Reading the fraction
A plan written as 80/20 means 80 percent is paid before handover and 20 percent on completion. The first number is usually split into a booking deposit, typically 10 to 20 percent, and construction-linked instalments.
Post-handover plans add a third stage. A 60/40 post-handover plan might collect 60 percent during construction and then 40 percent over two to five years after you have the keys, often while the unit is rented.
What the structure signals
The shape of the plan is a tell about demand and developer confidence.
- Heavy back-ended plans such as 90/10 usually come from master developers with strong balance sheets and high launch demand.
- Long post-handover plans are more common in volume communities and with developers who need to compete on terms rather than brand.
- A booking deposit above 20 percent is unusual and worth questioning.
Before you sign
Check these four things on every sales and purchase agreement.
- The escrow account number is registered with RERA and the project is listed on the Dubai REST app.
- The anticipated completion date and the grace period, usually 6 to 12 months, are written into the contract.
- The resale threshold: how much must be paid before you can assign the unit to another buyer.
- Whether the DLD fee is absorbed, and whether service charges are capped for the first years.
General information, not financial or legal advice. Fees and rules are those published by the Dubai Land Department and UAE authorities at the time of writing and can change.