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Can I terminate property purchase and recover payments and cheques for breach?

Dear Sirs,

I signed a contract with a developer in the UAE to purchase a property off-plan, with expected completion in late 2024. Construction on the property has not started yet.

I have also provided them with cheques for the downpayment as well as the installments. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I informed them that I will not be able to go ahead with any of the payments.

So far, I had only paid an initial "show of interest" fee of AED 10.000 by credit card. I have asked for the contract to be canceled, and for the cheques to be returned.

They have refused to do so and stated that as a penalty for defaulting, I will have to pay 10% of the total amount. The first cheque for the down payment is due in one week and it will be returned by the bank due to insufficient funds.

Kindly advise on my options.

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Laila Hamza Al Mulla Advocates and Legal Consultants
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21 Nov 2022, 23:39

Welcome,

We wish you a happy day The real estate developer is obliged to finish within the specified period of building the property and deliver it to you.

And you are in return obligated to pay or pay the penalty condition specified in the contract, so try to complete the purchase of the property so as not to lose what you paid.

But in the event that the property developer violates the agreed conditions at the time, the contract can be terminated.

22 Nov 2022, 00:05

I have not payed anything yet, not even the first installment. I want to cancel even before making the first down payment.

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