Off-Plan · 6 min read

Off-Plan Purchases and Handover Finance

By: Keystones Mortgage Consultancy · Last Reviewed: 2026-10-21

Article Summary & Key Themes

How to transition from developer installment plans to standard bank financing upon project completion.

Off-plan property purchases in Dubai are typically structured with phased developer payment plans. However, when the building reaches completion, buyers often require mortgage finance to pay the final handover installment.

The Handover Mortgage Mechanism

At completion, the developer issues a Notice of Completion. The buyer applies for a ready property mortgage to settle the remaining balance (frequently 40% to 50% of the purchase price). The bank inspects the completed unit, performs a valuation, and disburses funds directly to the developer escrow account upon title issuance.

Rate Risk Notice: Fixed rates usually last 1–5 years. After that your rate typically follows EIBOR plus the lender's margin, so payments can go up or down.

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