Q: Dear, I bought an off-plan property from a developer in 2007 for which I have an Initial Contract of Sale with the Dubai Land Department (Contract no: ------------). As per the Dubai Land Department (in writing) they mentioned that by now, the project is finished and I should have been issued the title deed which is already registered under my name. However, the developer claims (verbally, not in writing) that the project was cancelled. The developer now proposes (verbally, not in writing) to refund my money rather than hand over the apartment. I believe what happened is that after we signed the contract, the developer decided to change their plans and re-sell my apartment to another buyer for a higher price without my approval. I want the developer to honour the contract or compensate me in line with the current value of the apartment I bought. It is being sold currently at a 70% premium compared to when I bought it. The Land Department suggested to take up this issue with the Dubai Courts.

Q: Can a developer change the layout of the building as shown at the launch event and part of all brochures/online advertisements/model under the pretext that the same is not included in the SPA? For the launch, we got convinced with the building design and layout but at delivery, it’s changed without prior intimation. Can I make a legal case or can they take the guise that it’s not part of the SPA? Can I get a refund for the 30% advance payment and refuse possession of the unit?

Q: Hi I purchased my apartment was in 2017 and supposed to have delivered to us. In December 2018, it was delayed indefinitely. The Builder is dragging the completion of the project and also no communication whatsoever is forthcoming from their end. This has added a lot of financial stress on me and my family in this challenging time. We had already paid more than 45% down payment & continue to pay rentals at another place too. Under the circumstances, we want to withdraw and get our payment in full from the Builder with possible compensation (interest) to cover my loss of interest and to also to pay for Legal/Lawyer cost...etc. Please advise Thanks Best Regards S. S.

Q: Hi, We had purchased a villa in a community a few years ago and it has been nearly 3 years of delay in addition to heavily advertised amenities at that time are being canceled like the Dubai rainforest. They've been extending it constantly whenever the handover nears without an explanation as to the reason for the delay. I want to know if you know similar cases; how may it be handled? I am aware of mandatory compensation but is it possible to back out/receive a complete refund? Thanks!

Q: I had booked an off-plan flat in 2017 with a park view. I received notice in November for the handover. The developer had asked for PDC's (balance 70%), Dewa, and district cooling receipts for the snagging and handover. I had given the PDC's and receipts. The flat which was shown to me had a road facing. I had already complained to the management about this. Kindly advise my rights and the course of action to safeguard my investment!

Q: Hello I've booked a unit X (and paid 10%) in a tower C of a Project of 3 Towers (A, B & C) on the basis of a swap to another unit Y in Tower B when the latter is commercialized. There was a confirmation from the sales manager in Whatsapp for this arrangement. When Tower B has been launched, the sales manager requested me an additional 2% to secure the swap to Unit Y which I've paid (communications in Whatsapp). After that, he told me that the swap can't happen based on a newly revised policy when the new unit should cost at least 1.5 the already booked unit. I've explained my case to CRM with no follow-up until now. I've not signed any SPA yet and I didn't get yet the receipt of the last 2% sent to the new unit Y. What can I proceed with in case I want to secure the swap to Unit Y in Tower B? As well I want to cancel the whole thing? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Q: Hi, I paid a 24% deposit and 4% DLD and my SPA was voided the next day after I signed the SPA. After many emails and telephone calls to the developer, I was told that due to some issues with the booking, they could not proceed with the unit I booked. They were offering an alternative unit about 20 floors lower or a bigger unit at a higher price. Both alternatives were not acceptable. The developer then said that they would cancel and refund the money. I was waiting for their email to confirm this and was wondering what I could do if the developer did not return all the money. Regards

This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.

This Law establishes interim property register in which sale contracts, off-plan sales, and other off-plan legal dispositions of real property are registered prior to inclusion in the property register maintained by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Law supersede articles (2) and (11) of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.