I help you choose off-plan projects from vetted developers, with your money held in regulated escrow and someone you trust on the ground from start to finish.
2-minute quiz · prices in USD, EUR or AED · no cost
In the UAE there are off-plan studios from around US$150,000 (AED 550,000). And you don't need all the money up front: you pay in parts.
20% down payment + 4% registration. On a US$190,000 studio (AED 700,000) that is about US$45,800 (AED 168,000).
Depending on the project's payment plan: on that same studio, between US$9,500 and US$57,000.
In stages during construction and when you get the keys, in cash, with a mortgage or a post-handover plan.
Some projects ask for a smaller down payment (5–10%). Approximate amounts at AED 3.67 per USD.
That's why you need less cash up front and buy at launch prices.
You pay the down payment (5–20%) plus registration and sign the contract. The purchase is registered in your name with the government.
You pay instalments as construction progresses. The money goes to the project's escrow account, not to the developer.
You pay the balance in cash, with a mortgage or a post-handover plan. Then you rent it out, use it or sell it.
Every off-plan project in the UAE has a government-regulated escrow account (RERA/DLD in Dubai, ADREC in Abu Dhabi). The developer is paid only as construction progress is verified.
If all your wealth sits in one country, one currency and one market, any local crisis hits all of it. Here's what changes when part of it is here.
The dirham has been fixed to the US dollar (AED 3.6725 per USD) since 1997, so your property doesn't lose value against the dollar through exchange rates.
No personal income tax, no tax on rental income and no capital gains tax in the UAE. What you owe at home depends on your tax residence.
Start with 5–20% and pay the rest in stages during construction. Some projects keep instalments going after handover.
Property from AED 2M (≈ US$545,000) qualifies for the 10-year Golden Visa, with no requirement to live here.
Ask for Golden Visa optionsExample using Kore, a studio in Dubai Land Residence Complex. Real numbers depend on the unit, the market when it is handed over and how it is managed.
| Price | US$190,700AED 700,000 |
|---|---|
| At signing · 20% + 4% registration | US$45,800 |
| During construction · 30%, until 2028 | US$57,200 |
| At handover · 50% | US$95,400cash or mortgage |
| Estimated rent | US$14,900 a year7.8% gross, at today's rents |
| Service charges and management | − US$2,400 a yearestimate |
| Estimated net income | ≈ US$12,500 a year≈ 6.5% of the price |
Rent is calculated at today's prices. By the time you get the keys, in about 2 to 3 years, it would normally be expected to be higher, although that is not guaranteed. Estimates, not guarantees. Rent: average gross yield for the area. Service charges: ≈ AED 15 per sq ft a year. Management: 5% of rent. There is no UAE tax on rental income; your home country may tax it.
I worked in marketing in Paris and came to Dubai for an MBA. I then spent two years as a product and project manager before moving into real estate in 2024. Since then I have closed more than 70 sales and rentals.
"If the numbers don't work, I'll tell you. I'd rather lose a sale than a client."
Sales, purchases and rentals in Dubai.
Your review helps other investors know what to expect. I read every one and, with your permission, publish it here.
Did you buy, sell or rent with me?
Leave a reviewThese are just 3 examples from my current shortlist: there are many more options available. The quiz shows the ones that fit your numbers.
Dubai · Dubai Land Residence Complex
Payment plan: 20% at signing · 30% during construction · 50% at handover
One of the lowest entry points in Dubai, in a rental-focused community with yields around 7–8%, and wellness amenities.
At signing you pay 20% plus 4% registration, and half is due at handover in 2028.
Ask about Kore
Abu Dhabi · Al Reem Island
Payment plan: 5% at signing · 35% during construction · 60% at handover
Only 7% at signing with a government-backed developer, and the 2-bed price is above the AED 2M Golden Visa threshold.
60% is due at handover in 2030. As a non-resident, plan now how you will cover it.
Ask about Tara Park
Ras Al Khaimah · Mina Al Arab
Payment plan: 10% at signing · 40% during construction · 50% at handover
Beachfront living on Mina Al Arab from the emirate's main developer, in Ras Al Khaimah, where the Wynn Al Marjan resort is due to open in 2027.
RAK's rental market is smaller than Dubai's, so we check demand for your unit type before you buy.
Ask about Mirasol 2Developer "from" prices as of 16 Oct 2026, converted at AED 3.67 per USD and subject to availability. "At signing" = down payment + registration.
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You're welcome to visit, and I'd be glad to show you around. But you don't need to in order to buy.
| Cost | How much |
|---|---|
| Registration | 4% of the price in Dubai (+ admin fees) · 2% in Abu DhabiPaid at the start, with the down payment |
| Agency commission | Off-plan bought from the developer: normally none for the buyer |
| Transfers | Whatever your bank charges per international wire |
| Service charges | Yearly fee per sq ft from handover; varies by community |
| UAE taxes | None on rental income or on the gain when you sell, for individuals |
| Taxes at home | Depend on your tax residence: see the tax map for your country |
Approximate figures for guidance only. Not tax advice: confirm your situation with an accountant in your country.
Yes. Reservation, contract signing and payments can all be done remotely, and the purchase is registered in your name with the government. Your money goes into the project's regulated escrow account, not to a person.
By international transfer from an account in your name, straight to the project escrow account listed in your contract. Never to a personal account, including mine. Your bank may ask for proof of the source of funds, so keep it handy.
It depends on your tax residence. The UAE doesn't tax rental income or capital gains for individuals, but your country may tax them and ask you to declare the foreign asset. The tax map gives you the overview; confirm it with your accountant.
Some UAE banks lend to non-residents, with more requirements and a lower share of the value. Most overseas buyers use the developer's payment plan, and some projects keep instalments going after handover.
I do. I find your tenant, handle the rental contract and, when you want to sell, the resale. You don't need anyone else.
Generally yes, by assigning the contract to another buyer. Developers usually require a minimum percentage to be paid first; I'll tell you what it is for each project.
Your contract sets the handover date and grace period, and escrow funds are only released against verified construction progress. That's why I check every developer's delivery record before recommending them.
Take the 2-minute quiz to see which projects fit you, or book a video call and we'll go through it together.
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