What is Depósito?
Pago inicial del comprador para asegurar la compra de una propiedad, que demuestra compromiso y se mantiene en escrow hasta completar la transacción o resolverse.
Description
A deposit is a payment made by the buyer at the time of signing a purchase agreement to demonstrate serious intent and secure the property. In Dubai, the standard deposit for resale transactions is typically 10% of the purchase price, paid to the real estate agency or conveyancer and held in escrow.
For off-plan purchases, developers typically require 5% to 20% as an initial deposit upon booking. For resale transactions, the 10% deposit is standard and is deducted from the final purchase price at transfer. If the buyer withdraws without cause, they typically forfeit the deposit. If the seller withdraws, they must return double the deposit amount under standard Form F contracts.
How to interpret
Treat the deposit as a committed expenditure from the moment you hand it over. The conditions under which you can recover it, specifically the seller's material breach, are narrow and require proof. Only pay a deposit once you are genuinely committed to the purchase and have conducted at least basic due diligence on the title and seller.
For off-plan purchases, verify that your deposit goes directly into a RERA-regulated escrow account, not to the developer's operating account. Request written confirmation of the escrow account details and the bank holding the funds. This is your money until construction milestones are met, and protecting it through proper escrow channels is non-negotiable.
Contexto del mercado de Dubái
RERA's Form F (sale contract) and Form A (agency agreement) standardize deposit handling in Dubai. The DLD's escrow regulations (Law No. 8 of 2007) require off-plan deposits to be placed in regulated escrow accounts managed by approved banks, protecting buyers from developer misuse of funds.
Frequently asked questions
An upfront payment made by a buyer to secure a property purchase, demonstrating commitment and typically held in escrow until the transaction completes or specific conditions are met.
A deposit is a payment made by the buyer at the time of signing a purchase agreement to demonstrate serious intent and secure the property. In Dubai, the standard deposit for resale transactions is typically 10% of the purchase price, paid to the real estate agency or conveyancer and held in escrow.
Treat the deposit as a committed expenditure from the moment you hand it over. The conditions under which you can recover it, specifically the seller's material breach, are narrow and require proof.
RERA's Form F (sale contract) and Form A (agency agreement) standardize deposit handling in Dubai. The DLD's escrow regulations (Law No.
Oliva feeds Deposit into a proprietary 6-dimension score that rates eparticularly Dubai project on Financial Value, Market Dynamics, Location, Developer Trust, Risk, Macro Context, and Liquidity. This keeps comparisons consistent across hundreds of listings.
If the buyer withdraws without cause, they typically forfeit the deposit. If the seller withdraws, they must return double the deposit amount under standard Form F contracts.
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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Yields, returns, and market data referenced are historical or estimated and are not guaranteed. Capital is at risk. Seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Oliva is a licensed Dubai real estate advisor (DLD Broker Card: 92025, RERA BRN: 1573501). Read our Key Risks Disclosure and Disclaimer.