Q: I have paid about 15% of installments to an off-plan project. However, due to Covid-19, I am unable to keep up with repayments at the time being. I am also concerned that it has been almost 2 years since I signed the contract and no work has started on the project, it seems no progress. The handover was scheduled to be in 2021 but now delayed to 2022. How could I cancel without losing my 15% paid? And if I continue to pay, but I am not happy with being delayed and never starting work, what should be done?

Q: I've purchased an off-plan property in Dubai which was due for handover in Dec 2017 but still incomplete (approx. 80%). 70% has been paid from a purchase price of 1.8 million. Am I entitled to compensation for the delay or can I cancel the purchase in its entirety? Thanks

Q: I have purchased a property that was due by the end of 2018. A few days ago I have received a notification that the property is ready for handover, however, during the "snagging" I could see that the building will take at least few more months to reach completion! Mashrooi states 92% completion only. I asked the developer for compensation for the delay - according to the contract, it should be 1% per quarter which should be 11-12% by now (3 years), however, he is saying he will do a maximum of 7%. In addition, the drawing of the unit in my contract differs from the actual studio. The outline is different and the size of the unit is 35 sq. m. vs. 50 sq. m as shown on the drawing. The developer points to another page where the 50 sq. m is stated as a gross area rather than a net area. However, if placed directly under the drawing of the studio, shouldn't this refer to the net area? With the difference in size as well as the 3 year+ delay, do I have a chance to ask for a refund of my 50% investment?

Q: Hi, Can a property developer legally charge their customer late payment fees on installments or include such charges in their sales and purchase agreements (SPAs)?

Q: Hello, I bought a villa from a real estate developer and signed the SPA about 1.5 months ago. I just received my Oqood certificate, but it lists the unit type as “Land” instead of a villa. The plot number, municipality details, and area all match what’s in my SPA, but there is no unit number in the Oqood. Is this normal, or should I follow up? Thank you!

An interview-format article covering the topic of contracts in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

This Resolution approves the Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (13) of 2008 Regulating the Interim Property Register in the Emirate of Dubai.