Should You Wait or Buy Now? Timing Your Off-Plan Purchase in a Rising Market

Buying a property is one of those decisions that makes your head spin, especially in a place like the UAE, where the skyline seems to grow a new tower every week. If you are eyeing an off-plan unit, timing can feel even trickier. Friends, colleagues, social media - everyone has an opinion. Some say wait; others say buy now. Many people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi opt for off-plan properties because they cost less upfront and can yield good returns later. Let’s understand this in more detail so you can decide if now is the right time for you or if waiting makes more sense.

The Current UAE Off-Plan Market Trends

Dubai’s property market began 2025 strongly, with home sales up 23% compared to the first quarter of last year. 69% of those sales comprised off-plan units, which is a huge percentage. Developers launched over 30,000 new homes in just three months. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, Dubai saw over 40,000 off-plan property deals worth AED 90 billion between January and June 2025. This number of sales makes up 38% of all property sales. 

Apartments are the most popular, especially for young professionals and small families. However, more people are now buying villas and townhouses too, especially in areas a bit away from the city centre, like Jumeirah Village Circle and Dubailand. Developers plan to finish about 29,000 new villas by the end of the year.

Experts believe this trend will keep growing because Dubai’s population is rising and there’s a big push to build new homes and better infrastructure. There are numerous off-plan projects to choose from, in various areas and styles, which attract local and foreign buyers. 

Drivers Behind Current Trends

A few things are lining up just right, which are driving growth in the UAE’s real estate market. They are:

Strong Demand: The UAE has really put itself on the map as a place to live, work, and invest. Its open policies, easy business setup, and promise of a good lifestyle are pulling in talent and families from all over the world. 

The Economy is Strong: The UAE isn't just about oil anymore; it’s a hub for finance, tourism, tech, and so much more. When the economy is strong, people have more confidence, and they're more willing to invest in big things like property.

Government vision: The government continually introduces initiatives to make the UAE even more attractive, such as long-term visas, a focus on innovation, and ongoing improvements to the infrastructure. Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan,  Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), and Vision 2031 all contribute to creating a stable and appealing environment for long-term residents and investors.

The "Wait or Buy Now" Dilemma

So, back to the big question. Should you wait? Or should you buy now?

Nobody wants to buy at the peak. You might think, “Maybe I’ll wait a year; prices might come down.” But here’s what’s happening:

Dubai’s population keeps growing. According to the Dubai Statistics Centre report, the current population is around 3.95 million. 110,000 new residents arrived in Dubai during the first six months of 2025.  More people mean more demand for homes. The city continues to invest in infrastructure, including new metro lines, improved roads, and expanded schools and parks.

Most off-plan launches sell out quickly, within weeks. DAMAC Islands by DAMAC Properties made headlines for selling AED 10 billion worth of properties within just 10 hours during its launch event. The prices may fluctuate slightly, but the broader trend is upward. If you wait, you may end up paying more later or miss out on the unit or payment plan you wanted.

What About Renting Instead?

Some people think it might be better to rent for a few more years, and that’s okay if you are not sure how long you’ll stay in Dubai. However, rents in Dubai have also been increasing. In popular areas such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, rents increased by around 20% last year. So while you wait, you could end up paying more in rent than you’d save by not buying now. Also, when you own a home, your money goes into your future home, not your landlord’s pocket.

Laws That Protect You

Some people still worry that the project will get delayed or the developer will go bankrupt. Dubai has strict laws for off-plan sales. Developers must register projects with the Dubai Land Department and open an escrow account for every new launch. Therefore, your money is deposited directly into a secure account used solely for the project’s construction, not for the developer’s other expenses.

If the developer fails to deliver, the law allows the Land Department to intervene, protect your investment, or transfer the project to a new developer. So, while no investment is 100% risk-free, Dubai’s rules are designed to give buyers strong protection.

Quick Note

Betterhomes has been in the market for nearly four decades. We have seen buyers who waited too long, hoping for a price dip, only to return six months later and discover the same unit costs 10% more, or that only less desirable floors are left.

Could prices decrease slightly in some areas? Yes, that’s possible because no one can predict exactly. But in growing communities with new schools and malls, demand tends to keep values steady or rising.

Conclusion

After you have done your property search and background check on the developer, and the property fits your budget, it’s smart to buy now. Dubai continues to grow and reward those who invest early, as more people relocate to the city every year. If you wait too long, you might end up paying more rent for the same property later. So, if you are still unsure, perhaps now is the time to decide and secure your new home while the payment plan is favourable. Then you can relax and watch your investment grow as the city grows, too.

At Betterhomes, we help you discover the right off-plan property, with payment plans and locations that fit your life and budget. Our team is well-versed in the market and is here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t wait too long because the best deals don’t last forever. Contact us today.