How real-estate project finance works in the UAE
Structure capital around the project's land, approvals, construction, sales or leasing, escrow and repayment milestones.
The capital structure follows the project from land and approvals through construction, sales or leasing and completion. Sponsors may use equity, land or bridge finance, senior construction debt, subordinated capital and refinancing at different stages.
What lenders assess
Lenders review title, approvals, sponsor record, feasibility, construction budget and programme, presales or leases, escrow mechanics, security, contingency, debt-service capacity and repayment. The exact requirements depend on the emirate, project and lender.
How escrow affects the structure
Dubai Land Department states that developers selling off-plan fall within the project-escrow regime and that purchaser and financier amounts for the project are deposited into the project escrow account. Project-specific deposit, release and retention mechanics should be confirmed with DLD, the account trustee and legal advisers. Source: Dubai Land Department, frequently asked questions.
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Reconcile sources and uses
The model should reconcile land, professional fees, construction, sales and marketing, financing, contingency, taxes and reserves. It should identify the timing and priority of sponsor equity, buyer receipts and debt drawdowns.
Plan drawdown and completion
Facility documents may link drawdowns to equity contribution, approvals, certified construction progress, presales or leasing and other conditions. The finance plan should address cost overruns, delays and the route to repayment or stabilised refinancing.
Qualification before a mandate
Published real-estate finance mandates typically begin at USD 20m, subject to project stage, sponsor evidence and mandate fit. Review the mandate criteria and prepare the project documents before submission.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
They assess title, approvals, sponsor record, feasibility, construction, sales or leasing, escrow, security, contingency and repayment. Requirements depend on the emirate, project and lender.
Dubai Land Department states that purchaser and financier amounts for an off-plan project are deposited into the project escrow account. Project-specific mechanics require current verification.
Published real-estate finance mandates typically begin at USD 20m, subject to project stage and mandate fit.
Last updated: July 2026.
Discuss a mandate
Speak to a partner about how this applies to your transaction. A partner responds personally, typically within one business day.
