Emaar Payment Plans: Flexible Installment Options for Buyers & Investors

What Are Emaar Payment Plans?

Emaar payment plans are structured instalment schedules that allow buyers to pay for off-plan properties over time rather than making a full upfront payment. Payments are typically linked to construction milestones and handover stages, helping buyers spread capital commitments across the development lifecycle.

These plans are primarily offered on new project launches and under-construction developments. They are not designed for completed or resale units, which are generally settled in full at transfer or financed via a bank mortgage.

Types of Emaar Payment Plans Available

Emaar offers several structured payment plans to suit different buyer and investor needs. The most popular options are designed around staged installments tied to construction progress and handover schedules.

Here are the most common Emaar payment plans. 

10/90 Payment Plan

The 10/90 payment plan features a low initial downpayment with most instalments during construction and final payment on handover. This is typically structured as follows:

• 10% down payment  

• 70%-75% during construction 

• 15%-20% on handover

Recent projects that have featured this payment plan have included:

• Equiterra, Grand Polo Club & Resort. 

• Mareva, The Oasis

• Sera 2, Rashid Yachts & Marina

• Salva, The Heights

• Altan, Dubai Creek Harbour

20/80 Payment Plan

These Emaar off-plan payment plans feature a higher deposit with a lower proportion of the total price paid during construction. Like the 10/90 payment plan, the 20/80 payment plan still includes a final payment on handover of around 20%. 

This Emaar payment plan is often structured as follows: 

• 20% downpayment 

• 55%-60% during construction

• 20%-25% on handover

Recent projects that have featured this payment plan include:

• Creek Haven, Dubai Creek Harbour

• Vindera, The Valley

• Creek Bay, Dubai Creek Harbour

These structures are indicative. Final Emaar payment plans are confirmed at launch and contractually locked in at booking, meaning buyers should always review the specific Emaar payment schedule attached to the Sales and Purchase Agreement.

Emaar’s Off‑Plan Projects & Communities

Emaar is one of Dubai’s most influential master developers, shaping many of the city’s most recognisable and high-demand residential communities. Its off-plan projects span waterfront districts, family-oriented estates, golf-side neighbourhoods, and urban lifestyle hubs, each designed with long-term growth, strong rental potential, and world-class amenities.

Some of the key Emaar communities and projects where off-plan payment plans are currently active include:

• Dubai Creek Harbour: A flagship waterfront destination offering a mix of apartments, townhouses, and luxury homes with skyline and canal views. Notable developments include Creek Haven, Altan, Silva, and Montiva by Vida, all well integrated with retail, parks, and leisure destinations.

• Rashid Yachts & Marina: A marina-centred community combining coastal living with urban convenience. Projects like Seascape, Cedar, Baystar by Vida, and Sera 2 bring marina views, lifestyle amenities, and strong investor interest.

• Dubai Hills Estate: A premium master plan anchored by an 18-hole golf course and extensive parks. It features apartment and villa options such as Park Field and Lime Gardens, appealing to families and lifestyle buyers.

• The Valley by Emaar: A lush, family-oriented community with green spaces, playgrounds, and easy access to main roads. Projects include Vindera and other townhouses designed for both end-users and long-term investors.

• Emaar South: Positioned near Expo City and Al Maktoum International Airport, this golf course community offers a mix of apartments, townhouses, and villas, with growing infrastructure and future growth potential.

• Grand Polo Club & Resort: An equestrian-inspired neighbourhood with premium villa and townhouse offerings that combine spacious layouts with resort-style living.

Typical Emaar Payment Plan Structure

Emaar payment plans generally include the following stages:

1. Booking/Initial Deposit: A small booking fee or EOI cheque

2. Down payment: Typically 10–20% of the total price.

3. During construction payments: Staged payments aligned with progress benchmarks such as foundation, structure, and finishing.

4. Final payment: Remaining balance due at or after project completion, depending on plan.

This phased approach allows buyers to align finance with progress rather than all at once, a key benefit for effective cash‑flow management.

Emaar Payment Plans for Off‑Plan Properties

Emaar payment plans are primarily designed for off-plan property purchases, where payments are linked to construction progress and handover timelines. These plans typically follow structures such as 80/20, 90/10, or similar variations, allowing buyers to secure property at launch while spreading payments over the build period.

For investors, this reduces upfront capital exposure and enables entry at early-stage pricing. For end-users, it offers predictability and time to plan financing ahead of completion. As a result, Emaar off-plan payment plans remain the most common and accessible instalment option offered by the developer.

Emaar Post‑Handover Payment Plans Explained

Post-handover payment plans allow buyers to defer part of the purchase price until after the property is completed and handed over. While these structures exist within the wider Dubai property market, they are not commonly offered by Emaar and should not be expected as standard.

In limited cases where Emaar post-handover payment plans are introduced, they are usually tied to specific launches or market conditions and come with defined eligibility criteria. Buyers should always review the official Sales and Purchase Agreement to confirm whether any post-handover component applies.

Payment Plans for End‑Users vs Investors

Choosing the right Emaar payment plan really depends on your goals as a buyer.

End-users often prioritise predictable instalments, manageable cash flow during construction, and a clear handover timeline. Emaar off-plan payment plans are a great option for end users planning to occupy the property on completion.

It is important to note that ready property Emaar payment plans for completed properties. Buyers looking for immediate move-in homes should expect to purchase via full cash settlement or bank mortgage financing, rather than developer-backed instalment plans.

Investors, on the other hand, usually focus on securing launch pricing, minimising upfront capital, and following construction-linked payment schedules that allow flexibility prior to completion. Understanding how different instalment structures align with your investment strategy is key to selecting the right opportunity.

Advantages of Buying with an Emaar Payment Plan

The benefits include:

• Cash‑Flow Management: Structured, milestone‑based payments reduce financial strain.

• Lower Upfront Investment: Smaller initial deposits compared to full immediate payment.

• Access to Prime Projects: Secure units in key master communities before completion.

• Strong Market Demand: Emaar properties often show consistent rental demand and liquidity.

• Investment Flexibility: Options suited for different investment horizons and exit strategies.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Emaar Payment Plan

When assessing Emaar payment plans, it is important to understand that the choice is rarely between multiple payment options. In most cases, the instalment structure is defined by the project itself and confirmed at launch, meaning the real decision is selecting the right development and community.

Buyers should therefore focus on whether a project aligns with their budget and cash flow, investment timeline, and whether they prioritise immediate move-in or long-term capital growth. Community appeal, location, and long-term demand are often more important than small differences in instalment percentages.

It is also worth reiterating that Emaar post-handover payment plans are not common, and there are no standard ready property Emaar payment plans. Buyers seeking completed homes should explore mortgage financing, while Emaar’s staged instalment options remain firmly focused on off-plan developments.