Off-Plan Resale Guide
Selling Before Handover in Dubai: The Real Process (Off-Plan Resale)
Selling before handover Dubai is possible – but the process depends heavily on developer rules and your transfer readiness. This guide explains what is actually involved, the common restrictions, and how a cash exit can work.
We are not an estate agent. We coordinate the sale process through RERA-registered brokerage partners and the official developer transfer route. Timelines are case by case and depend on developer approvals.
Key Takeaways
What you need to know about off plan resale Dubai before handover
“Before handover” usually means off-plan resale or assignment – not a standard title deed sale yet
Developer approval is the gatekeeper – you need their NOC or transfer permission before proceeding
Oqood/pre-registration is common for off-plan transfers – this is DLD’s system for registering your interest before title deed
Main delays: developer processing, payment milestone rules, appointment availability
0% fees means no SPF service fee/commission – but third-party developer/trustee costs still apply
Fast exit possible case by case – especially if you are already transfer-ready
For the broader overview of off-plan selling, see our off-plan property hub.
What “Selling Before Handover” Actually Is
Understanding the difference from a completed property sale
When you sell off plan property before handover Dubai, you are not selling a completed property with a title deed. Instead, you are selling your contractual position – your rights to the unit under your Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with the developer.
This is often called an off-plan resale, assignment, or transfer. The process is handled through the developer’s approval system, not the standard DLD title deed transfer you would use for a completed property.
The key difference: the developer is the gatekeeper. Until they approve the transfer and update their records (and the Oqood registration where applicable), the sale cannot complete.
Who This Is For
Common scenarios for selling before handover
Whatever your situation, the first step is confirming whether your developer allows resale at your current payment stage. We can help you assess this.
Step-by-Step Process
How off plan assignment Dubai typically works
Check Developer Transfer Eligibility
Confirm whether your developer allows resale at your current payment stage. Many require a minimum percentage paid (commonly 30-40%). Some have specific blackout periods or restrictions.
Document Readiness
Gather your passport/Emirates ID, original SPA, payment receipts, and unit details. Ensure everything matches and is up to date. See our documents checklist.
Agree Terms With Buyer
Once you have a buyer (or we facilitate one), terms are agreed including price, timeline, and who covers which fees. This is formalised before approaching the developer.
Developer NOC / Resale Approval
You apply for the developer’s approval (often called resale NOC or transfer permission). This involves fees and processing time that varies by developer. See our NOC guide.
Oqood / Pre-Registration Transfer
The Oqood transfer Dubai step updates DLD’s pre-registration to the new buyer’s name. This may involve a trustee appointment. The exact process depends on the developer and project stage.
Funds and Confirmation
Once the transfer is processed, funds are released according to agreed terms. Manager’s cheques are commonly used for the transaction, though exact payment mechanisms can vary.
Note: Developer rules differ significantly between master developers and projects. This is a general outline – your specific process may vary.
Common Restrictions on Off-Plan Resale
What can block or delay your sale
Minimum % Paid
Many developers require 30-40% paid before allowing resale. Some require more. If you have not reached this threshold, you may be blocked.
Developer Resale Fees
Developers charge admin/transfer fees for processing the resale. These vary significantly – some are a flat fee, others a percentage. Budget for this.
Blackout Windows
Some developers have periods where resales are not processed – around handover phases, launches, or internal transitions. Check current status.
Outstanding Dues
Any outstanding service charges, developer fees, or payment arrears must typically be cleared before a transfer is approved.
Payment Plan Assignment
If the buyer is taking over your payment plan (rather than paying full remaining balance), this requires developer agreement and may be more complex.
Project-Specific Rules
Each master developer (Emaar, Damac, Nakheel, etc.) has different processes and restrictions. Some projects have unique rules. Always verify.
Important: Off-plan is not always “cash in 7 days”. The developer approval process takes time, and restrictions can slow things further. We assess your specific situation to give you a realistic picture.
