1. Identify the project, unit and seller
Record the full project name, registration reference, building or phase, unit number and the legal seller named in the paperwork. Similar marketing names can refer to different buildings. Ask for the floor-plan reference, area breakdown, parking allocation and specification that will form part of the offer.
If an intermediary is involved, check their role and credentials independently. DLD describes Dubai REST as providing information about brokers, real estate offices and certified developers. A directory listing, logo or social-media profile does not establish authority to sell a particular unit.
2. Check official progress and payment destination
Use DLD’s Project Status Enquiry or Dubai REST to look up the exact project. DLD says Dubai REST provides off-plan completion percentages, project photos and escrow-account information. Match the record to the project and phase, and note the date of the information you review.
- Check the project reference against the sale documents.
- Verify the beneficiary and payment instructions through an independently confirmed channel.
- Stop and clarify a mismatch before transferring funds; do not rely solely on forwarded payment details.
3. Understand what escrow does—and what remains to check
DLD defines a real-estate escrow account as the project account into which off-plan purchaser or financier funds are deposited. Its FAQ says the escrow-account rules apply to Dubai developers selling off-plan and receiving payments.
Checking an escrow account is one part of due diligence. It does not answer every question about a specific contract, future value, rental income or delivery timing. Ask a qualified independent property lawyer to explain the protections, obligations and remedies that apply to your own documents.
4. Read the reservation and sale terms together
Request the reservation conditions and draft sale agreement before committing. Ask the seller to identify refund conditions, deadlines, price inclusions, instalment triggers, handover provisions and any transfer restrictions. Obtain written answers to promises that matter to your decision.
Keep unresolved points in a short list. For example: “The brochure says furnished; which inventory is attached?” or “Two pages show different completion dates; which date applies to this unit?” This is a document-review exercise, not a reason to guess which version is more favourable.
5. Check practical delivery, not only a target date
Ask what must be complete before the home can be occupied, how inspection and defect reporting work, and when the facilities shown in the brochure are expected to be available. Establish whether your planned use depends on amenities or roads being delivered in a later phase.
For the budget, use the full payment schedule and an itemised list of other costs. Do not assume a future mortgage, resale or rent will cover a large final balance. Make sure any professional advice considers your own funding circumstances and home-country obligations.
6. Keep a decision file
Save the dated offer, floor plan, specification, official project checks, payment instructions and written answers in one place. Keep versions so you can see what changed. Ask for receipts for payments and retain relevant correspondence.
The useful outcome is a clear decision: proceed only when the documents and funding plan make sense to you, request more evidence, or leave the project off the shortlist. An attractive promotion does not resolve missing information.
Sources and scope
This is an educational guide, not personalised financial or legal advice. Worked examples are illustrative. Official facts are linked below; comparison questions and worksheets are Projects Atlas editorial guidance. Use qualified independent advisers for a particular purchase.