Buying Off-Plan in Dubai from Nigeria or Abroad

How off-plan purchase works in Dubai, which extra costs to expect and how to buy safely from a distance, from foreign-buyer rules to Oqood.

Can foreigners buy in Dubai?

Yes. Foreigners, including people who do not live in the UAE, may buy in the areas of Dubai designated for them, such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. So the first check on any home is whether it sits in one of those areas. We confirm this before you spend time on a shortlist.

Prices and official fees are quoted in UAE dirhams (AED), the national currency, which is pegged to the US dollar. Across our current listings, 41 projects are available, with homes starting from AED 598,500 and an average of AED 700-4,800 per square foot.

How an off-plan purchase works

Off-plan means you buy a home that is still being built, directly from the developer. A developer selling off-plan must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, which is part of the Dubai Land Department. Ask to see that registration before you reserve anything.

Your payments do not go to the developer's general account. They are paid into a project escrow account reserved for construction. Every off-plan sale must also be recorded in the Dubai Land Department's interim property register, known as Oqood. A sale that is not recorded there is void, so we treat this step as non-negotiable.

The extra costs beyond the price

The price on the brochure is not the whole outlay. Buyers pay Dubai Land Department registration and title deed fees, plus a registration trustee's service fee. If a broker is involved, a commission may also apply. We tell you in advance what applies to your purchase, so nothing appears at the last moment.

Ownership also brings running costs. Owners pay service charges for shared areas such as lobbies, pools and grounds. Ask the developer for the expected service charge on the unit, and include it when you compare one project with another.

Buying safely from a distance

You do not have to travel to complete the purchase. A buyer who cannot attend can complete it through a representative holding a duly notarised power of attorney. Choose that representative with care, and have the document limited to the transaction you intend.

Outside the Dubai International Financial Centre, which keeps its own register, a sale is valid only when recorded by the Dubai Land Department. That department issues the title deed. Before paying, check that the developer is registered, that the payment plan runs through the escrow account and that your purchase will be recorded in Oqood.

What to do next

Tell us your budget, the areas you prefer and whether you will sign in person or through a representative. We will then show you projects that fit, and walk you through the contract, fees and registration steps before you commit.

Updated October 2026 · Data: Palmera