Abu Dhabi has become one of the UAE's most active off-plan markets, with major launches on Saadiyat, Yas and Hudayriyat Islands. The rules are similar to Dubai's, but the costs are lower and the registration system is different. Here's how buying off-plan in Abu Dhabi works.
Can foreigners buy property in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy in Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones without UAE residency or a local sponsor. These zones include Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Hudayriyat Island, Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach, where most new launches are located.
Who regulates the market?
The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) regulates property transactions, developer licensing and registrations. Most transactions are registered digitally through the DARI platform. One exception: since January 2025, registration on Al Reem Island is handled by the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority, with the same 2% fee.
Step by step: buying off-plan in Abu Dhabi
- Shortlist and compare. We compare developers, locations, payment plans and handover dates. See my guides to Talay, Yas Riva, Wadeem Gardens and Four Seasons Saadiyat.
- Expression of interest (EOI). For popular launches, an EOI secures your place in the allocation queue. ADREC has introduced digital EOI registration through its Madhmoun system.
- Reservation. You choose a unit and pay the booking amount, usually 5% to 10% of the price, which counts towards the purchase.
- Sales and purchase agreement (SPA). You sign the developer's SPA, which sets out the payment plan, handover date, specifications and resale rules.
- Registration. The sale is registered in the off-plan register, and the 2% registration fee is paid.
- Construction payments. You pay instalments into the project's escrow account as construction progresses.
- Handover. After a snagging inspection, you pay the final balance, often with a mortgage, and the title deed is issued.
What does it cost?
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Registration fee (DARI) | 2% of the price, plus a small electronic service fee |
| Mortgage registration (if financing) | 0.1% of the loan amount |
| Agency commission | Often covered by the developer on new launches. Around 2% plus VAT on resale |
| Developer NOC (if you resell before handover) | Varies by developer |
| Service charges | Annual fee from handover, varies by project |
Figures as published or commonly reported in 2026. Confirm the full breakdown for your unit.
Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: costs compared
The biggest difference is the government fee. Abu Dhabi charges 2% of the price, while Dubai's Dubai Land Department charges 4%.
| Purchase price | Abu Dhabi fee (2%) | Dubai fee (4%) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AED 2,000,000 | AED 40,000 | AED 80,000 | AED 40,000 |
| AED 5,000,000 | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 | AED 100,000 |
| AED 10,000,000 | AED 200,000 | AED 400,000 | AED 200,000 |
On resale, Abu Dhabi's fee is commonly split between buyer and seller unless agreed otherwise, which can lower the buyer's cost further.
How your money is protected
Off-plan projects must be registered, and buyer payments go into a regulated escrow account that releases funds to the developer as construction milestones are met. Always check that the project is registered and that you're paying into the project's escrow account, not a personal or company account.
Mortgages for off-plan property
Most banks don't finance off-plan homes during construction, so buyers usually pay the developer's instalments in cash and take a mortgage for the final payment at handover. Some launches offer financed plans with a partner bank, such as the ADIB option at Wadeem Gardens. Non-residents can get UAE mortgages, usually with a lower loan-to-value than residents.
The Golden Visa in Abu Dhabi
Property worth AED 2 million or more can qualify you for the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa, and under the current rules, off-plan and mortgaged property can qualify subject to conditions. All four of the Abu Dhabi launches above exceed this threshold. Read the full Golden Visa guide.
Selling before handover
Many SPAs allow resale before handover once you've paid a minimum share of the price, with the developer's NOC and a transfer fee. Rules vary by developer, so check the resale clause before you sign. My guide to reselling off-plan before handover explains the process.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing launch prices without comparing handover dates, service charges and plot positions.
- Assuming you can resell at any time, without checking the SPA's resale rules.
- Forgetting that a large final payment is due on handover, and not planning how to fund it.
- Paying anything outside the project's escrow account.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy off-plan property in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy in Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones, including Saadiyat, Yas, Hudayriyat and Al Reem Islands, without UAE residency.
What is the property registration fee in Abu Dhabi?
The registration fee is 2% of the price, half of Dubai's 4% Dubai Land Department fee.
Is my off-plan payment protected in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Off-plan buyer payments go into a regulated escrow account and are released to the developer as construction milestones are met.
Can I get a mortgage for off-plan property in Abu Dhabi?
Most banks finance off-plan homes at handover rather than during construction, although some launches offer financed plans with a partner bank.
Does off-plan property in Abu Dhabi qualify for a Golden Visa?
Under the current rules, property worth AED 2 million or more, including off-plan, can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, subject to conditions.
RERA-licensed real estate consultant at Aeon & Trisl, specialising in off-plan and investment property, with AED 600M+ in closed deals and 100+ clients worldwide.