Insights · Off-plan
Three checks
before any deposit.
Before you pay a deposit on off-plan property in Dubai, run three checks: that payments go into the project's own escrow account, that the developer registers your purchase in Oqood, and that the project and its escrow account show in the Dubai REST app. Each takes minutes.
1. Escrow: pay the project, not a person
Under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007, off-plan payments go into an escrow account opened in the project's name. Ask for the account details before you pay anything, and never transfer money to an individual.
2. Oqood: registered in your name
Oqood is the Dubai Land Department's system for off-plan sales. The developer registers your purchase there, on the provisional register, so the sale is recorded with the DLD and not only on paper between you and the developer.
3. The Dubai REST app: see it yourself
The Dubai REST app shows the project, its developer and its escrow account. Two minutes on your phone confirms that the account you're asked to pay into belongs to the project you're buying.
Questions buyers ask
Where should off-plan payments go in Dubai?
Into the project's own escrow account, under Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007, never to a person.
What is Oqood?
The Dubai Land Department's system where developers register off-plan sales on the provisional register, so your purchase is recorded in your name.
How can I check an off-plan project myself?
In the Dubai REST app, which shows the project, the developer and the project's escrow account details.
Sources, checked 6 October 2026:
- Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 (escrow accounts, Articles 2 and 7)
- Dubai Land Department, register the initial sale (Oqood)
- Dubai Land Department, project status (Mashrooi) (Dubai REST project and escrow details)