Here’s the bottom line: You can sell or assign your off-plan property in Dubai before handover. But it isn’t a free-for-all—it’s a regulated process with developer approvals, DLD registration, and specific payment thresholds.
What’s actually happening in the market
Assignment (or “resale before handover”) lets you transfer your Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA) to a new buyer who takes over the remaining payments and rights. Developers allow it, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) recognizes it, and investors use it for liquidity or exit—provided you follow the rules.
How I approach these deals
I’ve seen assignments move fast when the seller is organized and the developer’s checklist is met early. I’ve also watched perfectly good deals stall because someone skipped a NOC or under-estimated transfer fees. Honestly, the difference is prep.
The non-negotiables (do these first)
- Meet the payment threshold + get the NOC. Most developers want 30–50% paid before they’ll issue a No Objection Certificate. No NOC, no assignment.
- Secure developer approval. Expect admin/assignment fees and a quick compliance review.
- Register the transfer with DLD (Oqood). Budget for transfer fees—commonly around 4% of the value.
- Know your liability window. Until the assignment is fully processed, you remain on the hook under the original SPA.
Step-by-step: From “interested buyer” to “done deal”
- Find a buyer ready to assume the payment plan.
- Submit to the developer for approval and NOC.
- Sign an Assignment Agreement to transfer your contractual rights.
- Buyer steps into your SPA—all rights and obligations move over.
- Complete DLD registration to update ownership records.
Documents I tell clients to prepare early
Gather these in one folder. It speeds everything up and reduces back-and-forth with the developer:
- Copy of the SPA
- Passports/Emirates IDs for seller and buyer
- Payment receipts up to the assignment date
- Developer NOC approving the assignment
- Assignment Agreement (rights transfer)
- Proof of transfer/assignment fees paid
- Utility bill / proof of address for the buyer (sometimes asked)
- Power of Attorney (if anyone is represented)
- DLD fee receipts
These are the standard asks across developers in Dubai.
A few practical notes
- Developers differ. Always check your SPA and the project’s resale policy—terms and thresholds vary.
- Tax? The UAE doesn’t levy capital gains tax on these transactions, but your home country might—so confirm cross-border tax exposure.
- Strategy check. If you need liquidity or want to exit pre-handover, assignment is a viable path when the rules above are followed.
Final thought
You don’t need to overpower the process—you need to organize it. Hit the payment threshold, lock the NOC, assemble your documents, and register cleanly. Do that, and an assignment before handover becomes a straightforward, defensible move in Dubai’s off-plan market.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
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