Dubai off-plan SPA checklist — questions before signing
The sale and purchase agreement controls far more than the brochure. Read it as a set of unit, money, delivery, change and dispute rules, then get legal advice on clauses that materially affect you.
Who it’s for
Buyers reviewing a draft or final off-plan SPA.
Who it’s not for
Anyone needing a legal opinion or dispute strategy.
Unit, parties and incorporated documents
Match the legal seller, buyer, registered project, unit number, area measure and every schedule or plan incorporated into the SPA. DLD’s buyer guidance stresses reading and understanding transaction documents rather than relying on verbal promises. [1]
Payment, delay and default
Put each instalment, trigger and grace provision into a timeline. Identify what happens after buyer default, developer delay, cancellation or a change to the unit. Dubai real-estate legislation is the authoritative starting point, but a lawyer must apply it to the signed facts. [2]
Registration and evidence
Confirm who handles initial-sale registration, what evidence you receive and when transaction data must be corrected. Compare the contract workflow with DLD’s current initial-sale service requirements. [3]
Bottom line
Educational checklist only. It is not legal advice and cannot determine your rights under a specific SPA.
FAQ
Can a brochure promise override the SPA?
Do not assume it can. Ensure material representations are reflected in the signed contractual documents and obtain legal advice.
What deserves independent legal review?
Material change rights, delay and termination provisions, default remedies, dispute clauses and any inconsistency across documents.
Sources
- Know Your Rights — Dubai Land Department. Accessed 2026-07-25.
- Real Estate Legislation — Dubai Land Department. Accessed 2026-07-25.
- Request to register the initial sale — Dubai Land Department. Accessed 2026-07-25.