Real Estate Law in the UAE

We advise individuals, investors and businesses on real estate matters in the United Arab Emirates, including property purchases and sales, off-plan transactions, and residential and commercial leases.

We review and negotiate reservation forms, sale and purchase agreements, lease agreements and related documents. We help you understand your commitments, identify risks and clarify terms before signing.

Our review covers matters including payment terms, financing conditions, delivery or transfer deadlines, charges, warranties and the consequences of a contractual breach.

We also assist with difficulties arising during a transaction or tenancy, including delays, contractual changes, termination and disputes. Our support includes correspondence and negotiations, working with local law firms authorised to represent clients where court proceedings are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which documents should be reviewed before buying property in Dubai?

Depending on the transaction, the reservation form, sale and purchase agreement, title documents and any addenda should be reviewed. Checks include the seller’s identity and authority, the property description, payments, charges and transfer conditions. For off-plan purchases, the project documents require particular attention.

Is Form F or a standard contract sufficient to protect the buyer?

A standard form may not address all the circumstances of the transaction. Financing conditions, the deposit, vacant possession and the transfer date should be checked. Addenda and additional terms should be consistent with the contract and clearly record the commitments negotiated between the parties.

What should I check before buying an off-plan property?

You should check the developer, the project’s registration and the payment arrangements, including the project escrow account in Dubai. The contract should also be reviewed for delivery terms, property specifications, permitted changes and the consequences of delays. Marketing promises should be compared with the written contractual commitments.

Can I recover my deposit if I withdraw from the purchase?

A refund is not automatic. It depends on the documents signed, the agreed conditions and the circumstances of the withdrawal. A financing condition, for example, needs to be assessed against its precise wording. Before paying a deposit, it is essential to understand when it may be retained or refunded.

What can I do if delivery is delayed or I disagree with the seller?

The first step is to review the contract, deadlines, notices received and supporting documents. This helps assess the available options, such as requesting clarification, issuing a formal notice, negotiating or pursuing a legal remedy. We assist with correspondence and negotiations and work with authorised local law firms where court proceedings are required.

What should I check before signing a residential or commercial lease in the UAE?

You should review the rent, payment terms, security deposit, lease duration and renewal or termination conditions. Responsibility for maintenance, repairs and other charges should also be clearly defined. For commercial premises, particular attention should be paid to the permitted use, fit-out works and the condition in which the premises must be returned. The applicable rules depend on the property’s location.