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ESCROW

An escrow account refers to a safekeeping account in which buyers’ finances are deposited until the instalments are paid. These accounts are managed by the government authorities until the project is handed over. Developers can only ask for a certain amount of finances from the escrow account depending on the conditions of escrow account management authorities. 

Many of us dream of owning our own homes or investing in real estate. For first-time buyers, off-plan properties are often an attractive option due to their affordability, the ability to plan ahead, and potential resale benefits.

If you’re considering an off-plan property, it’s crucial to understand the role of escrow accounts in this process. Introduced over 15 years ago by the Government of Dubai, escrow accounts were designed to safeguard investors’ interests and enhance the property buying experience.

Secure Your Investment

Escrow Account

An escrow account refers to a safekeeping account in which buyers’ finances are deposited until the instalments are paid. These accounts are managed by the government authorities until the project is handed over. Developers can only ask for a certain amount of finances from the escrow account depending on the conditions of escrow account management authorities. 

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How Escrow Account Works

An escrow account is established by real estate authorities like RERA Dubai and TAMM Abu Dhabi when a buyer signs an agreement to purchase an off-plan property. After registering the contract, the buyers are required to deposit the remaining amount in the escrow account as per the payment plan.

The developers are not permitted to use any amount from the account excluding finances required for sales, marketing, consultancy, construction and land payments. However, these funds are only provided on the completion of each construction phase and the payment is released to the project consultant and contractor.  

Apart from these conditions, the developer can ask for the finances from the account as per the terms and conditions mentioned by the regulatory authority.

Future Transit

How to Set up an Escrow Account

The developer requested the concerned authority to activate an escrow account for an off-plan project. The process of opening an account is different in every Emirate. 

To elaborate on the process, here we have mentioned the steps to open an escrow account in Dubai. 

  • Log in to the “Oqood” portal and select “Escrow Account Link”.
  • Choose the required service and submit the application. Once the application is submitted, it will be directly transferred to the account trustee. 
  • The trustee will scrutinise the application, upload the documents and forward it to the TAS system. 
  • The escrow account department will verify and either reject or approve the application. In case of approval, the system will be updated automatically. 

The only document required to process the application is the project’s payment plan. However, prior to submitting an application, developers are required to fulfil the criteria mentioned by DLD Dubai.  

Remember that this process is only valid for developers in Dubai, the developers in other Emirates should cater to the process mentioned on the website of land authorities. 

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This is a special bank account to which buyers make payments for off-plan projects. Money is kept until certain obligations are met.

Law No. 8 Concerning Escrow Accounts for Real Property Development in the Emirate of Dubai, dated June 28, 2007.

Every developer who wants to sell off-plan properties in Dubai.

The developer needs to provide a license, a title deed for the plot, contracts with contractors, project documentation, drawings, etc.
The bank acts as an escrow agent and manages the account under the constant supervision of the Dubai Land Department and RERA.

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