Fees and Costs
What you pay – and what you do not
No SPF service fee. No commission charged by us for facilitating your sale.
Standard costs that may apply depending on deal terms:
- Developer resale/transfer admin fees
- Oqood transfer fee
- Trustee/registration service charges
- Any DLD-related steps (varies by route)
For a full breakdown of potential costs, see fees and costs of selling fast.
Timeline Expectations
Realistic timeframes for different scenarios
If you have met payment thresholds, documents are ready, and developer is processing transfers normally, the timeline can be relatively quick. Still depends on developer appointment availability.
If you need to reach a payment milestone or there are outstanding amounts to clear, add time for this before the transfer process can begin. Developer processing varies.
If you have not met minimum requirements, are in a blackout window, or there are complex issues, the sale may be significantly delayed or not currently possible.
We assess each case individually. After reviewing your situation, we can give you a realistic picture of what is achievable and what timeline to expect.
How We Help
What we do (and what we do not claim to do)
We are not a public listing service. We do not market your property to the general public.
We can assess whether your off-plan unit is eligible for a cash exit route and what timeline is realistic.
Work is progressed via RERA-registered brokerage partners using the official developer transfer process.
If your situation is not suitable for our service, we tell you upfront rather than wasting your time.
You can check your transaction status at any time using Dubai REST, DLD’s official portal for procedure status enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about selling before handover Dubai
Can I sell before handover in Dubai?
Yes, in most cases. However, it depends on developer rules. Many developers require a minimum percentage paid (often 30-40%) before allowing resale. You will need developer approval and to follow their transfer process.
What is Oqood and do I need it?
Oqood is DLD’s pre-registration system for off-plan properties. It registers your interest in the unit before handover and title deed issuance. For off-plan transfers, the Oqood registration is typically updated to the new buyer’s name as part of the process.
What stops an off-plan resale?
Common blockers include: not meeting minimum payment thresholds, outstanding service charges or developer fees, developer blackout windows, missing documentation, or specific project restrictions. Each developer has different rules.
Do I need developer NOC for off-plan resale?
Yes, you typically need the developer’s approval (often called a resale NOC or transfer permission) before you can assign or transfer the unit to a new buyer. This is the gatekeeper step for most off-plan transactions. See our NOC guide for more.
What fees will I pay if SPF is 0% fees?
0% fees means no SPF service fee or commission. However, you may still pay: developer resale/transfer admin fees, Oqood transfer fees, trustee charges, and any outstanding balances. These third-party costs vary by developer and transaction. See our fees guide.
How long does selling before handover take?
Timelines vary significantly. If transfer-ready with no restrictions, it can be relatively quick. If developer approval, milestone payments, or documentation is needed, expect longer. We assess each case individually to give you a realistic picture.
Can I sell if I am overseas (POA)?
Yes, many sellers complete via a representative using a Power of Attorney. The POA must meet required attestations and be accepted by the developer. Always confirm requirements for your specific case – we do not provide legal advice on POA validity. See our relocation guide.
Will I get market value for my off-plan unit?
Pricing depends on multiple factors: current market conditions, developer/project demand, your payment position, and urgency. A cash exit may trade some price for speed and certainty – this is a trade-off you decide.
Do you buy directly or introduce a buyer?
We assess your situation and can either facilitate a direct purchase or connect you with qualified buyers through our network. The approach depends on your unit, timeline, and preferences – we explain options clearly upfront.
Are there any risks or red flags to watch?
Watch for: developers not responding to transfer requests, unclear fee structures, buyers who cannot meet payment requirements, and any pressure to bypass official processes. Always use the official developer and DLD transfer route.
Want Speed and Certainty?
If you are considering selling your off-plan unit before handover, we can assess whether a cash exit is viable for your situation. No obligation, confidential, and we respond quickly.
0% fees (no SPF commission). Official transfer route. Via licensed partners. Case by case.