Where Are Property Investors from Dubai Putting Their Money in 2025: Ready or Off Plan Property?
Generally speaking, you will come across two types of property investing in the Dubai: ready made and off plan property.
What is off plan property? Think of it as buying tomorrow’s home today – these are properties still on paper or under construction, offered directly by developers. The advantages of buying off plan are turning heads in 2025: lower initial prices and the potential for significant returns as Dubai continues to grow.
Ready made property, as it sounds, are completed homes in established areas ready for immediate occupancy or rental income. Both have their set of advantages and considerations.
Whether you’re drawn to the potential gains of off plan projects or prefer the certainty of ready units, we will explore the differences between ready and off plan property, and go through some key points to help you figure out which option best suits you.
Ready and Off Plan Property in Dubai
Let’s look at some stats.
According to DXB’ “Ready vs Off Plan Sales”, off plan property accounted for 67% (vs. ready made property 33%) of total sales volume in 2024, and 65% (vs. ready made property 35%) in 2025. These figures send a clear message: investors are placing their confidence in Dubai’s future developments as opposed to existing properties.
Over the past three years, there’s been a noticeable shift in demand (chart above) towards off plan apartments and villas in Dubai.
The consistent dominance of off plan sales suggests investor growing appetite for pre-construction opportunities in Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.
As an investor, how do you choose?
Ready vs Off Plan Property: Advantages & Disadvantages
Understanding the pros and cons of ready made and off plan in Dubai, and how they differ from one another, can help you understand your needs, risk appetite, and financial readiness.
The advantages of buying off plan in Dubai are compelling, yet ready made property offers their own unique benefits. Here’s what you need to know about both options:
Ready Made Property
| Ready Made Advantages | Ready Made Disadvantages |
| 1. Established location | 1. Price is generally higher |
| 2. Buying a property you can physically see (know what you are getting into) | 2. Down payment is higher |
| 3. Price is negotiable | 3. Old design (May need renovation) |
| 4. Investors can move in or rent it out immediately | 4. Less payment flexibility |
| 5. Immediate rental income | 5. Pre-owned property |
| 6. Get the highest LTV for bank financing | 6. Pre-existing problems (Repair / maintenance) |
Off Plan Property
| Off Plan Advantages | Off Plan Disadvantages |
| 1. Price discount | 1. Risk of delays (high probability) |
| 2. First choice on unit | 2. Risk of bankruptcy |
| 3. Small down payments | 3. Waiting time |
| 4. Flexible payment terms | 4. Nothing tangible |
| 5. High return on investment (ROI) | 5. Market fluctuation |
| 6. Brand new and modern | 6. Oversupply |
Ready or Off Plan Property – How Do I Choose?
Choosing between off plan and ready made property in Dubai really depend on your financial situation.
If you’re patient and can take on some risk for potentially higher returns, off plan projects might be your best bet.
On the other hand, if you want stability and immediate returns, ready properties could be a better choice.
Here are some crucial key points to also keep in mind:
1. Spot the Deals During Market Cycle
The real estate market is a cycle that never goes away.
Once an investor knows where they are in the real estate cycle, the classic old saying ‘buy low, sell high’ becomes much easier to identify.
During a down market, you will probably get better deals in the secondary market due to an increase in supply. With more properties up for grabs, sellers may be more open to negotiating prices and throwing in deals to close the sale.
When the market is booming, the off-plan developers may step up their game and have incentives to draw in investors that can be a more attractive investment. They may offer more discounts, flexible payment plans, or even guarantees on rental returns.
Before making a move, make sure to take a good look at what’s happening in the market and think about how it fits with your own financial situation.
2. Mortgage Rates Offers
What is the current mortgage rates environment?
If they’re low, getting a mortgage loan may be more attractive than payment plans. If they are high, payment plans may give you more assurance and flexibility.
Remember, ready made and off plan properties have different types of mortgage loan and payment schemes, so it’s important to compare and understand these payments, and know when they are due to ensure you have enough liquidity and funds for them.
3. Available Cash
Figure out how much cash you have on hand for the purchase.
In Dubai, a down payment on a property is typically 20% of the total value, and some off plan projects can require you to put down up to 50% upfront.
These numbers can add up with extra associated fees that comes along with buying a property, so you will need to decide on how much you’re comfortable spending.
Knowing your financial situation will help you set a realistic budget and avoid overcommitting.
4. What are Current Similar Properties Selling For?
Do your homework on what similar properties are going for in the area.
Off plan property can be priced lower per square foot, offering potential for value growth. Still, make sure you’re not overpaying by comparing prices of other off-plans.
Same goes for ready made property. Look at recent sales to get a sense of what’s going on in the market. Knowing what properties are selling for helps you make smart decisions and negotiate effectively.
Bottom Line
Your choice between ready made and off plan property will depend on factors like your investment timeline, risk appetite, and immediate vs. long-term financial goals. Understanding these differences is key to making an informed decision in Dubai’s dynamic real estate market.
