Once registration requirements have been satisfied, the next concern for developers is taking the project to market.  On the back of an apparently recovering property market, many developers in Dubai are forging ahead with the marketing and sale of their new projects.  Other developers are looking to revive and re-launch existing or stalled projects.

In this article, we consider the legal requirements and documents required to take a project to market in Dubai and highlight some of the potential issues arising.  These requirements and issues will be discussed under the following headings:

1. Requirements and issues regarding Sale and Purchase Agreements (“SPAs”);

2. Developer's disclosure obligations;

3. Jointly Owned Property considerations; and

4. Additional matters for off plan sales.

1. Requirements and issues regarding SPAs

There has been a great deal of legislative change since the property boom of 2007-2008, and developers should think twice before recycling old sale and purchase documentation.