Glossary · UAE
Escrow
A regulated account holding a buyer’s off-plan payments, releasing funds to the developer only against verified construction milestones.
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Around this term
Related terms.
Built-Up Area (BUA)
A commonly used UAE property measurement describing the total built-up floor area of a property, generally including the internal built structure and defined areas such as walls, subject to the measurement basis used.
Dubai Service Charge
Charges payable by owners of units in jointly owned property towards the management, operation, maintenance and upkeep of common areas and facilities.
Dubai Title Deed
An official document evidencing registered ownership of a property in Dubai, issued through the Dubai Land Department.
Property Handover
The stage at which a completed or substantially completed property is formally delivered by the developer to the purchaser, subject to the applicable contractual and regulatory requirements.
Encumbrance
Any claim, charge, or restriction on a property — such as a mortgage, lien, easement, or covenant — that may affect its value or the owner's ability to sell.
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
A certificate showing the energy efficiency of a property, rated from A to G. An EPC is generally required when a property is marketed for sale or rent in England and Wales.
Go deeper
Related reading.
- Guide · Off-PlanThe Best Areas to Buy Property in Dubai in 2026, RankedDubai's property market has entered a more selective phase in 2026 after several years of exceptional growth. We rank the best areas to buy property in Dubai, from established prime districts such as Dubai Hills Estate and Palm Jumeirah to high-yield locations including Jumeirah Village Circle and emerging growth markets such as Dubai South.
- Guide · Off-PlanBuying Off-Plan Property in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Buyers and InvestorsBuying off-plan property in Dubai can provide access to new developments, staged payment plans and potential capital appreciation before completion. But the headline price is only part of the investment case. Buyers need to assess the developer, project location, construction progress, escrow arrangements, Sales and Purchase Agreement, payment schedule, service charges, financing requirements and exit liquidity. This guide explains how the Dubai off-plan market works, the costs involved, the protections available through Dubai’s regulatory framework, and the key due diligence investors and owner-occupiers should complete before committing capital.
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