One of the first decisions when buying in Abu Dhabi is whether to buy a finished property or one that is still being built. Neither is right for everyone.
Ready property
You can see exactly what you are buying, and it can be let soon after the purchase completes. On a resale, the broker commission is 2% of the price, set by Abu Dhabi regulation. The trade-off is that the full price is usually due at purchase.
Off-plan property
You buy from the developer before the building is finished, usually paying in stages on a payment plan, and the developer pays the broker's commission. The trade-offs are that there is no rental income until handover, completion dates can move, and you are relying on the developer to deliver what was promised.
Selling before completion
Some off-plan buyers sell before handover. Abu Dhabi developers cannot charge more than AED 5,000 in administrative fees on an off-plan resale or transfer, although other costs apply. Developers set their own conditions for resale, including how much must be paid first, so check these before you buy.
What we check
Whichever route you choose, we check the developer, the project and the paperwork before you commit, and explain the full costs and timings of each option.
Which suits you?
If you want rental income soon, ready property usually fits better. If you are comfortable waiting and prefer to spread payments, off-plan may suit. We talk through both on a call before you decide.