How to check a developer in Dubai
When you buy a home that is still being built, you trust the developer with your money for years ahead. Here is what to check before you book.
In short The project and the developer must be registered with RERA. The project must have an escrow account. Look at how many projects the developer has delivered, and whether on time. Construction status can be checked through Dubai Land Department services. Registration and escrow Unfinished homes in Dubai can only be sold in projects registered with the regulator, RERA. Each such project has an escrow account that receives buyers’ payments. Ask for the project registration number and the escrow account details.
Delivery record Find out which projects the developer has completed and how far actual dates slipped from the promised ones. Small delays are not unusual in this market, but repeated ones are a warning sign.
Construction status The Dubai Land Department publishes project and construction-progress information in the Dubai REST app. Compare the stated completion percentage with the official data.
Red flags Be wary of pressure to book “today only”, refusal to show the project registration, requests to pay anywhere other than the escrow account, and promises of guaranteed returns without documents.
Where to look at the track record Beyond official DLD services, visit the developer’s completed buildings, read owners’ reviews and compare promised dates with actual ones.
How PromptEstates helps PromptEstates shows a developer’s delivered projects, on-time record and escrow account in one card, right next to the project itself.
Frequently asked questions How do you find the project registration number? Ask the developer or broker for it and check it in Dubai Land Department services.
Who should receive the booking payment? Only the project escrow account or the developer’s official channels — never cash or personal accounts.
Does a big developer mean no risk? No. Even large companies’ projects differ in timelines and terms, so each project is checked on its own.
Sources: Dubai Land Department
UAE developers: Emaar Properties DAMAC Properties Nakheel Sobha Realty Meraas Binghatti Danube Properties Aldar Properties Imtiaz Developments Iman Developers Ellington Properties Azizi Developments Samana Developers Select Group Omniyat Object 1
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