Dubai · Off-plan basics

How do I buy off-plan in Dubai: EOI, SPA and Oqood?

You buy off-plan in Dubai in four steps: reserve with an EOI (if the developer uses one), sign the SPA, register the initial sale on Oqood with Dubai Land Department, then follow the payment plan into the project escrow. The SPA and DLD rules control the deal, not a brochure.

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The short path

1. Pick a unit type and budget. We confirm live availability and the current payment plan with the developer.
2. Pay the EOI or booking amount the developer states for that unit (if required).
3. Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA). All terms are subject to the SPA.
4. Register the initial sale on Oqood with Dubai Land Department within the window DLD sets (its e-service states within 90 days of the SPA).
5. Pay instalments into the regulated project escrow account under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007, on the SPA schedule.

EOI (Expression of Interest)

An EOI holds your place while the developer allocates a unit. Amounts and refund rules differ by project. Example: Danube's materials for Shahrukhz Residences list EOI amounts by unit type; other developers may skip a formal EOI and go straight to a booking form. Always get the EOI terms in writing before you transfer money.

SPA (Sale and Purchase Agreement)

The SPA is the contract that matters. It locks the unit, price, payment dates, expected handover, and what happens if construction or payments slip. Marketing sheets are indicative; the SPA is binding. We walk you through the SPA before you sign.

Oqood (initial sale registration)

Oqood records your off-plan purchase with Dubai Land Department. Per DLD's "Request to register the initial sale" e-service (checked Oct 2026): register within 90 days of the SPA; fees are commonly 2% seller + 2% buyer of the contract value, plus small admin fees (AED 10 + AED 10 on that page). Who pays which share can be negotiated in the SPA; many deals treat the buyer's share as part of the familiar 4% DLD transfer fee. Confirm the live fee line on dubailand.gov.ae before you budget.

How this fits a real project

On a live launch the sequence is the same whether you are looking at Riverside Views by DAMAC, Muraba Veil, or Kanyon by BEYOND. Only the EOI size, instalment dates and escrow bank change.

What to read next

For costs, visas, areas and red flags in one place, get the free Dubai Investor Playbook. When you are ready to shortlist a unit, request a callback.

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FAQ

What is an EOI in Dubai real estate?

An Expression of Interest is a reservation step before the SPA. You put down an amount the developer sets for that unit. Whether it is refundable depends on that developer's EOI terms, not on a single city-wide rule. Read the EOI form before you pay.

Is the EOI refundable?

Only if the developer's EOI terms say so. Ask for the written refund rules, the allocation window, and what happens if your preferred unit is not allocated.

What is the SPA?

The Sale and Purchase Agreement is the binding contract. It sets the price, payment schedule, handover target, and the remedies if either side misses a term. All commercial terms are subject to the SPA.

What is Oqood?

Oqood is Dubai Land Department's initial sale registration for off-plan units. DLD's e-service states registration within 90 days of the SPA, with sale registration fees commonly described as 2% seller + 2% buyer (plus small admin fees). Confirm the current schedule on the DLD site before you sign.

How much cash do I need at the start?

Ovation's standing practice (Rahul Agiwal, 22 Oct 2026) is that Dubai off-plan requires a 20% down payment under the DLD framework, which developers may split across the first months, plus the 4% DLD transfer fee. The exact first transfer and timing are in the SPA and the developer's booking letter.

Can I buy without flying to Dubai?

Often yes, with passport copies, KYC, and remote signing arranged through the developer or a trustee. See our guide on buying from abroad, or request a callback.

Where can I see live projects?

Start with our answer pages for Shahrukhz Residences, Riverside Views by DAMAC, Muraba Veil, and Kanyon by BEYOND. Then download the Dubai Investor Playbook.