Q: We wanted to buy an off-plan property. The developer ran away for financial reasons and RERA took over. We only signed the booking form. Can we just move on and look at other properties… A: This doesn't make you obliged. You have not signed any SPA, you can go ahead and book another property…

Hi What I can infer from your query is that you have signed the booking form, however, you have not paid any amount at the signing of the booking form. This doesn't make you obliged to buy the property unless you have signed the SPA. Since you have not signed any SPA, you can go ahead and book another property.

Is the buyer obliged to buy an off-plan property upon sign the booking form?

Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

3 available 3 • View all

What rights do you have in a property if you don't have a signed SPA?

Q: Hi, What happens if a person HAS NOT signed a sale & purchase agreement (SPA) with a developer for a purchase of a property? Thanks in advance.

Aug 18, 2021

1188

Forcing the developer to issue the contracts of a purchased property

Q: Hello, I have purchased a property in Dubai in May 2019 by putting a 25% deposit of the purchase price to the developer's escrow account and received the reservation form and payment receipts only. However, I still do not have the SPA or OQOOD till now. The developer has been saying the SPA templates have been getting delayed. As per the reservation form, I have an upcoming payment in Nov 2019. How I can validate that I have a legal reservation for the apartment and there is nothing to worry about? What is my legal position here as I don't have any legal papers except the reservation contract which is only stamped from the developer but no OQOOD reference code/id/number or stamp on it? Thank you

Aug 26, 2019

740

Can the developer withhold the SPA until the payment of DLD fees?

Q: When buying an off-plan property from a developer, does the SPA have to be reviewed, agreed and signed by both the buyer and the developer representative before paying the DLD + Oqood? Is there a local estate law or clause requesting DLD + Oqood should be paid before the SPA is released from the developer to the buyer? I am seeking this advice because the developer is asking for DLD + Oqood to be paid before the SPA is released despite having paid the initial deposit of 5% as per the Sales Offer schedule. Thank you.

Nov 20, 2018

1653

Laws & Regulations

2 available 2 • View all

Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai

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.

Aug 14, 2008

4823

Executive Council Resolution No. (6) of 2010 Approving the Implementing Bylaw 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.

Feb 14, 2010

5121

Premium

Shamsa Albedwawi

Other answers by

538 538 answers •

View all

I received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. Does this include lawyer fees?

I have received a judgment in my favor from RDC that awarded me legal fees. However, RDC says that legal fees do not mean lawyer fees; they are RDC fees only. Is this correct?

Feb 14, 2025

The public prosecution appealed a judgment to increase the fine I already paid. What do I do now?

Good afternoon, Thank you for your time. The public prosecution appealed my judgment (a fine that I satisfactorily cleared) and requested increasing the fine. Can you please explain what happens during a criminal case appeal hearing for me as a defendant? Will I be asked questions? Is the hearing just for the Public Prosecution to present their appeal to the judge, and I do not need to give a response? Thank you again for your time.

Feb 7, 2025

131

Can we give a salary certificate to a new hired employee before he starts to open a bank account?

Dear lawyers, The new employee will start on June 1, 2025. However, he would like to open a new bank account in the UAE thus asking to provide the salary certificate mentioning his salary in AED and if possible not mentioning the start date. Legally, can the company provide such a certificate?

Feb 4, 2025

114

I received a termination letter from my company for restructuring. Is this considered arbitrary dismissal?

I received a termination letter from my company on January 31st, 2025, with a one-month notice period, stating my last working day as February 28th, 2025. The reason given for the termination is "considering the current business scenario, the company has considered measures to reorganize the business." Could this be considered arbitrary dismissal? Am I entitled to any compensation or benefits from the company as a result of this termination?

Feb 5, 2025

Do I need to hire a lawyer if I found I have a marital case against me in the court?

By checking in Al Adheed, I have found there is a marital matter case against me in Dubai Courts. There is a hearing date for next week and the time mentioned in the case status with a link for an online hearing. However, I have not received any message from Dubai courts regarding this by mail or phone. I have all contact details updated with EID. In this case, what should I do? I don’t know what the case is about. Should I hire a lawyer or I can attend the hearing by myself? Please do suggest options.

Feb 3, 2025