In this episode of Dubai Real Estate Unplugged, Managing Director Simon Baker sits down with Rennie Sanger to discuss one of the most common investor questions: when is the best time to sell an investment property? Together, they explore the realities of selling Off Plan property in Dubai, the financial considerations behind timing a sale and the key strategies that define a smart exit.
Key takeaways
- The best time to sell an Off Plan property depends on your payment structure, capital position and market conditions.
- Selling before completion can yield strong returns when paired with a low upfront payment plan.
- Waiting until completion opens up financing options for new buyers, often boosting resale value.
- Avoid speculative flipping: choose projects with sustainable demand and credible developers.
- Work with brokers who provide full-cycle support from purchase to resale.
Why timing matters in Off Plan sales
Rennie opens by explaining that timing a sale is not just about capital gains, it’s about understanding payment plans, liquidity and risk. A well-structured payment plan, where the majority of the balance is due upon completion, leaves more capital available for reinvestment and increases flexibility when reselling.
He notes that paying 30 to 40 percent before handover is typical, with some developers offering lower percentages. This structure allows investors to resell at a premium without committing the full purchase amount, provided they are well advised by an experienced broker.
Simon agrees that real estate should always be viewed as a medium to long term investment, but strategic payment planning can enhance returns significantly.
How to sell Off Plan property before completion
For many investors, the goal is to resell before completion to maximise returns. Rennie explains that this is only advisable if buyers are in a strong financial position and can complete the next payments if the market slows.
He breaks down the maths: if an investor pays 50 percent of a AED 1 million property and sells at a 20 percent increase, the return on capital is effectively 40 percent. This leverage, he says, is why experienced investors often pursue selling Off Plan property before completion in Dubai.
However, both caution against speculative flipping. Rennie emphasises that the best results come from choosing projects with strong fundamentals, not simply betting on rapid appreciation.
Avoiding unrealistic promises and market hype
Simon reflects on past cycles when agents encouraged buyers to purchase multiple Off Plan properties for quick resale. He warns that while the market is healthier and more transparent today, unrealistic promises still exist.
“Any agent who says you’ll double your money in a few months is ignoring market reality,” he explains. Rennie adds that credible advice and long term relationships are essential, the best agents are those who will still be around five or ten years later to support your resale or management needs.
This section highlights a key takeaway for investors: rely on trusted brokers who balance optimism with experience, not short-term speculation.
Selling after completion: the benefits of waiting
Not all investors choose to sell early. Rennie outlines the benefits of waiting until completion, explaining that property values often experience their steepest appreciation just before handover.
As a project nears completion, new buyers, particularly mortgage buyers, enter the market, widening demand. Access to financing significantly increases a property’s resale potential, especially for developments with higher construction payment plans.
Simon reinforces this point: once a building is ready for handover, end users can access up to 80 percent loan-to-value financing, which opens up the buyer pool and often triggers a late-stage price surge.
For sellers, this can mean stronger capital gains with reduced risk.
Expert advice on selling smart
Rennie and Simon conclude that while timing is critical, the most successful investors take a strategic, data-driven approach.
- Understand your payment plan and financial flexibility.
- Choose developments with credible developers and realistic completion timelines.
- Partner with a brokerage that provides resale, conveyancing and property management under one roof.
Simon notes that haus & haus’ large resale team and in-house conveyancing services make it easier for clients to execute seamless transactions. “It’s not just about finding a buyer: it’s about managing the full process securely and efficiently,” he says.
