Due Diligence in Dubai.

Legal Due Diligence for Property Acquisitions in Dubai

Property due diligence is the process of independently verifying everything a seller or developer has told you about a property before you commit to the purchase. In Dubai's fast-moving market, buyers are sometimes pressured to sign and pay quickly — and those who skip due diligence often pay dearly for it. Al Safar & Partners provides comprehensive legal due diligence services for all types of UAE property transactions: residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use.

What Our Property Due Diligence Covers

• Title Verification: We search the Dubai Land Department (DLD) records to confirm the seller is the registered owner, that the title is free from encumbrances, and that there are no pending court orders, caveats or restrictions on the property.
• Mortgage and Lien Search: Undisclosed mortgages, bank liens or developer charges can transfer with the property or prevent title registration. We identify all registered financial encumbrances and advise on how they must be discharged before completion.
• Service Charge Arrears: Outstanding service charges are the responsibility of the owner, not the buyer — but in practice, disputes arise. We obtain clearance certificates from the Owners' Association and verify no amounts are outstanding.
• RERA Compliance (Off-Plan): For off-plan purchases, we verify the developer's RERA registration, escrow account compliance, project permits and the construction progress against the promised timeline.
• Developer Verification: We check the developer's track record, completed projects, regulatory history and financial standing through publicly available records and our own market intelligence built over 40+ years.
• SPA and Contract Review: We analyse the Sales and Purchase Agreement or developer's standard form contract, identifying unfavourable terms — payment forfeiture clauses, vague handover dates, limited warranties and one-sided default provisions — and advise on negotiation.
• Planning and Zoning: We verify that the property's current or intended use is consistent with Dubai Municipality zoning designations and that no planned road widening or government acquisitions affect the property.

Due Diligence for Corporate Property Acquisitions

When a company acquires property — or acquires a company that holds property — the due diligence scope expands further. We review corporate structure, shareholding changes that trigger transfer fees, VAT implications for commercial property, and any regulatory approvals required for the acquisition. Our corporate and real estate teams work in tandem to provide a complete picture for investor clients.

Commercial Property Due Diligence

Commercial properties carry additional risks: occupier rights, existing lease terms, planning restrictions on use, environmental considerations and regulatory compliance obligations. We conduct sector-specific due diligence for retail, office, hospitality and industrial acquisitions, identifying issues that affect both the acquisition price and the ongoing profitability of the investment.

Our Due Diligence Reports

Our due diligence reports are clear, practical documents that identify issues, assess their severity, and recommend action — not lengthy legal documents written for lawyers. Where issues are identified, we advise on whether they are deal-breakers, negotiating points or manageable risks. Where all is in order, we provide a clearance confirmation you can rely on when proceeding to completion.