Finance guide
Want to exit an off-plan unit before it completes? You assign your contract to a new buyer. Here's how the transfer works, the threshold that controls whether you can, the fees, and what actually decides if you profit.
Most developers only allow an assignment once you've paid a minimum share of the price (commonly ~30-40%, varies by developer/project). Below that, you can't transfer yet. Confirm the exact figure in your SPA.
You sell your contractual position, not a finished unit. Price it on the current market for comparable off-plan stock; the buyer takes over your remaining payment plan from the assignment date.
The developer issues a No-Objection Certificate for the transfer and re-registers the buyer on the Oqood. They usually charge an admin/assignment fee for this.
The buyer pays you the agreed amount (your equity + any premium), the developer updates the Oqood interim registration to the buyer, and the buyer assumes the future instalments. Done before handover, so no final title deed exists yet.
The buyer pays what you've put in so far plus any market premium (or accepts a discount). They take on the unpaid balance. Model your net after the developer's assignment fee.
If you need to exit before hitting the minimum-payment mark, you may be stuck holding (or forced to keep paying). Know the threshold before you buy off-plan as an exit plan.
Assignment profits depend on prices rising between purchase and resale. If the market dips, you may sell at or below cost — off-plan flips are not guaranteed gains.
Developer assignment/NOC fees, agency commission, and sometimes a DLD component apply. Net them out before assuming a profit on paper.