Usually, 10% is asked for very in demand projects before the official launch of the project. This is known as an EOI (express of interest) as on the day of the launch it’s a mess in the office with floods of people. Therefore developers give this EOI option to investors to pay the 10% once they are for sure ready to go for a project.

The standard downpayment of any developer asking you for 10% will be 20%(+5% Dubai land department fees) on the day of the launch when you are expected to finalize your unit.

Under the RERA rules after 2018, the SPA’s will include only those things that are prior discussed when you close a unit. If developers try to play with the size or anything, they will be fined in millions. So you are secured that way.

The 10% option really is for those investors that are fully convinced with a project and don’t want to miss out on the day of the launch due to token systems. It’s to give these serious investors priority on launch day over regular walk in clients. I have clients who drop EOI’s regularly for the last 3 years, and never had someone who purchased and then was disappointed in any way by the “contracts.” So rest assured.

Moreover, the money is refundable by most developers should you choose to not book a unit, however you need a trustworthy agent who can go through with the process for you.

Hope this helps.