How buying off-plan in Dubai actually works

The sequence

1. EOI (Expression of Interest). A refundable deposit that queues you for allocation at launch. Hot launches allocate best units to earliest EOIs.
2. Unit selection & booking. On launch day you pick from available inventory; booking deposit (usually 5–20%) fixes the price.
3. SPA (Sale & Purchase Agreement). The contract: unit, price, payment schedule, handover date, penalties both ways. Read the delay-compensation and clawback clauses — we annotate them for every client.
4. DLD fee. 4% of price + admin, usually due with the first instalment. Some promos waive it — that is a real 4% discount.
5. Oqood. DLD's pre-title registration in your name. It is your proof of ownership until handover — and your Golden Visa trigger at AED 2M+.
6. Instalments → handover. Payments follow the schedule (often linked to construction milestones verified by DLD inspections). At completion you inspect, sign handover, receive keys — and the title deed replaces the Oqood.

The two clauses that matter most

Delay compensation: what the developer owes you if handover slips beyond the grace period (usually 6–12 months). Exit terms: resale of off-plan (assignment) is typically allowed after 30–40% paid — that is your liquidity before keys.