I was misled during the purchase of my off-plan apartment in Dubai. Can I claim compensation?

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for reaching out. Based on the details you shared, your situation may fall under misrepresentation in real estate transactions, especially if you have evidence such as messages, brochures, and voice notes.

UAE law provides legal remedies in such cases, which could include compensation or other claims, but the strength of your case depends on a thorough review of the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and supporting documents.

To properly evaluate your legal position, we recommend a detailed consultation where we can assess the evidence, outline possible legal strategies, and provide guidance on costs and timelines.

You may also authorize our office to represent you in pursuing your rights.

Please book a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy so we can assist you effectively.

Best regards,

Hi Dear,

In this case, you were misled during the sale process and lost the main feature for which you purchased the unit.

If we can prove fraud in the sale through clear correspondence (even if “Burj Khalifa View” is not mentioned in the contract), you will be able to win the case.

The most important point here is proving fraud. If it is established, you can file a claim either for a reduction in the price or for termination of the contract.

I understand that this is not easy, but it is not impossible.

As for the timeline, cases of this nature require real estate expertise and, therefore, will take some time.

The costs: court fees are calculated based on the value of the contract.

Dear Client,

Thank you for contacting us regarding your matter.

We are Ali Ibrahim Advocates & Legal Consultants, a Dubai-based law firm with a specialized team experienced in handling real estate disputes and cases involving breaches of contract by sellers or developers under UAE laws.

For more information, please feel free to reach out to us directly via phone or WhatsApp.

We would also be pleased to arrange a meeting with you to clarify all aspects of your case and advise you regarding the applicable procedures and professional fees.

We look forward to assisting you.

Best regards,

Based on the facts you shared, especially if you have WhatsApp messages, voice notes, brochures, and the internal sales system screenshots showing the “lagoon view,” there is definitely a legal ground to claim that you were induced to sign the SPA under misleading information.

While the SPA may not mention the view, the UAE courts do consider extrinsic evidence like sales communications, marketing materials, and correspondence when it is clear that such misrepresentations influenced the buyer’s decision.

The legal remedies available could include:

- Compensation claim for the difference in market value (with lagoon view vs. without).

- Partial refund or damages for financial loss suffered when you attempted resale.

- In certain circumstances, even a claim for rescission (cancellation), though this is less common after handover.

To properly evaluate and build the case, the following will be required:

- Your Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA).

- All marketing materials: brochures, floor plans, presentations.

- WhatsApp messages, voice notes, and emails with the sales manager.

- Any internal system screenshots you can secure.

- Evidence of resale attempts and reduced value.

Costs and timeframe:

Court fees in Dubai are usually 6% of the claim amount (capped at AED 40,000).

Legal fees depend on the scope of the claim, but you can expect around AED 30,000–50,000 for initial proceedings, subject to complexity.

Such cases typically take 9–14 months at the Court of First Instance, with possible appeals thereafter.

From what you have explained, this appears to be a strong case of misrepresentation, and courts have previously awarded compensation in similar matters.

I would strongly recommend we sit together, review your documents in detail, and structure the case in a way that maximizes your compensation claim.

You may contact me directly on WhatsApp or by phone so I can advise you on the best course forward and start preparing the file.

Yes, you do have the right to claim compensation, and your documents are sufficient, provided it is clear that they were issued by the company.

The cost is 6% of the claim amount as court fees, in addition to the lawyer’s fees.

The timeline depends on many factors that cannot be predicted in advance, but it is usually between 4 to 12 months.

Dear Client,

Thank you for sharing the details of your case.

Based on the information and evidence you have provided, you may have a strong legal claim for misrepresentation under Dubai real estate law.

Misleading representations, even if not documented in the SPA, can entitle you to seek compensation or a partial refund due to financial loss.

To proceed, it is essential to gather all relevant documents, contracts, communication records, brochures, and proof of reduced resale value, and initiate a complaint with the Dubai Land Department or through civil proceedings.

The typical timeline for resolution ranges from 3 to 6 months, with legal costs depending on case complexity.

We recommend scheduling a consultation to evaluate your case thoroughly and advise on the best course of action.

Please let us know if you wish to proceed.

Kind regards,

Abdul Wahied