Off-Plan Projects in the UAE

You buy the property during construction, directly from the developer. The unit is registered in your name via the Abu Dhabi Oqood system and handed over on completion — typically 12 to 36 months after launch.

Yes. Every off-plan project in Abu Dhabi must be registered with ADREC, and buyer payments are held in regulated escrow accounts released to the developer only against certified construction progress.

Most current projects offer construction-linked plans such as 60/40, 65/35 or 80/20 — meaning 60–80% is paid during construction and the balance at handover. Select developers offer post-handover terms of up to seven years.

Yes — designated investment zones including Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, Yas Island and Al Maryah Island are open to 100% freehold ownership for all nationalities.

Budget approximately 2–3% for registration (2% in Abu Dhabi) plus a small admin fee. There is no annual property tax and no capital gains tax in the UAE.