Selling Off-Plan Property Before Completion

You can often resell an off-plan unit before handover, but only on the developer’s terms, which usually require a minimum share of the price to be paid. The buyer takes over your contract through a developer NOC and a Land Department registration, with fees on both sides.

Updated 27 October 2026 · 1 min read

Selling before completion (often called an assignment) transfers your SPA to a new buyer. It needs the developer’s approval, usually only once you have paid a set percentage of the price, plus registration with the Dubai Land Department.

How it works

  1. Check your SPA

    Find the resale clause: the minimum amount paid, the developer’s fee and any restrictions.

  2. Price the unit

    Compare current launch prices in the same project and completed nearby buildings. Remember the buyer must also fund the remaining instalments.

  3. Agree terms with a buyer

    The price usually covers what you have paid plus any premium. The buyer takes over the remaining payment plan.

  4. Developer NOC

    The developer confirms your payments are up to date and approves the transfer, charging its admin fee.

  5. Register the transfer

    The transfer is registered in Oqood under the buyer’s name, with the applicable Land Department fee, typically 4% of the resale price and customarily paid by the buyer.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Marketing the unit before checking the developer’s resale conditions.
  • Forgetting that buyers price in the remaining payments and fees.
  • Falling behind on instalments, which blocks the NOC.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax, financial or lending advice. Fees, rules and procedures change and depend on the property, the parties and the contract. Confirm current details with the relevant authority and qualified advisers before acting.

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Common questions

Can I sell my off-plan property before handover in Dubai?

Often yes, if the developer allows it. Most developers require a minimum percentage of the price to be paid before they will issue a resale NOC.

Who pays the DLD fee when reselling off-plan?

The Land Department fee on the resale is customarily paid by the buyer, but this can be negotiated.

Does the new buyer take over my payment plan?

Yes. The buyer takes over the SPA and pays the remaining instalments to the developer.

Keep reading

Sources

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