10 Critical Misconceptions: Selling Offplan Resale

Introduction

You made a smart investment when you bought offplan in Dubai. Now, as you consider your exit strategy, the market has shifted significantly since your purchase.

UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index, Fitch Ratings, and Financial Times analysis all point toward the same trend: Dubai's property market faces headwinds through 2026, with Fitch forecasting up to 15% price declines.

As your offplan secondary specialists, we're on your side. We've helped hundreds of owners navigate successful exits, and we've seen how certain misconceptions can cost sellers significantly—or prevent sales entirely when conditions worsen.

The window for maximizing your exit is narrowing. While the market remains active today, fundamentals are shifting rapidly. These 10 misconceptions aren't flaws—they're natural assumptions from a different market environment. But holding onto them now could be costly.

1. "My Oqood is as Good as Cash"

Reality: With 391 new projects launched in 2024 alone (43% increase) and no slowdown in 2025, your contract now competes against fresh inventory with better payment terms and developer incentives. That 20% paper gain means nothing if you can't access it.

2. "I Can Sell Anytime During Construction"

Reality: Developer resale thresholds typically require 40-50% payment before assignment is even possible. Below this threshold, you're legally locked in - regardless of market conditions.

3. "There's Always a Secondary Market"

Reality: The negative press you're reading has already spooked some buyers. Secondary trading has dropped, with the FT highlighting “Would-be “flippers” are already struggling to offload unbuilt properties they bought with the aim of reselling unfinished for a quick profit”.

4. "Price Appreciation Guarantees Profit"

Reality: With 182,000 units expected between 2025-2026, that 20% appreciation you're hoping to capture may not offset the 10-15% discount you'll need to offer just to find a buyer.

5. "End-Users Will Buy My Unit Mid-Construction"

Reality: End-users want move-in ready properties in this uncertain market. Mid-construction buyers are sophisticated investors seeking distressed pricing - they know you're motivated to sell.

6. "Banks Will Finance My Buyer"

Reality: Most lenders won't finance properties under 60% construction completion. In a tightening market, this shrinks your buyer pool to cash-only investors who demand steep discounts.

7. "Construction Delays Don't Affect My Exit Strategy"

Reality: Each month of delay beyond projected handover reduces resale value by 2-3%. With delays now averaging 6+ months, your paper gains may be evaporating in real-time.  Everyone knows construction capacity is strained, and delays are an increasing concern.

8. "Tier 1 Developers Guarantee Liquidity"

Reality: Even Emaar and Nakheel resales struggle when competing against their own primary sales. Developers aren't slowing launches despite the negative sentiment - they're your biggest competitor.

9. "I Can Price at Market Value"

Reality: "Market value" assumes willing buyers exist. Many resale units now need 15-20% discounts to move, and that discount is widening as negative sentiment spreads.

10. "Recent DLD Regulations Ensure Payments Match Construction Progress"

Reality: You're still locked into calendar-based payment schedules while construction falls behind. RERA allows developers to collect payments 10% ahead of actual progress - meaning you could pay 60% while only 20% is built, with no rental income in sight and mounting pressure to keep paying.

Your Next Steps: Acting While the Window Remains Open

The sellers who will weather the coming shift successfully are those acting on current data, not past assumptions. The market is still relatively hot today—buyers exist, transactions happen, and realistic sellers achieve exits. But this window is narrowing.

You invested wisely when you bought. Now exit wisely while you can still maximize returns. The data is clear, trends are established, and opportunity exists—but not indefinitely.

Don't let misconceptions cost you your exit opportunity. Our offplan secondary specialists will help you navigate this transition with a strategic plan tailored to current market realities.

Contact Shosty today for a confidential consultation. Let's discuss your options while you still have them.