can't use that money for anything else.
Supervised by the DLD and RERAThe developer gets paid
The bank releases the money in stages, according to construction progress certified by an engineer and reviewed by the DLD.
The bodies that protect you
Six concepts worth understanding before you buy, explained without jargon.
Dubai Land Department (DLD)
The government body that registers every property, sale and rental in Dubai. It's a land registry and cadastre rolled into one.
RERA
The DLD's regulatory agency. It licenses and supervises developers, projects, agencies and agents, approves listings and monitors escrow accounts.
Escrow account
The dedicated bank account for each off-plan project (Law 8/2007). Your money stays there and is only released to the developer as construction progresses.
Oqood
The DLD's interim registration of your off-plan purchase. It proves the unit is yours while it's being built. At handover it becomes the title deed.
SPA (sale and purchase agreement)
Your contract with the developer. It sets the price, the payment plan, the expected handover date and what happens if either party defaults.
Title deed
The final ownership document the DLD issues in your name once the home is handed over and you've paid in full.
Step by step, with a document at every step
At every stage you receive an official document, so you always know where your purchase stands.
Booking
You choose the unit and secure it with a booking payment.
Booking formContract
You review and sign the contract with the developer, remotely if you wish.
Signed SPARegistration
The developer registers your purchase with the DLD.
Oqood certificatePayments
You pay the instalments into the project's escrow account.
Payment receiptsConstruction
You follow the project's progress with the official tools.
Construction status on the DLDHandover
Inspection of the home and handover of keys.
Handover certificateOwnership
The DLD issues the final title deed in your name.
Title deedDon't take our word for it: check it
Everything important can be checked on the Dubai Land Department's official website or its free Dubai REST app. Including what we tell you.
Is the project registered?
With the DLD's Project Status service you can look up the project and see whether it's registered, who the developer is and what stage it's at.
Check the project status →How is construction going?
The DLD's Project Status service shows each project's completion percentage. Compare it with the site photos and videos we send you.
See the construction % →Is it the right escrow account?
The account you pay into must be named in your SPA and be in the project's name. Check it in the DLD's Project Status service: search for the project and, in its tabs, open the Escrow option; the official escrow account is shown there. Never pay into personal accounts.
See the project's escrow account →Is your agent licensed?
Every agent has a professional card with a BRN number and every agency an ORN number. Look up your agent by name and surname in the DLD's official register of licensed brokers.
Look up your agent in the DLD register →Is the price right?
Every sale is registered with the DLD. In the DLD's open data section you can see what similar units in the same building or area have sold for.
Search real transactions →Is the unit in my name?
With your Oqood certificate or title deed you can check with the DLD that the property is registered in your name.
Verify your title deed →Pay the way that suits you
Dubai is one of the few markets in the world that accepts so many ways to pay for a home. Always with the traceability the law requires.
Bank transfer
International transfer from your bank, in euros, pesos or dollars, straight to the project's escrow account.
Credit card
Many developers accept card payments for the booking and for payment plan instalments.
Cryptocurrency
More and more developers accept crypto, through regulated platforms that convert it into dirhams.
Cash
Cash is also accepted at the developer's offices, subject to identity and source-of-funds checks.
What the law says if there are problems
We'd rather be clear from the start. These are the safeguards in place if a project runs into trouble.
If construction is delayed
Your SPA sets the expected date and the grace period. If it's exceeded, you can claim under the terms of the contract. Money not yet justified by construction stays in the escrow account.
If RERA cancels the project
The developer must refund what buyers have paid, and the refund is handled through the project's escrow account under DLD supervision.
Where to claim
Dubai has a special judicial committee for unfinished or cancelled projects. Its decisions are binding and enforced through the Dubai courts.
Sources: Law 8/2007 on escrow accounts; Law 13/2008 on the interim register and its amendments; Dubai Land Department. General information, not legal advice: each case depends on the contract signed.