Buying off-plan property in Oman: escrow, risks and a pre-signing checklist (2026)

Most projects that foreigners buy in Oman are off-plan: lower prices, instalment plans and the pick of the units. In return there is the risk of delay and the worry about where the money goes. Fortunately, Oman has a clear law for this. This guide explains how your money is protected and what to check before you sign.

Oman's escrow law

Since 2018, Royal Decree 30/2018 and Ministerial Decision 72/2019 have regulated off-plan sales:

• The developer must hold a real estate development licence from the outset and be registered with the relevant ministry (Tourism or Housing).
• Ministry approval is needed before units are advertised or sold.
• Each project has its own escrow account at an Omani bank, and buyers pay into that account.
• The bank acts as escrow agent, and the developer can withdraw only through applications certified by the project consultant, so money is released in step with construction.
• The developer sends the escrow statement to the ministry every three months.
• 5% of the sales value is retained for one year after each unit is registered to the buyer, to cover snagging works.

The new Real Estate Registry Law (2026)

Royal Decree 56/2026, published in May 2026, replaced the property registration law. Two points matter for off-plan buyers:

• Units under construction can be registered in the buyer's name before completion.
• The registered title deed is the only proof of ownership; until registration, the seller is legally still the owner. So do not delay registration.

Checklist before you sign

• See the developer's and project's licences.
• The escrow bank and account number must be in the contract; pay only into that account.
• Compare the payment plan with construction milestones; large payments before building starts are a warning sign.
• Handover date and delay clause: what compensation or right to cancel do you have if handover slips?
• Unit specification: area, layout, finishes and what is handed over (kitchen, air conditioning, wardrobes).
• Estimated service charge after handover.
• Resale before handover: some developers charge a fee or set conditions to transfer a contract before completion.
• Permitted area: the project must be in an Integrated Tourism Complex or another area where foreigners may own.

Off-plan or ready?

Warning signs

• A request to pay into a personal account or any account other than the escrow account
• A contract that does not name the escrow bank
• A large discount on condition that you pay everything immediately
• A developer with no delivery record who cannot show a licence

How R2LUX helps

The projects on our site come from developers with a delivery record. Before you reserve, we go through the contract, escrow account, payment plan and handover date with you, and put any question straight to the developer. This article is general guidance and not legal advice.