- Delayed Property Handover Claims
- Off-Plan Property Refund Disputes
- Off-Plan Contract Cancellation
- Cancelled Real Estate Project Claims
- Developer Breach of Contract
- Property Specification Misrepresentation Claims
- What to do next
- FAQ
A buyer has paid 40 percent of the price on a tower that was meant to complete 20 months ago. The developer sends new handover dates every quarter. The buyer's own mortgage pre-approval is about to expire.A representative scene, not a reported case.
01Delayed Property Handover Claims
A delayed handover claim is made when the developer misses the contractual completion date. The buyer may claim compensation, cancellation or both, depending on the contract and the law.
The first step is to establish the contractual date and any grace period, then the developer's reasons. We also check the official project status with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department.
02Off-Plan Property Refund Disputes
Refund claims arise where the project was cancelled, never started, or stalled to the point that the buyer may cancel. Under Dubai's real estate legislation, the buyer's rights depend on whether the project is registered, the construction stage, and the cause of delay.
Buyers' payments should have been held in the project escrow account. We review the escrow, the payment history and the registration. Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 on escrow accounts and Dubai Law No. 13 of 2008 on the interim real estate register are central starting points.
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WhatsApp us03Off-Plan Contract Cancellation
Cancellation can be requested by the buyer, by the developer after buyer default, or by agreement. Each route carries different financial consequences, including the treatment of deposits and instalments paid.
Do not stop paying instalments without advice. If the buyer is in default, the developer may be entitled to terminate and retain part of the sums. If the developer is in default, stopping payment without a legal basis can undermine a strong claim.
04Cancelled Real Estate Project Claims
Where a project is formally cancelled, refund mechanisms and the status of escrow funds become central. Delays in refunds are common, and buyers need to know where their money sits and what documents trigger repayment.
We prepare the claim file and engage the regulator and escrow holder where appropriate, then pursue court claims if needed.
05Developer Breach of Contract
Developers can breach by delay, by changing specification or unit size, by failing to deliver common facilities, or by failing to register the sale correctly.
A sale and purchase agreement is usually long and developer-friendly. We read the remedies, notice provisions and any clauses limiting liability. These do not always hold up in court, particularly where they conflict with mandatory law. See also breach of contract litigation.
06Property Specification Misrepresentation Claims
A misrepresentation claim arises when what was delivered is materially different from what was marketed or contracted: views, layouts, finishes, amenities or unit size.
Brochures and marketing statements may form part of the evidence, depending on the contract and the circumstances. Keep the brochures, advertisements and WhatsApp messages from sales staff.
Detailed guide: Property Specification Misrepresentation Claims
What to do in the next 48 hours
- Check project status and escrowConfirm the project registration, stage of construction and escrow account details with official records.
- Keep paying as the contract requiresUnless advised otherwise. Withholding payment can be used against you.
- Collect the sales materialBrochures, floor plans, payment plan, emails and messages with the sales team.
Documents we ask for first
- Sale and purchase agreement and Oqood certificate
- Payment plan and receipts
- Developer notices and handover letters
- Brochures and marketing materials
- Escrow account details and statements
- Correspondence with the developer and agent
Questions we are asked
Can I get a refund for delay?
In some situations, yes. It depends on the project's status, the cause and length of delay, and the contract. We review them together.
Will the developer's escrow protect my money?
Escrow is designed to protect buyers' funds, but it operates under rules on how and when money is released and returned. We check the account and the entitlement.
Can I be charged a penalty for cancelling?
The contract may provide for it, but the amount can be reviewed by the court in some situations. It depends on who is at fault.
Related disputes
Ready to talk it through?Have the contract, the latest message and any notice in front of you. Call or WhatsApp is fine.
Call nowReferences to Dubai property legislation are general. Real estate laws and regulatory procedures in Dubai are amended from time to time, so we confirm the current text and the regulator's practice before advising on your claim. This page is general information, not legal advice.