Q: I bought an off-plan property In Abu Dhabi and have paid some percentage as part of the flexible payment program for the down payment. However, no sale and purchase agreement has been provided to be signed by both parties. Construction did not commence and recently, the entire project has been moved to another developer. I have been contacted by the new developer and was told the project construction start date is indefinite. Based on this, can I get a refund as I only have the reservation agreement and no contract has been signed, plus the project has not started which will definitely not be completed in time (even with a six months delay allowance)?

Q: I bought two off-plan apartments from a developer. Later I found that the covered area given in the  "Sale and Purchase Agreement" (SPA) is 20% more than the area calculated from design drawings provided by the developer. The units are ready for handover now and the final area is as per drawings i.e. less than that given in the SPA. The developer is adjusting the price for anything below 95% of the SPA area as the SPA allows 5% downward variation. As per my understanding, the developer already knew that the area is less and they exaggerated the area in the SPA. They also made a false statement of the area in the SPA. This should be a type of fraud or cheating. I have been writing this to the developer for the last two years but without any response. I want the units to be cancelled with a refund of the full amount and necessary compensation. Please advise the way forward.

Q: Hi, I am planning to buy a ready apartment in a 2-year-old building. How can I check for any dues on that apartment, would NOC suffice that the mortgage or any dues are cleared? How can I check that the seller does not have court cases against him in relation to property? How do the Service Charges get decided every year, as I understand that it is decided by Dubai Land Department who has defined the Service Index? Should I hire a lawyer to look out all legal aspects and help me till I get the property transferred to me? If yes, then what is the average cost for this service? Regards, Gufran

This Regulation determines areas where non-UAE nationals may acquire freehold ownership rights over real property without time restriction, usufruct rights, or leasehold rights for up to ninety-nine in the Emirate of Dubai.

This Law sets the rules and procedures for registration of real property in Dubai. The right to own real property in Dubai is restricted to UAE and GCC nationals, to companies fully owned by these and to public joint stock companies. Freehold ownership by non-UAE nationals may be approved by the Ruler in certain areas.

This Resolution sets the fees for registration of real property dispositions in the real property register, including those related to completed, under-construction, or offplan real property, as well as the fees for services provided by Dubai Land Department.

The provisions of this Federal Law, known as the "New Consumer Protection Law", govern Consumer Protection regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Consumer Protection Law repeals the previous UAE Consumer Protection Law (Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection).

The provisions of this Cabinet Resolution No (12) of 2007 Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No (24) of 2006 on Consumer Protection.