Glossary · AE
Off-Plan Property
A property purchased before construction is complete, often directly from a developer using a staged payment plan. Off-plan property is particularly common in Dubai and other UAE markets.
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Around this term
Related terms.
Oqood
A Dubai Land Department registration system used for registering and managing eligible off-plan property transactions and related developer and purchaser records.
Property Payment Plan
An agreed schedule setting out when a buyer must pay instalments towards the purchase of a property, commonly used for UAE off-plan developments.
Real Estate Escrow Account
A regulated project account used to hold payments received from purchasers of off-plan property and other permitted project funds, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.
Chiller-Free
A UAE listing term meaning the cost of district cooling (air-conditioning) is included in the price or rent rather than billed separately to the occupier.
DEWA
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; buyers and tenants register a DEWA account and pay a connection deposit to activate utilities on handover.
Designated Area
An area in Dubai where property ownership rights are available to non-UAE nationals under the applicable property ownership framework.
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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