Buying an off-plan property in the UAE is exciting—it gives you the opportunity to own a brand-new home or investment at a lower price before construction is complete. However, the final stage of ownership—the mortgage handover—can sometimes feel a little stressful. That’s because most developers require the off-plan final payment to be settled before you can receive your keys.

Many buyers are caught off-guard by this last payment, especially if they’ve been paying in installments over the construction period. But don’t worry! There are reliable handover financing solutions in the UAE that can help you manage this final payment without stress.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about off-plan final payments, why buyers often struggle at handover, and the practical mortgage solutions available to make the process smooth and stress-free.

What Is the Off-Plan Final Payment?

When you buy an off-plan property in the UAE, you usually pay in installments throughout the construction period. The off-plan final payment is the last chunk of money due when the property is ready for handover. It’s a critical step because, without it, you cannot take possession of your new home or investment property.

The final payment typically includes:

1. Remaining Property Balance – This is the portion of the purchase price you haven’t yet paid. Depending on your payment plan, it could range from 10% to 60% of the total property cost.
2. Dubai Land Department (DLD) Fees – These fees cover the registration of your property and issuance of the title deed. It is usually around 4% of the property value and must be cleared at handover.
3. Service Charges or Additional Developer Fees – Some developers may include charges for community services, maintenance, or other administrative costs at the handover stage.

Why understanding this matters:

Many buyers underestimate the size of the final payment or assume they can pay it gradually. In reality, developers in the UAE typically require the full balance to be cleared before handing over the property. Being prepared with financing options, like a handover mortgage, ensures you don’t face delays or penalties.

By knowing exactly what the off-plan final payment includes, you can plan ahead, explore mortgage solutions, and make your handover process seamless.

 Why Many Buyers Struggle at Handover Stage

1. High Lump Sum Requirement
   Most buyers have been paying smaller installments during construction. When the property is ready, the off-plan final payment often arrives as a sizable lump sum. This sudden demand can be a challenge if you haven’t planned ahead.
2. Cash Flow Gaps
   Some buyers rely on selling an existing property or arranging funds from other sources to pay the final installment. Delays in these plans can create temporary cash shortages at handover time.
3. Strict Developer Policies
   In the UAE, developers generally require the full balance to be cleared before issuing the handover documents and keys. They rarely allow partial payments, which means any delay can postpone your possession.
4. Additional Costs at Handover
   Aside from the property balance, buyers may need to pay Dubai Land Department fees, service charges, or community fees. These extra costs sometimes catch buyers by surprise if they haven’t budgeted for them.
5. Limited Financing Awareness
   Many buyers are unaware that they can use a handover mortgage to cover the final payment. Without knowing these options, buyers can feel stuck when the handover is scheduled.

Friendly Advice:
Being aware of these common challenges lets you plan ahead and explore financing solutions early. That way, when the property is ready, you can handle the off-plan final payment confidently and avoid stress or delays.

Mortgage Solutions for Off-Plan Handover

When you reach the handover stage of your off-plan property, the only bank-financed option available in the UAE is a handover mortgage. This is a standard purchase mortgage taken at the time of property completion, specifically designed to help buyers settle the remaining amount due to the developer.

At this stage, many buyers realize that the last 10%–40% of the property price is still unpaid. If they do not have enough cash, the handover mortgage allows the bank to step in and pay the developer directly.

Handover Mortgage 

A handover mortgage is a new home loan taken at completion to settle the final payment to the developer.

How it works in the UAE:

• The developer issues a Completion / Handover Notice
• You apply for a mortgage with a bank
• The bank conducts a valuation of the property
• Once approved, the bank pays the developer
• You then begin your monthly mortgage repayments

Who this is for:

• Buyers who purchased off-plan without a mortgage
• Buyers who need financing to pay the final 10%–60%
• Buyers who want long-term repayment (up to 25 years)

➡️ Learn more about “handover mortgage Dubai”

Conclusion

Reaching the handover stage of an off-plan property is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming when the final payment deadline approaches. Many buyers are surprised by how much is still due at completion, and that’s completely normal. The good news is that the UAE offers a clear and reliable solution: a handover mortgage.

If you don’t have the full cash ready, the handover mortgage allows a bank to step in, settle the remaining amount directly with the developer, and give you the flexibility to repay over several years. It’s a simple, regulated, and widely used option that helps you take possession of your property without unnecessary stress or delays.

Just remember:

• A handover mortgage is the only bank-financed option for settling off-plan final payments.
• A buyout mortgage is not meant for handover—it only applies if you already have a mortgage.

With the right guidance and timely preparation, you can complete your handover smoothly and confidently, and finally step into the property you’ve been waiting for. If you’re unsure which option fits your situation, speaking with a mortgage advisor can help you understand your eligibility and choose the best financing path.

Your dream home is closer than you think—just one smart financial step away.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Mortgage eligibility, interest rates, fees, and terms may vary based on individual circumstances, lender policies, and regulatory requirements in the UAE. All mortgage approvals are subject to bank assessment and applicable regulations set by the relevant authorities in the UAE.