{"id":2270,"date":"2026-04-15T20:51:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T17:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meras-cpa.com\/?p=2270"},"modified":"2026-04-15T21:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T18:16:52","slug":"off-plan-sales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meras-cpa.com\/en\/2026\/04\/15\/off-plan-sales\/","title":{"rendered":"Off-plan sales: what are the common mistakes that should be avoided?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Off-plan sales represent one of the most prominent modern approaches in the real estate sector, allowing developers to market and sell units prior to completion based on architectural plans and engineering designs. This approach has contributed to accelerating real estate development and providing investment opportunities at competitive prices, alongside regulatory and legal frameworks aimed at protecting buyers\u2019 rights and ensuring that developers comply with project specifications and predefined timelines.<\/p>\n

In the following, we will explore the off-plan sales system, how to obtain a sales license, how to log in to the \u201cWafi\u201d platform, and other important related information.<\/p>\n

What is the off-plan sales system?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The off-plan sales system is a real estate sales model in which residential or commercial units are marketed and sold before their actual construction is completed. In this model, the buyer bases their decision on architectural plans, designs, and presented models rather than a completed physical property, and payment is typically made in installments linked to construction milestones.<\/p>\n

This system is widely used in large-scale real estate projects because it enables developers to finance construction through buyers\u2019 payments instead of relying entirely on self-financing or bank loans. In return, buyers often benefit from lower prices compared to ready-built properties, along with the potential for investment returns upon project completion.<\/p>\n

Despite its advantages, this system requires strict legal and regulatory frameworks to protect the rights of all parties. Requirements commonly include project registration, depositing buyers\u2019 funds into escrow accounts, and adherence to a defined construction timeline, all of which aim to reduce risks such as delivery delays or project failure.<\/p>\n

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What is the percentage of off-plan sales?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\"Off-plan<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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There is no official statistical figure that specifies the \u201cpercentage of off-plan sales out of total real estate sales\u201d as a fixed or up-to-date percentage. However, there are strong indicators reflecting the expansion of this model in the market. According to data from the Wafi Committee, thousands of project licenses have been issued in recent years, covering hundreds of thousands of off-plan real estate units. By 2022, the number of licensed units exceeded 358,000 units across approximately 496 projects, representing significant growth compared to previous years.<\/div>\n
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Common mistakes that should be avoided<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many buyers and investors fall into mistakes that may lead to financial losses or legal issues, and these mistakes are often the result of haste or insufficient due diligence. The most notable of these mistakes include:<\/p>\n

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  1. Purchasing in an unlicensed project: entering into a contract for a project without an official license is one of the most serious mistakes, as it exposes the buyer to risks of project failure or fraud.<\/li>\n
  2. Failing to verify the developer\u2019s reputation: neglecting to review the developer\u2019s track record and past experience may result in dealing with an unreliable or financially unstable party.<\/li>\n
  3. Ignoring the details of the sales contract: not carefully reviewing the contract, especially clauses related to delivery, penalties, and termination, can lead to significant future problems.<\/li>\n
  4. Relying solely on advertisements: depending on marketing visuals without reviewing approved plans and actual technical specifications is a common mistake.<\/li>\n
  5. Not understanding the payment schedule: entering into financial commitments without assessing repayment capacity or understanding installment timelines may lead to financial distress.<\/li>\n
  6. Ignoring the escrow account: failing to ensure that the project has an escrow account means that funds may not be adequately protected.<\/li>\n
  7. Neglecting project progress monitoring: some buyers do not follow up on construction phases, which delays the detection of issues or delays.<\/li>\n
  8. Rushing the decision-making process: purchasing under pressure from offers or discounts without sufficient market and project analysis.<\/li>\n
  9. Not consulting a real estate or legal expert: ignoring professional advice may lead to uninformed decisions, especially in large contracts.<\/li>\n
  10. Overestimating profit expectations: assuming that real estate will always generate quick returns without proper market analysis may lead to investment disappointment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In conclusion, avoiding these mistakes depends on three key pillars: legal verification, financial assessment, and avoiding haste\u2014factors that can transform off-plan investment from a risk into a successful opportunity.<\/p>\n

    Obtaining an off-plan sales license<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The off-plan sales license is issued through the Wafi program \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0627\u0628\u0639\u0629 \u0644\u0640 the Real Estate General Authority (REGA), under a regulated official framework. The process goes through clear mandatory stages as follows:<\/p>\n

    First: Qualification and registration (before applying for the license):<\/strong>
    \nThe developer must:<\/p>\n