In Dubai’s real estate market, off-plan property transactions have consistently outpaced secondary market deals. In February 2025 alone, sales volume in this sector surged by approximately 30.4% compared to the previous year—a record that reflects steady growth and increasing investor confidence in under-construction projects. As fresh projects like Tilal Al Ghaf, Cherrywoods, and Arabian Ranches 3 are being introduced, investors have been drawn in greater numbers to expanding their portfolios in the off-plan segment. While being introduced, there is one certain factor which comes into prominence that success in off-plan investment relies on a long-term approach along with investor tolerance.
One of the mistakes many investors commit is attempting to sell the property within a few months of depositing the initial amount. A few believe they will flip their property with a huge profit margin within six months—a myth sometimes instigated by novice agents. In fact, the off-plan market has a low return on investment (ROI) strategy, not speedy profits. Experience teaches us that the value of a property can appreciate by 10% to 30% between pre-sale and completion, but usually after completion of the project, not at the stages of early payments.
To sell a property at a profitable margin, the investor should have invested a minimum of 70% of the installment plan. Selling is optimum close to the final handover date, as infrastructure becomes visible and demand for occupation becomes palpable at this stage.
Before you spend a few million dirhams, it’s essential to study the project, the developer, the area, and history of similar developments. Such a foundation provides you with bargaining power when negotiating with real estate consultants. Any counselor who will only discuss high-end transactions and not offer market information is not an investment partner to be trusted.
Identifying a project with a liberal payment schedule—such as 50-60% during development and the remaining portion after delivery—will yield maximum returns. However, you must be in a position to make payments within a window of 2 to 4 years because developers do not typically permit pre-selling if less than half the price is paid. Determining distance from nearby amenities such as malls, schools, clinics, and accessibility to roads is also significant. Properties located where there is increasing infrastructure offer high growth potential for appreciation of capital.
Tilal Al Ghaf is a perfect example of how long-term investors can benefit. After a slowdown due to COVID times, the project once again returned to the market with momentum. Unit handovers are in progress, schools in the neighborhood are functional, rental units are operational, and road infrastructure is on the way. Early buyers who invested at early stages stand to reap benefits by renting or selling now.
Buying off-plan property in Dubai can be very profitable for investors—but only with expert advice, objective research, and a long-term approach. Even in a fast changing market like Dubai, there are no shortcuts to financial prosperity. The wisest investors are those who go ahead with knowledge and calmness towards building a profitable future.
Source: https://www.dubaiproperty.news
