Off-plan handover due
Your handover payment is due. Let's get the mortgage there first
Most of our non-resident clients come to us at handover. The risk isn't approval — it's timing: valuation, documents and pre-approval all have expiry dates.
Reviewed 13 October 2026 by Nazar Verbytskyy, Founder & CEO, Lenty (DED Trade License 1565247)
How banks see this case
- ✓What they acceptCompleted or near-complete units from registered developers with Oqood registration.
- ✗What they don'tUnits far from completion, developers not on the bank's panel.
- ◎What decides itThe completion certificate date and whether the valuation comes in at the price.
Timeline backwards from the deadline
- Week 0 — discovery
- Week 1 — pre-approval submitted
- Week 2–3 — valuation
- Week 4–5 — final offer
- Week 6 — transfer at the trustee
How much cash you'll need
Off-plan properties are financed up to 50% until completion. On top of the down payment come the fees banks don't finance.
Documents and timeline
Salaried
- Passport, Emirates ID and visa
- 6 months of payslips and a salary certificate
- 6 months of personal bank statements
- Proof of address
Business owner
- Passport, Emirates ID and visa
- Trade licence and company documents
- 6–12 months of company and personal statements
- Audited accounts, usually 2 years
Nothing is needed for the first call.
Plan for 24–48 hours to pre-approval and 2–3 weeks from valuation to transfer.
Questions
What if the developer delays?
Pre-approvals and valuations expire, usually after 30–60 days, so a delay can mean renewing them, sometimes for a small fee. We keep the file ready and re-time the valuation and offer letter to the new handover date.
Can I get the mortgage before the completion certificate?
Yes, on completed or near-complete units from developers the bank approves, registered with Oqood, once you have paid at least half of the price yourself. Financing is capped at 50% of the price until completion; after it the usual limits for your status apply.
What if valuation is below the price?
If the bank values the property below the price, the bank lends on the lower figure and you pay the difference in cash. We order a valuation check before you sign where possible.
Can the bank pay the developer directly?
Yes. For handover and off-plan financing the bank pays the developer directly, following the payment plan, once your own share has been paid.
Do I pay DLD again at handover?
No. The 4% DLD transfer fee is paid once, when the purchase is registered (for off-plan, at Oqood registration). At handover you pay the mortgage registration fee, 0.25% of the loan plus AED 290, a small fee for the title deed, and the trustee, valuation and bank fees.
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Your advisor for this situation: Nazar Verbytskyy · Founder & CEO