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Real Estate Contract Review in the UAE

Real estate contracts involve large sums and long timelines. Reviewing them before signing helps ensure the document matches the deal and that the process to completion is clear.

The main contracts include sale agreements, off-plan purchase agreements, management and brokerage agreements, and leases. This guide covers features common to most.

Parties and capacity

Confirm the seller's or developer's identity and authority. For individuals, check the title deed or registration record. For companies, check the licence and signatories. Where an agent signs, check the power of attorney. See power of attorney requirements.

Property description

The unit, plot, area, project and any parking or storage should be described precisely and match the official records. Mismatches can cause problems at transfer.

Price, payments and charges

Total price and payment schedule
Deposits and who holds them
Fees, taxes and registration costs, and who pays them
Service charges and arrears

Conditions to completion

Look for conditions such as mortgage approval, no-objection certificates and settlement of existing charges. Check deadlines and what happens if a condition is not met.

Default and termination

Understand what each side can do on default, how much of the price may be retained and whether a notice period applies. These clauses are often decisive in disputes.

Registration and handover

The contract should say when and how the transfer or registration will be done, and the condition of the property at handover.

Governing law and forum

Real estate in Dubai is subject to local registration rules and courts. Check the dispute clause for consistency with them.

How a consultation can help

A review can highlight unclear or one-sided terms and compare the contract with the practical steps of completion. It does not guarantee how authorities or courts will treat the document.

Frequently asked questions

Should I sign a memorandum of understanding before the main contract?

It can be common, but it may be binding. Check its terms carefully. See MOUs in the UAE.

Can the contract be in English?

Many property contracts are in English, but official records may be in Arabic, so check what the registering authority requires.

Is the deposit refundable?

Only if the contract or law says so, which is why default clauses matter.

Related guides and services

General information only. Please read our Legal Disclaimer.