Q: Hi there, We are UK based investors, having purchased 4 off-plan properties in Dubai. Two are completed and ready for handover. For the other two, construction appears to have been paused for at least the last year. This last year we have not been able to maintain our instalments on all 4 properties, primarily because of COVID-19. We have now received termination notifications from DLD. We have tried to negotiate some solution with the developer but they seem unwilling to cooperate. We have also contacted the DLD to explain the circumstances and request an extension but haven't heard anything. What can we do?

Q: Hi, I need advice. I have purchased a property that is still under construction. Payment terms were 40% during construction and 60% on handover. I have paid 70% (not mentioning developer name here). As per SPA, the handover was supposed to be Dec 2018 and it has been delayed for over 15 months. Expected possession is by end of the year. I would like to know about the chances of getting compensation for delay (mainly covering potential Rent loss or Interest cost) or I would like to terminate the SPA and receive whatever I have paid. Can someone please advise what is the average fee to the lawyer and court expenses? Litigation expenses: Will it be payable by the developer in case the court ruling is in my favor? Thanks!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I wanted some legal advice regarding my property issue. I have purchased a quarter share of a hotel room investment in a project in Dubai Marina. I have paid about 31% of the total purchase price. I have signed all the paperwork and obtained the partial property deed. Due to the Coronavirus, I am unable to continue to make the payments required. Now the developers are saying that by Dubai Law, they are allowed to keep 25% of the total purchase price from the monies I have paid. I want to know if there is any case law or discretion that the developers have to consider in circumstances such as mine where I want to complete the transaction but I am unable to due to not having a job and financially being able to complete the transaction. I am trying to sell the interest but at present cannot find a buyer. Please let me know what my legal rights are if the developer does keep the full 25% of the purchase price, do I have any legal remedies? Thank you Z.

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.