8 Important Questions to Ask When Buying Off-Plan Property

Buying off-plan property in Dubai or Abu Dhabi can be interesting, but there are also pitfalls. By asking the right questions, you can avoid unpleasant surprises later. Here are eight crucial points to consider before you sign.

Ask what is truly included in the price

1. Are the pool and lift included? Many brochures show villas with a pool and lift, but in reality, these are often only 'provisioned'. If you read the fine print or ask the developer, you may find these components are optional. Ask explicitly if they will actually be built.
2. What is the actual internal living area? In Dubai, brochures often quote the total BUA (built-up area), including terraces, balconies, and garages. Ask if the stated square metres represent genuinely habitable interior space. In Abu Dhabi, however, the GSA (gross saleable area) is used, which refers only to the internal living space.
3. Are the materials from the renders included? Sometimes you see luxury finishes and expensive materials in the visualisations, but these are not supplied as standard. Ensure you have in writing exactly what is included in the price.
4. Who manages the community? In the Emirates, project developers usually manage the community themselves. Major names like Emaar often provide good service, but smaller developers outsource it, which can affect the quality of life, rental potential, and resale value.
5. What is the energy performance and health of the property? Energy requirements differ between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Inquire about the minimum energy rating, especially if you are sensitive to air quality or chemicals in paint. This also says a lot about the quality of the ventilation system and building materials.

Watch out for extra costs and resale possibilities

6. Is the home prepared for smart home systems? Without cabling in the walls, retrofitting smart systems can be very expensive as walls may need to be opened up.
7. How high are the service charges and what do you get for them? Service charges are not set by the government but by the developer. If they are high and cover little, this can harm the long-term value of your property.
8. How much must you pay before you are allowed to resell? In some projects, you can resell after paying just 20%, while in others, it's only after 60%. The higher this percentage, the more difficult it is to sell your contract if you encounter payment problems yourself. This can lead to 'distress deals', where sellers have to take a loss.