In Dubai and the UAE, property law is very young and still taking its long-term shape, although the key elements are straightforward to understand.
The Dubai freehold property market is only just over three years old; during the past three years
Dubai property prices have soared, rental prices have skyrocketed and international real estate investor interest in this Middle Eastern market has intensified incredibly.
Here are 6 Golden rules to purchase Property in Dubai-
Real estate in
Dubai is greatly sought-after – even though legislation is still provisional
*Transfer of property rights, including real estate, can be performed just by means of a simple private written contract in Dubai. The notarization usual in other countries does not take place. So beware of signing anything in haste!
*A definitive law on real estate and a land register for foreign citizens are still being prepared in Dubai. Until this time, purchases are recorded in the register of ownership of the developer concerned, who undertakes in the purchase agreement to ensure a transfer in the land register as soon as it is available. Do not therefore sign an agreement that does not include a clause with this undertaking.
*Deposits of 10% or often even 20% of the purchase price are usual. Further installments are paid over the agreed period of time up to the completion of construction.
*Purchase of real estate is at present tied to the simultaneous acquisition of a residence permit for the UAE, which is, however, not a work permit.
*Transfer to a third party is usually permitted in the purchase agreements. For this purpose the original buyer normally has to pay to the vendor a transfer fee of up to 2% of the original price. In practice attempts are made to pass on the transfer fee to the new purchaser.
*As a result of the enormous demand, residential property that is ready for occupancy is hardly available for purchase except at second or third hand. In this case it is advisable to examine the vendor’s first purchase contract in order to ensure that the right to transfer exists. Those who do not wish to move into their property immediately buy “from the plan” from the developer, i.e. with the prospect of completion, in some cases, in several years.