SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement)

The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) is the legally binding purchase agreement between the buyer and seller of a property in Dubai. This standardised document is issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and contains all essential agreements regarding the property transfer, including purchase price, payment terms and transfer modalities. The SPA is a mandatory part of every property transaction in Dubai and must be registered with the relevant authority.

The Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) plays a central role in the business with Property in Dubai and differs from purchase contracts in other countries in a number of important respects. As an official document of the Dubai Land Department, it follows strict guidelines and standardisations.

Essential components of the SPA:

  • Detailed identification of the contracting parties
  • Precise description of the property with all technical details
  • Agreed purchase price and payment plan
  • Handover date and conditions
  • Warranties and guarantees
  • Regulations for default or breach of contract

Special features in Dubai:

In Dubai, the SPA must be submitted to the Dubai Land Department be registered. This serves the purpose of legal certainty and is a prerequisite for the subsequent transfer of ownership. Registration is carried out via the OQOOD-system for properties under construction or directly with the DLD for completed properties.

Important information for buyers:

  • Have the SPA checked by a local legal expert before signing it
  • Pay attention to the correct wording of the payment terms and handover dates
  • Make sure that all ancillary costs and fees are listed transparently
  • Check the exit clauses and possible contractual penalties

The completion of a SPA in Dubai typically takes place in several steps:

  1. Negotiation of contract terms
  2. Preparation of the standardised contract
  3. Examination by both parties
  4. Signing before a licensed real estate agent or lawyer
  5. Registration with DLD

Please note that in Dubai for the SPA special fees which typically amount to 4% of the purchase price. These are due at DLD together with the registration of the contract.

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