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Your First Off-Plan Property? 7 Questions You Need to Ask the Developer

Your First Off-Plan Property? 7 Questions You Need to Ask the Developer

May 29, 2025

by

QUBE Development

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Summary

Buying your first off-plan property in Dubai? Don’t just rely on brochures and payment plans. This blog outlines 7 smart, must-ask questions to help you spot red flags, avoid delays, and make sure your investment is secure — with no nasty surprises later.

Buying your first off-plan property in Dubai is exciting. There’s the glossy brochures, the show units that smell like fresh coffee and wood polish, the dream of a brand-new home — or a high-return investment.

But here’s the thing: off-plan isn’t the same as ready property. You’re committing to something that’s still under construction (or maybe hasn’t even broken ground yet). And that means you’re putting a lot of trust in the developer.

So before you sign anything — or pay that booking amount — ask these 7 questions. Out loud. To the developer. In person, on email, on WhatsApp… whatever works. Just don’t skip them.

Is the Project Registered with RERA and Does it Have an Escrow Account?

This one’s not just a technicality — it’s your safety net.

If the project isn’t registered with Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), or doesn’t have an escrow account approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), your money isn’t legally protected. That escrow account ensures your payments go directly toward construction — not marketing, salaries, or mystery expenses.

Ask for the RERA registration number. They should have it handy. And if they hesitate? That’s a red flag.

What’s the Exact Payment Schedule, and Is It Linked to Construction Milestones?

Some developers offer tempting 1% monthly payment plans. Others go for 50/50 or 60/40 splits. What really matters is how the payments are tied to construction.

Ideally, you want milestone-linked payments. That means you’re paying when actual progress happens — not just based on calendar dates. If the structure’s done, you pay. If the finishing’s done, you pay again.

Also — don’t forget to ask when the final payment is due. Is it at handover? Or months before?

What Happens if There’s a Delay in Delivery?

It’s off-plan. Delays can (and do) happen.

The developer should be transparent about how they handle them. Some offer penalty clauses or rent compensation. Others won’t — and that’s a detail buried in the fine print of your SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement).

Ask for clarity. And get it in writing.

Can I Resell Before Handover? If So, When and How?

If there’s even a small chance you’ll want to exit the deal early, this question matters.

Most developers allow reselling — but only after you’ve paid a certain percentage (often 30%–50%). You’ll also need an NOC (No Objection Certificate), and there may be a fee involved.

And yes, some developers restrict resales altogether until handover. You don’t want to be surprised later when your plans change.

Who’s Managing the Building After Handover, and What Are the Expected Service Charges?

Once you move in (or lease it out), someone’s got to maintain the lifts, clean the pool, water the plants, and deal with community complaints. That’s where facilities management comes in — and it affects your ongoing costs.

Ask:

  • Who’s managing the property?
  • How much are the estimated annual service charges per sq. ft.?
  • Have they managed other buildings before?

Higher-end projects come with higher fees — but the experience should match.

Can I Visit a Completed Project by the Same Developer?

Show units are nice — but they’re curated. Real-life buildings give you the real story.

Ask to see another project the developer has completed. Not the photos. A physical visit. Look at the finishes, the hallway lighting, the lobby, even the smell. Are things aging well? Are the walls cracked? Is the landscaping maintained?

How they treat a building 2–3 years after handover tells you more than any brochure ever could.

Are There Any Hidden Costs I Should Know About?

This is the question most people don’t ask. And then end up shocked by:

  • Oqood registration
  • DLD fees (4% of purchase price)
  • Admin or NOC charges
  • Chiller or cooling costs
  • Furniture packages (if “fully furnished” doesn’t actually mean what you thought)

A good developer will walk you through all of this. A great one will give you a breakdown before you ask.

Final Thought

The Dubai property market is more mature than ever — especially in 2025. But buying off-plan still comes with layers. Some are obvious. Some aren’t. The best thing you can do? Stay curious. Ask awkward questions. Don’t worry about sounding skeptical — this is your money, your future home, your investment.

And if the developer seems irritated by your questions? That’s your answer, right there.

About QUBE Development:

QUBE Development, a subsidiary of DHG Investments, is a leading real estate developer in Dubai of high-quality residential and commercial properties. Standing on a 30-year legacy of experience and excellence, QUBE is dedicated to transforming living spaces in the UAE by integrating sustainable architecture, captivating design, and unparalleled amenities.

As a community-focused property developer in Dubai, QUBE Development aims to set the benchmark for real estate development by creating the foundation for generational wealth for customers. The company prioritizes durability and quality in every project. Expanding its portfolio throughout the UAE, QUBE Development responds swiftly to the evolving market demands, maintaining a commitment to providing the highest quality builds through collaborations with world-renowned architects and in partnership with a dedicated contractor to ensure meticulous attention to design and construction.

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