UAE Property Laws & Buyer Protection

Question 1

How is Dubai’s property market regulated?

Accepted Answer

Dubai's property market is regulated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and its regulatory arm, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) , established under Law No. 16 of 2007 . These bodies oversee licensing, project approvals, escrow management, and consumer protection.

Question 2

What is RERA and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency) sets and enforces rules for developers, brokers, and owners’ associations. It regulates escrow accounts, service charges, marketing practices, and ensures developers meet construction milestones before collecting payments.

Question 3

What is an escrow account and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

An escrow account is a dedicated bank account approved by RERA and held with a CBUAE-licensed financial institution . Developers must deposit all buyer payments into this account, which can only be used to fund construction of the specific project. This is required under Law No. 8 of 2007 (Escrow Account Law) and protects buyers from misuse of funds.

Question 4

How can I check if a project or developer is registered with RERA?

Accepted Answer

You can verify any developer, broker, or project using the DLD REST app or by visiting the official RERA e-Services portal. This confirms project registration, escrow account status, and construction progress.

Question 5

What is Oqood and how does it protect buyers?

Accepted Answer

Oqood , managed by DLD , registers all off-plan sale contracts. It serves as legal proof of ownership and ensures your purchase is recognized by government authorities under Law No. 13 of 2008 (Regulating the Interim Property Register) .

Question 6

What happens if a project is delayed?

Accepted Answer

If a project is delayed, RERA may issue notices and conduct site inspections. Depending on findings, it can: Revise the handover timeline, Impose penalties on the developer, or Cancel the project and refund buyers via the escrow account. All actions are taken under Decree No. 21 of 2013 (Cancellation of Real Estate Projects)

Question 7

What if a project is canceled?

Accepted Answer

When RERA officially cancels a project, the DLD liquidates the escrow account and refunds buyers through a court-supervised process, ensuring full transparency and legal recourse.

Question 8

How are property disputes resolved in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Disputes are handled by the Dubai Real Estate Court or the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) . Buyers can file complaints with RERA first for mediation, and unresolved cases proceed to court under Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating Relationship between Landlords & Tenants) .

Question 9

What are my rights as a property buyer in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Under RERA regulations , buyers are entitled to: Transparent pricing and marketing. Secure escrow-protected payments. Timely delivery or refunds for cancellations. Access to project progress updates via DLD. Legal recourse in case of breach of contract.

Question 10

What happens if a developer fails to deliver?

Accepted Answer

If a developer fails to deliver after official deadlines and warnings, RERA can suspend their license, cancel the project, and refund all investors from escrow. Persistent violations may lead to blacklisting under RERA Circular 6 of 2010 .

Question 11

Are property brokers and agents regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All brokers must be licensed by RERA and hold a valid BRN (Broker Registration Number) . Buyers should verify agents through the DLD REST App before engaging in any transaction.

Question 12

How are service charges regulated?

Accepted Answer

Service charges must be approved annually by RERA through the Mollak System . Developers and management companies cannot impose new fees or raise rates without RERA’s written consent.

Question 13

How does Siraa ensure compliance and buyer safety?

Accepted Answer

Siraa lists only RERA-registered projects and developers , verifies escrow accounts, and integrates DLD data to show real-time market information. The platform also provides guidance on documentation and due diligence through trusted partners.

Question 14

What UAE laws protect real-estate buyers?

Accepted Answer

Key legal frameworks include: Law No. 8 of 2007 – Escrow Account Law Law No. 13 of 2008 – Interim Property Register Decree No. 21 of 2013 – Project Cancellation Law Law No. 26 of 2007 – Landlord-Tenant Relationship Law No. 16 of 2007 – Establishing RERA

Question 15

How can I verify property laws and regulations?

Accepted Answer

You can access verified legal texts on: Dubai Land Department (DLD) RERA - Real Estate Regulatory Agency Official UAE Legal Portal

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