Buying Guide · Abu Dhabi
How Off-Plan Payment Plans Work in Abu Dhabi
The structure, one published example, and the questions worth asking.
A payment plan is the single biggest reason people buy off-plan, and the least understood part of the contract. Two projects with the same price can be very different purchases if one takes half the money on booking and the other spreads it until after handover.
Projects
Off-PlanReem Hills
Reem Hills, Al Reem Island · Modon
From AED 1.5 million (one bedroom apartment)
1 BR · Villas, townhouses, apartments
View project →Elie Saab Waterfront
Al Reem Island · Ohana Development
Price on request
Layouts on request · Apartments, penthouses
View project →
Off-Plan · BrandedW Residences Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island · Taraf
Price on request
1 to 4 BR · Apartments
View project →
Off-PlanAl Maryah Vista 2
Al Maryah Island · Reportage Properties
Price on request
Studio to 4 BR · Studios, apartments, penthouses
View project →The usual structure
A common structure is a booking deposit, a further payment when you sign the Sales and Purchase Agreement, staged payments tied to construction milestones, and a balance on handover. Some projects add a post-handover period. Every project is different, so read the schedule, not the headline.
One published example
Modon states a 50/50 payment plan for Reem Hills on Al Reem Island: half of the price is paid during construction and half on handover. Most other developers in our directory do not publish a plan on their own websites, so the current plan is obtained from the developer or an authorised sales office.
What each instalment depends on
Ask whether an instalment is due on a date or on a construction milestone, because a date-based plan keeps charging you if the build is late. Ask what happens to your payments if the handover slips, and whether there is a fee to assign the contract to a new buyer.
Escrow
Registered off-plan projects hold buyer payments in escrow, which protects the money but not your time. Ask which bank holds the escrow account, and how funds are released to the developer.
Frequently Asked Questions
See what is for sale
More Abu Dhabi buying guides
Related Guides
AD Residences · Abu Dhabi
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Speak with a AD Residences advisor. Private briefings available by appointment.