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  • What is an Escrow Account & How Does it Work in Real Estate

What is an Escrow Account & How Does it Work in Real Estate in the UAE?

Buying property, especially off-plan, can feel risky—especially when large amounts of money are involved. That’s why the escrow account system for real estate in the UAE exists: to protect both buyers and developers and to make property transactions safer and more transparent.

What is an Escrow Account?

An escrow account is a special bank account where money is held securely by a third party (called a trustee) during a property transaction. Think of it as a safe middle ground between the buyer and the developer. The developer only gets access to the money after meeting certain agreed milestones, like completing parts of the construction.

So, the buyer’s money is protected, and the developer is motivated to complete the project on time.

How Escrow account Works
Why Are Escrow Accounts Important in UAE Real Estate?

In the UAE, escrow accounts are required by law—especially for off-plan property sales. These accounts play a key role in:

  • Protecting buyers’ funds
  • Preventing fraud or misuse of money
  • Ensuring developers complete projects as promised
  • Building trust in the property market

If a project is delayed or cancelled, or if the developer runs into financial trouble, the buyer’s money doesn’t just disappear. It’s held safely and can’t be used for anything unrelated to the project—like paying off other debts.

How Does an Escrow Account Work?

Here’s a step-by-step idea of how it works in a typical real estate deal:

  1. The buyer signs an agreement with the developer to purchase a property (usually off-plan).
  2. The buyer transfers payments into an escrow account, based on the agreed payment plan.
  3. The developer cannot access the full amount right away. Funds are released in stages—only after part of the construction is completed and verified by experts.
  4. The money is used strictly for project costs like construction, land payments, and approved consultancy fees.
  5.  

This system ensures developers use funds responsibly, and it gives buyers peace of mind that their money is safe until the property is ready.

Who Regulates Escrow Accounts in the UAE?

Escrow accounts are governed by different authorities depending on the location:

  • In Abu Dhabi, escrow accounts are regulated by TAMM Abu Dhabi
  • In Dubai, it’s managed by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)

Each project must have its own dedicated escrow account, and developers must follow strict rules to get access to funds.

What’s Needed to Open an Escrow Account?

To open an escrow account in Abu Dhabi, a developer must submit several documents including:

  • Approval from TAMM
  • A signed escrow agreement
  • Trade license, registration certificates
  • Project sales and purchase agreements
  • Engineering and construction documents
  • Audited financial reports

Once submitted, the account is reviewed and either approved or declined by the escrow authority.

Who Manages the Escrow Account?

An escrow agent—usually a bank, legal advisor, or financial professional—oversees the account. They make sure both the developer and the buyer follow the agreement. They’re also responsible for releasing funds once the required conditions are met.

Benefits of an Escrow Account in Real Estate
  • Protects buyer’s money until the property is delivered
  • Ensures transparency between both parties
  • Prevents misuse of funds by developers
  • Reduces chances of fraud or project failure
  • Builds trust in the property market

Whether you’re buying a villa, an apartment, or investing in an off-plan project, an escrow account for real estate in the UAE gives you the security you need to move forward with confidence.

The escrow account system in UAE real estate is a smart, protective measure designed for everyone’s benefit. It keeps the process fair, keeps the funds safe, and keeps the trust high between buyers and developers.

If you’re planning to buy a property in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, make sure to ask your agent or developer about the escrow account linked to your project. It’s your right—and your best protection.

People also ask:

An escrow account protects the buyer’s money until the property is delivered. It ensures developers use the funds properly and build as promised, helping prevent fraud and delays.

Not exactly. Escrow isn’t a payment method—it’s a secure way to hold money during a deal. The money stays in a safe account and is only released when both sides meet their agreement.

In the UAE, an escrow account is a special bank account used in property deals—especially off-plan properties. The buyer’s payments go into this account and are released to the developer only after parts of the project are completed and approved.

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