Q: I purchased an off-plan property studio in Mar' 2018 from a well-reputed builder in Dubai. The anticipated handover date was March' 2020. In Aug 2019, I received notice that there is a fire incident at the site. Same month Aug' 2019 I have cross-checked the project status on the Dubai Land Department website which shows only 23% of work has been completed. It was clearly understood that the project was running late & they were never in a position to complete on-time March' 2020 even if the fire incident would not have happened. In the month of handover Mar' 2020, we have received that due to force majeure the handover is delayed & the remaining monthly instalments are paused & will be taken on completion, paid 50% till now. As I understand from my contract, delivery can be pushed by up to 12 months, however, there is no mention of actual delay that can be taken on a note of force majeure. What are my options with the developer? My preference would be to terminate the contract and get my money back.

Q: Seeking cancellation for the delaying property delivery, as developers are not being reasonable. I purchased an off-plan property in Dubai which was due for handover in June 2018 but still incomplete as of May 2020 (approx. 58%). 80% has been paid from a purchase price of 1.97 million, plus 4% DLD fees. After pleading with developers for assistance, I recently got offered 2 x 999,999 AED, properties from the Developer (not ready till first quarter 2021 apparently), plus DLD fees as they would be classed as new sales. I wish to cancel the purchase. Do I get additional rights for a 2-year delay and being under 60% completion? Can I use force majeure (I'm on 75% wage reduction till September due to COVID-19)? Has a law come into play to have additional compensation whilst renting during the delay? (I was advised on June 2019 by the SLC that there were discussions at DLD but nothing official). Can you claim the 4% DLD fees back? Thanks in advance

Q: I have purchased Residential Villa, in a project in Dubai; the value is AED 7,100,000. The project started in 2013 and was supposed to be completed in 2 years time. The project today is showing 38% completion on the DLD website. I have paid 35% a long time back, also I have paid the registration 4% fee, and I have Title Deed. In my opinion, the project is unlikely to be completed in the near future, although the DLD website says Dec 2021 completion. I am looking for a lawyer who will get me a refund for the money paid, and also if possible refund of Stamp Duty and also compensation/interest. I will pay the lawyer only after I get my money back.

Q: I have invested some money in a project 1.5 years ago but the project did not start yet. The person who is the CEO of the project promised me via email to pay my investment back by 15 Jun 2021 but has not fulfilled his written commitment. What choices do I have now? I have the signed MOU and advice for funds transfer to his designated account.

Q: Good Evening, I have purchased a studio last March 2021, I have already paid 30% of 171,000 for the unit. The handover was supposed to be in July 2021 but unfortunately, it will take more time at least January 2022. No deadline confirmed I called DLD to check if my apartment is registered but they said they cannot find anything. I have mailed the developer many times for 5 months but no replies for the registration update. I would like to check, will it be possible to get my money back if I file a case? Please your answers are very important cause I am worried.

Q: Hi, I purchased an off-plan apartment in Dubai in 2017 from one of the projects in Dubai. I was told that the handover is going to be in Q2 of 2019, until now, the apartment has not been handed over. During the delay, the developer has never communicated pertaining to the delay. I have already paid 50% of the total value plus the DLD fees. As per Dubai [----], the project progress stands at 67%. Now, I need guidance and advice from a legal point of view. What are my chances to recover my money from the developer? If I go through a lawyer, is it possible to recover all the money I have paid? Is there anything I can do to recover my money? Thank you

س: السلام عليكم، لدي دعوى عقارية وقد تأخَّر المطور في إنجاز المشروع. أخطرت المطور بإشعار إنهاء عقد موثّق من الكاتب العدل وبإعلان بالنشر. بعدها سجلت قضية لفسخ العقد واسترجاع المبلغ المدفوع لشراء الوحدة، وفي أثناء نظر الدعوى، أرسل المطور إيميل لي بإخطاري بسداد المبلغ المتبقي وباستلام الوحدة. هل هناك قانون يجيز أن تعتبر الوحدة قد سُلِّمت لي بموجب البريد الإلكتروني من المطور أثناء نظر القضية ولم يصدر فيها حكم بعد؟

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.

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