Off-Plan Property Glossary.
Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet buying off-plan in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, the UK, Cyprus, or Spain — each one cross-linked to live PropSentral listings, not just a flat definition.
Off-Plan Basics
Buying a unit before — or while — it is being built.
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A project's first release of inventory, usually at the lowest available price.
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An off-plan project close to completion, with construction risk mostly behind it.
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The binding contract that converts a reservation into a legal purchase.
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The date the developer hands the completed unit over to the buyer.
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The schedule of instalments a buyer pays across a project's construction.
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Legal & Ownership
Full, permanent ownership of the property and the land it sits on.
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Ownership of a property for a fixed term, with land ownership remaining with another party.
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Ownership of a property for a fixed term, with land ownership remaining with another party.
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The official document proving legal ownership of a property.
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A developer's written consent required to resell or transfer an off-plan unit.
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A contractual right to match any offer before a property is sold to someone else.
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Fees & Costs
A regulator-controlled bank account that holds buyer payments until construction milestones are met.
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Dubai's mandatory property registration fee, paid on every transaction.
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The recurring annual fee owners pay to maintain a building's shared facilities.
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Financing
Investment & Returns
Visas & Residency
A long-term UAE residency visa available to property investors above a minimum threshold.
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Malaysia's long-stay residency visa programme for international buyers.
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Republic of Cyprus EU residency available to property buyers from €300,000.
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Market-Specific
Dubai's mandatory online tenancy contract registration system.
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Dubai's off-plan registry — interim proof of an unregistered, unbuilt unit's ownership.
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The UK's property transaction tax — with a surcharge for non-resident buyers.
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Spain's foreigner tax ID — required before any property purchase can proceed.
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