A lot of people buy homes in Dubai before they are built because the off-plan real estate market is flexible, has attractive rates, and lets people pay over a lengthy period of time. But it’s common for customers to alter their minds while the work is going on. Can I change my unit before I get it? This is an essential question that can come up if my budget, investment plan, living necessities, or even the market change.
You can change your mind about an off-plan flat in Dubai before you get it, but it’s not always possible. The developer, the Sales & Purchase Agreement (SPA), and the Dubai Land Department determine a lot of the rules that govern what happens. This blog post explains how unit switching works, what standards developers must follow, and how buyers can do it legally and safely.
What Does It Mean to Change a Unit Before Handover?
When you switch off plan property for sale unit before handover, you relocate from the off-plan apartment you booked to a new unit before the property is finished and officially given to you. This change can happen in the same project, or extremely infrequently, in a separate project that the same individual is working on.
The process is different when you sell a house that is ready to move into. The buyer isn’t truly selling the property because the title deed hasn’t been given yet. They’re only modifying or giving away their contractual rights.
Is it okay to change flats in Dubai?
Dubai’s real estate rules let people change and transfer apartments before they get them, but they don’t let the buyer move flats automatically. Only the developer can determine whether to accept or deny a request to exchange units.
As long as the developer’s corporate policy allows it and the buyer fits the conditions, the transition can be made official as long as the necessary documentation and approvals are in place.
We talk about why buyers change units before they get them.
A lot of purchasers ask for off plan property for sale unit adjustments for both strategic and practical reasons. Some folks seek a higher level or a greater view as the structure rises up. Some people might want to move up to a bigger apartment because they have a family, while others could want to move down to save money. Investors regularly relocate units around to improve their chances of selling or renting them again.
Changes in the market, late handovers, or new beginnings on the same project might potentially alter a buyer’s choice.
Need a More information About It?
Our agents will help you explore premium options tailored to your lifestyle, location preferences, and investment goals.
Things developers should know about the rules
- In Dubai, each developer has its own guidelines, although most requests to swap apartments are looked at in the same way.
- First of all, it’s vitally important that the money goes through. Most builders won’t allow purchasers change a unit until they’ve paid a specific amount of its value. This is usually 30% to 50% of the car’s overall price. People who are behind on their payments are not often accepted.
- Second, you need to be available. You can only switch units if the maker has the one you want. You might not be able to switch units that are in high demand, including corner flats, homes with sea views, or units with limited layouts.
- Third, the budget needs to be changed. The user has to pay the extra money right away or as the developer advises them to if the new unit costs more. If the new item is cheaper, a lot of makers won’t give you your money back.
- They either use it to pay for other things or take it off of future payments.
- Last but not least, costs for revisions and administrative work are nearly always imposed. These fees pay for changes to the SPA, work done within the organization, and updates to the system.
How to Change an off plan property for sale Unit in Steps
The first thing you need to do is read your Sales and Purchase Agreement. This paper explains the guidelines for when and if unit transfers or adjustments are acceptable. This provision will save you time and keep you from getting your hopes up.
The buyer must file an official written request to the developer once they are confident they are eligible. The request should include details about the unit, the payment status, and the name of the new unit that the person wants.
After that, the developer does an internal review. They look at the history of payments, ensure sure the unit is available, and examine if the project’s current stage permits for adjustments.
If the purchase goes through, the buyer has to pay any difference in price and any expenses for paperwork. The developer won’t send any official papers until these fees are made.
The last step is to send out a new Sales and Purchase Agreement that incorporates details about the new unit. If the unit was already listed with Oqood, the records are modified to show that.
When was the last time you changed units?
As the job gets closer to being done, it gets difficult to transfer units. Developers normally don’t let alterations be made once building is well underway and the final blueprints are fixed in stone.
At this time, people who wish to sell their investment or change it often look into assignment sales. Instead of changing the unit within the company, it is sold to a new buyer.
What is the difference between an assignment sale and a unit switch?
Unit switching implies modifying the original reservation, usually within the same project and without involving a third-party buyer. An assignment sale, on the other hand, gives the contract to a third party, who then makes the payments.
The developer must accept both options, although assignment sales normally cost more and require more paperwork.
The Cost of Changing a Unit
You should be ready for fees for administration, changes to the SPA, and variances in prices between units. The costs are different for each developer. If there is a human engaged, there may be service or brokerage costs.
It’s crucial to know all the rates ahead of time so you don’t have to argue later.
Risks and Things to Keep in Mind
The biggest risk is believing that buyers have the right to change. No, it isn’t. Even if the payment terms are met, developers might still say no to requests.
Timing is also very crucial. Requests that are made early in the building process are more likely to be granted.
You need to carefully read all the paperwork. If the amended SPA has a different unit size, layout, or payment plan, it could cause legal problems during the handover.
Final Thoughts
In Dubai, you can trade in an off plan property for sale before the handover, but the process is open and tracked. It lets buyers change their business or personal goals, but they have to do it quickly and correctly.
It’s important to know your SPA, pay your bills on time, communicate clearly with the developer, and get all approvals in writing for a smooth unit transfer. If you do it right, a unit swap can make your property investment more valuable and useful without getting you in trouble with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can ask for a switch at any moment before the handover, but it might not be allowed based on the developer’s policies, your payment history, and how far along the project is.
Yes, most developers will only let you make changes if you pay them a set amount of the unit value beforehand.
A lot of companies don’t give back the extra money. Instead, the company could change it, or it could be saved for future bills.
Once the work starts, most of the time you can’t get your administrative fees back.
Not at all. The item is “completed” after it is given over, and it can only be sold through the standard selling process.
Join The Discussion