Selling Off-Plan Before Handover in Dubai: How Assignment Works
When you can sell an off-plan unit before it is finished, what the developer asks for, and how the money moves between seller, buyer and developer.
Many off-plan buyers sell before the keys - to take a gain, to free up cash, or because their plans changed. In Dubai this is done by assigning your contract to a new buyer. It is common and well organised, but it runs on the developer's terms, so it pays to know them before you buy.
What an assignment is
Before handover you do not own a finished unit; you hold a registered contract to buy one. Reselling means transferring that contract - your place as buyer - to someone else. The new buyer takes over the remaining instalments, and the Oqood registration moves into their name.
The developer's conditions
Your SPA says whether, when and how you may assign. The usual conditions are:
- A minimum share of the price paid before an assignment is allowed. The figure varies by developer and project.
- No arrears: every instalment due so far is paid.
- A no-objection certificate (NOC) from the developer, issued once the conditions are met.
- A developer fee for the assignment, set in the SPA or the developer's policy.
Some projects also restrict resale until a construction stage is reached. If you might sell early, ask about all of this before you sign.
The steps
- Agree the deal with a buyer, usually through a RERA-registered broker, and sign a memorandum of understanding setting the price and who pays which fees.
- Request the NOC from the developer and settle its fee.
- Transfer at the DLD or a trustee office: the assignment is registered, the Oqood moves to the buyer and the registration fee on the transfer is paid.
- Settle the money: the buyer pays you for what you have already paid in, plus any premium you agreed.
How the money splits
Say you bought at AED 1,000,000 and have paid 40% (AED 400,000). You agree to sell at AED 1,100,000. The buyer pays you AED 400,000 to cover your payments plus the AED 100,000 premium, then takes over the remaining AED 600,000 of instalments to the developer. Fees - the developer's assignment fee, the registration fee on the transfer and agency fees - are paid on top, as agreed between you.
What decides the price you get
- How many similar units are for resale in the same project at the same time.
- The developer's current price for comparable units still on sale - a buyer can often buy from the developer instead.
- The payment plan left to run: a unit with a generous plan remaining is easier to sell.
- Construction progress and how close handover is.
On Listy Map you can see what the developer is asking for similar units in the same project, and compare against nearby launches, before you set your price.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Assignment conditions and fees are set by each developer and by the Dubai Land Department and can change; confirm them for your unit before you list it.
Questions people ask
Can I sell an off-plan property in Dubai before handover?
Usually yes, through an assignment of the Sales and Purchase Agreement to a new buyer, once you meet the developer's conditions. The SPA sets those conditions, so read it before you buy if resale is part of your plan.
How much must be paid before I can resell?
Developers commonly ask that a set share of the price has been paid before they allow an assignment. The share differs between developers and projects, so check the figure in your SPA.
Who pays the DLD fee on an off-plan resale?
The transfer to the new buyer is registered with the Dubai Land Department, and a registration fee is due on that transfer. Who pays it, and any agency fees, is agreed between seller and buyer.