Coping with Property Handover Delays in Dubai
Experiencing delays in receiving your new property in Dubai can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to deal with it. Here’s a simplified guide in bullet points to help you understand and address property handover delays in Dubai:
Handling Handover Delays:
Check Your Payments and Paperwork:
Make sure you’ve paid all the required fees and submitted necessary documents by the handover date.
Visit the Property Site:
- Go to the property location to see its progress and talk to the developer about when it will be ready.
- You can also check the project’s status on the Dubai Land Department’s website for updates.
Investigate RERA Cancellation:
- Find out if the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) canceled the project. This could be due to changes in city planning.
- If canceled, the project will go through a legal process to settle matters with buyers.
Negotiate with the Developer:
- If the project isn’t canceled, try talking to the developer to reach a friendly agreement.
- Read your contract or Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to understand what should happen in case of delays.
Take Legal Action if Necessary:
- If negotiations fail and the grace period mentioned in your contract expires (usually a year from the handover date), consider legal action.
- Seek legal advice from a property lawyer and file a case at the Dubai Real Estate Court to request compensation or contract termination based on your contract terms.
Use Legal Measures as a Last Resort:
Legal action should be your final option after trying to work things out through discussion.
Protecting Against Delays:
Research the Developer:
- Before buying off-plan property, investigate the developer’s track record for completing projects on time.
- Talk to other investors and visit project sites for more information. Stick to well-known, reliable developers.
Confirm RERA Registration:
- Ensure that both the project and developer are registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) before making an investment.
- You can verify this information on the Dubai Land Department’s website.
Check Escrow Account Details:
- Make sure the developer has an escrow account registered with the Dubai Land Department.
- The law requires that all payments from investors go into this account for protection.
Verify Necessary Permits and Approvals:
- Confirm that the developer has the required permits and approvals from the Dubai Land Department to sell off-plan properties.
Review Your Contract:
- Carefully read and understand the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) before you sign it.
- Pay attention to clauses that protect your rights if there are delays in handing over the property.
By following these steps, you can better navigate the challenges of property handover delays in Dubai, safeguard your investment, and take appropriate action when needed.
