Dubai’s real estate market continues to attract homeowners and global investors who want to benefit from strong demand, high transaction activity and a well-regulated property system. Whether you are upgrading, relocating or looking to unlock capital from your asset, understanding how to sell off-plan property in Dubai is essential for securing the best possible outcome. With the right preparation, the selling process can be straightforward and highly rewarding.

As prices rise and more buyers enter the market, many owners are exploring the most efficient way to sell off-plan property in Dubai, including off-plan units and mortgaged homes. In this guide, we break down the legal requirements, approved selling methods and key considerations to help you navigate the process confidently.

Legal Requirements for Selling Off-Plan Property in Dubai

Selling an under-construction property involves specific rules designed to protect both buyers and developers. Before moving forward, it is essential to understand the legal framework that governs how to sell off-plan property in Dubai, so your transaction is smooth, compliant and approved without delays.

1. Minimum Payment Requirement Before You Can Sell

Most developers require owners to pay a certain percentage of the property value before they can list or transfer an off-plan unit. Typically, this threshold falls between 30 and 40 percent of the total purchase price. This ensures the seller has substantial equity in the property and prevents premature flipping.

2. No Objection Certificate (NOC) From the Developer

A developer-issued NOC is mandatory for anyone planning to sell off-plan property in Dubai. This document confirms that the seller has met all payment obligations and that the developer has no outstanding claims or dues. No transfer can proceed without this certificate.

3. Dubai Land Department Requirements

All off-plan sales must comply with Dubai Land Department rules to ensure legal transparency and proper registration. While the buyer usually pays the 4 percent DLD transfer fee at resale, it is essential to verify this with the buyer before progressing to transfer. The property must also be registered and updated in DLD’s system before the sale is finalised.

4. RERA and Developer Regulations for Off-Plan Units

Developers in Dubai are regulated by RERA to maintain fairness and trust in the real estate market. These rules directly impact how to sell off-plan property in Dubai:

Project Registration:

The off-plan project must be fully registered with RERA to ensure it meets all legal guidelines and is authorized for sale.

Escrow Accounts:

Developers are required to maintain a dedicated escrow account for each project, where sales proceeds are held until construction milestones are reached. This protects investors and ensures your resale happens within a regulated financial structure.

Permits and Approvals:

Only projects with valid permits and approvals from DLD and RERA can be marketed or resold. This helps sellers verify project legitimacy before initiating a resale transaction.

How to Sell Off-Plan Property in Dubai

Once you meet the legal requirements, the next step is understanding exactly how to sell off-plan property in Dubai in a structured and efficient way. Prosper allows sellers to streamline the entire process digitally, making off-plan resales far simpler than the traditional approach. Here’s how it works:

1. Log in to Your Prosper Account

Visit the Prosper website and log in or create a new account if you haven't already. This gives you access to your property dashboard and selling tools.

2. Navigate to “List Properties”

Under the Properties section, click on List Properties to begin the resale process.

3. Upload All Required Documents

Submit the requested details, including your SPA, payment proofs and identification documents. Accurate submissions speed up verification.

4. Add Your Payment Plan Schedule

Fill in your payment schedule so the buyer can clearly see completed installments, upcoming payments and the overall payment structure.

5. Property Verification

Once all details are saved, your listing is sent to the Prosper team for review. The team checks the documentation and validates the information provided.

6. Activate Your Live Dashboard

After verification and your confirmation, your live property dashboard goes online. You’ll be able to view construction progress, completion percentage, the next payment due date and the project’s estimated delivery date. Your property specialist can then assist in managing inquiries and supporting the resale.

Documents Required to Sell Off-Plan Property in Dubai

To ensure a smooth resale and avoid delays, keep the following documents ready before initiating the process:

No Objection Certificate (NOC): Confirms the developer has no outstanding dues or objections and approves the resale.
Original Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA): Serves as the primary contract detailing the terms, price and obligations of the original purchase.
Proof of Payment and Payment Schedule: Shows all installments paid to date and the remaining amounts due as per the developer’s plan.
Buyer’s and Seller’s Identification Documents: Valid passport and Emirates ID are required to verify both parties’ identities during transfer.

How to Sell a Mortgaged Off-Plan Property in Dubai

Selling a mortgaged off-plan unit follows a different structure because of UAE mortgage rules. It’s important to understand upfront that mortgages on off-plan properties are only available to the first owner who purchased directly from the developer. Here are the guidelines:

1. Only First-Owner Off-Plan Buyers Qualify for Mortgages

A bank will only issue a mortgage for an off-plan property if the borrower is the first owner buying directly from the developer. The property must also meet two conditions:

• At least 50 percent of construction must be completed.
• At least 50 percent of the payment must already be made.

2. Second Owners Cannot Obtain a Mortgage on an Off-Plan Property

If the first owner resells the property while it is still off-plan, the second buyer cannot obtain a mortgage, regardless of construction progress or payment status. The property must be handed over and ready before a mortgage becomes available to any subsequent buyer.

3. What This Means for Selling a Mortgaged Off-Plan Property

Since the second buyer cannot finance the purchase through a mortgage, the resale must be completed through full upfront payment. The seller must settle any outstanding loan directly with the bank before the transfer, after which the developer can issue the NOC. Once cleared, the transfer can proceed through the Dubai Land Department.

Things to Keep in Mind When Selling Off-Plan Property in Dubai

• Check your developer’s resale rules early: Each developer has different conditions that affect how to sell off-plan property in Dubai, including minimum payment requirements and resale restrictions.
• Understand your payment schedule: Buyers will want clarity on future installments, especially if you plan to sell property in Dubai before handover.
• Price realistically based on market data: Off-plan resales are competitive, so review recent transactions and community trends to avoid overpricing.
• Be transparent about mortgage status: If the unit is financed, explain clearly how to sell mortgaged property in Dubai and what the buyer must settle with the bank.
• Gather all documents in advance: SPA, payment receipts and the NOC request form should be ready to fast-track the resale.
• Account for all fees and charges: Understand the cost breakdown, including NOC fees, DLD charges and any developer administration fees.
• Choose reputable agents or platforms: Working with trusted professionals ensures the selling process stays compliant and efficient.

A Smarter Way to Navigate Your Off-Plan Property Sale

Selling off-plan property in Dubai becomes far more manageable when you understand the legal requirements, prepare your documents and follow the right steps from the developer to the Dubai Land Department.

Smart property platforms like Prosper leverage advanced dashboards to provide you complete visibility over your off-plan asset. You can track construction progress, monitor expected handover dates and access all key project information directly through your dashboard.

You can also list and sell your off-plan property effortlessly on Prosper with dedicated Property Specialists and Relationship Managers who assist with documentation and compliances.

Contact us today to sell your off-plan property with expert guidance and convenience.