Questions & Answers

Ask a lawyer
Dubai, UAE

Can I postpone the final payment of property due to COVID lockdown?

Good morning Mr. Ahmed Abbas,

I am W. L. from China. I have ordered an off-plan property in Dubai.

Last month, the developer informed me that the unit is completed and reminded me of the last installment. I am living in Shanghai, and the city is on lockdown due to the government's measures against COVID-19 from 28 March 2022.

Now people are not allowed to leave their community. Could I treat it as a force majeure event and ask the developer for extending the due date without penalty?

Please note that we do not ask for freeing the debt!

Thanks

Premium
Dr. Mohamed Alhammadi Advocates and Legal Consultants
Chat
Hire
Meet
11 Apr 2022, 07:50

Good morning Mr. W. L.,

For answering your inquiry, I need to have a look at the SPA "sale and purchase agreement".

Kindly send it on my WhatsApp.

11 Apr 2022, 07:54

In general, the due could be paid via bank transfer, however, the SPA's terms and conditions should be applied. That is why I asked to review it.

11 Apr 2022, 07:56

Are you paying the installments in time regularly?

11 Apr 2022, 07:57

Yes, the installments have been paid regularly.

11 Apr 2022, 07:58

Thank you for the answer.

11 Apr 2022, 07:59

Actually, some part of it has been prepaid.

11 Apr 2022, 08:03

Yes, the installments could be transferred online. But not all money has been prepared ready.

We need to go outside to prepare some parts of the last installments.

11 Apr 2022, 08:06

Great. I believe it could be a force majeure but I need to review the SPA for supporting your request to extend the payment.

11 Apr 2022, 08:08

I found that reviewing the SPA is not a free service. Do you need to charge for it this time?

11 Apr 2022, 08:09

Actually, there is a clause that gives the right of force majeure to the developer. I am afraid there is not one for the buyer.

11 Apr 2022, 08:11

No worries Mr. W. Since I am giving you quick legal advice without writing or explanation, I will not ask you for any charge.

11 Apr 2022, 08:25

Have you received it?

11 Apr 2022, 08:26

I have sent it as a attachement.

But may be failed.

I will try on Whatapp.

Is it OK?

11 Apr 2022, 08:26

WhatsApp is better.

I sent it already.

11 Apr 2022, 08:27

Thank you.

11 Apr 2022, 08:27

I did not receive anything here.

11 Apr 2022, 08:35

I have sent it on WhatsApp.

11 Apr 2022, 08:41

Thanks.

11 Apr 2022, 08:42

I will review it and revert back to you shortly.

11 Apr 2022, 08:55

No problem.

Fixed-fee services
3 3 available services •  View all
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs. Submit your request and get multiple competitive offers from qualified lawyers.
Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer
It’s free and anonymous
No registration needed
Ask a lawyer