HomizaiHow to read a payment plan
A plan is usually written as two percentages: "60/40" means 60% during construction and 40% at handover. "80/20" means 80% during construction and 20% at handover. The first number is split into a booking deposit and instalments linked to time or to construction progress.
Illustrative example (hypothetical numbers)A unit at AED 1,000,000 on a 60/40 plan with 10% down: 100,000 at booking, 500,000 spread over construction, then 400,000 at handover. Add the 4% DLD fee (40,000) at the start.
Common types
| Type | How it works | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Time-based instalments (e.g. quarterly) | Fixed payments on set dates regardless of construction speed | Those who want a predictable cash flow |
| Construction-linked | A payment at 20% completion, at 40%… until handover | Those who prefer paying against visible progress |
| 1% per month | A down payment then 1% of the price every month for several years, sometimes continuing after handover | Those who want the lowest monthly burden |
| Post-handover | Part of the price paid over 2–5 years after receiving the unit, possibly partly covered by rent | Investors who want income to help with payments |
Questions to ask before signing
- Are instalments tied to dates or to construction progress? What happens if construction is delayed?
- What is the penalty for late payment? Is there a grace period?
- Can I resell before handover? After paying what percentage? What are the fees?
- Does the plan include the DLD fee or is it paid separately?
- Does a post-handover plan carry any interest or price uplift compared with paying in full?
Bank financing for off-plan
Some banks finance part of an off-plan property for specific projects and developers, usually from advanced construction stages or at handover. For non-residents the conditions are tighter. If financing is part of your plan, ask about it before choosing the project, not after.
Which plan fits your cash flow?We show you the actual plans of the projects that suit you in a free online meeting.