Short answer: confirm the developer and the project are registered with the Dubai Land Department, that the project has its own escrow account, and that construction is progressing. Then look at the developer’s record: did past projects complete close to their promised dates, and what condition were they in at handover? Payment plans and contract terms tell you the rest.
Updated 18 Oct 2026 (first published July 2025). Reviewed by the Vidabricks advisory team.
The 8-point checklist
| # | Check | Where to check | Red flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project registered with DLD and approved for off-plan sale | Dubai REST app, DLD website | Unregistered project, or sales before approval |
| 2 | Project escrow account named in the SPA | SPA, reservation form | Request to pay a personal or company account |
| 3 | Construction progress versus the timeline | DLD project status, site visit | No progress months after launch |
| 4 | Delivery record on past projects | DLD records, past buyers, your advisor | Repeated multi-year delays |
| 5 | Quality at handover | Visit a completed project; owner reviews | Snagging and defects left unresolved |
| 6 | Payment plan matches construction | Payment schedule in the SPA | Most of the price due long before structure is built |
| 7 | Contract terms on delay, specification and default | SPA | No delay remedy; vague specifications |
| 8 | Broker is RERA-registered | DLD broker search | No ORN or BRN shown |
Why it matters
Dubai’s escrow law (Law No. 8 of 2007) ring-fences your payments for the project, but it does not guarantee the completion date or the finish. A developer with a good delivery record and a project that is visibly progressing reduces both risks. See escrow and buyer protection.
Developers we work with
Vidabricks is the exclusive sales partner for ZāZEN Properties on ZāZEN Acacia Residences, and sells Baron Development’s Gate Royale Residences in Al Furjan. We earn commission from developers on sales; our editorial policy explains how we keep guides balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a Dubai developer is registered?
Ask for the developer's and the project's Dubai Land Department registration, then check the project in the Dubai REST app or on the DLD website. A developer needs DLD approval before it can advertise off-plan units.
How can I see if an off-plan project is on schedule?
Check the project's status and construction progress with DLD (Dubai REST app or website) and compare it with the completion date in your SPA.
Are new developers riskier?
Not necessarily, but they have no delivery record to check. Look harder at the escrow account, construction progress and the contractor, and prefer handover-weighted payment plans.
