Question 1

What is the difference between leasehold and freehold properties?

Accepted Answer

A Leasehold property refers to a property leased by Emaar Properties to a Lessee for a specified term. A Freehold property is a property that is sold outright for a specific purchase price to a Purchaser and there is no limit on ownership rights.

Question 2

Why is the rate of maintenance fees not specified in the sale agreement?

Accepted Answer

The rate of maintenance fees fluctuates depending on the yearly costs and expenses involved in the maintenance, operation, and upkeep of common areas within the community. However the Sale Agreement does mention the payment of maintenance fees.

Question 3

Why do we sign sale agreements with subsidiaries such as Springs, Meadows, Arabian Ranches, and Dubai Marina, instead of Emaar?

Accepted Answer

The Sale Agreement is typically signed between the Purchaser and the respective Company that is acting as the Vendor. However, the Vendor company is a subsidiary of Emaar Properties, which oversees the larger developments.

Question 4

Why does the Sale Agreement state that interest will be charged if the customer defaults, but the vendor can delay completion without penalty?

Accepted Answer

Due to the unpredictable nature of construction timelines, the Sale Agreement specifies an estimated completion date for construction. However, the Vendor retains the right to reschedule the completion date within certain time limit beyond the Estimated Completion Date whereby the Vendor can delay the Completion of the project. Delays are typically only caused by factors outside the Vendor's control, such as Force Majeure.

Question 5

Can we receive a Sale Agreement in Arabic?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the Sale Agreement is only available in English.

Question 6

Can I add or delete names from my Sale Agreement?

Accepted Answer

From a legal perspective, adding or deleting names is considered a transfer of ownership and customers would require applying for a NOC from Emaar. These changes must be recorded in the Land Department's register, with applicable administrative fees paid to the vendor and transfer fees to the Land Department.

Question 7

What happens if I lose my Sale Agreement?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your Sale Agreement, you will need to visit the Contracts Helpdesk and sign an indemnity form. Additionally, you must submit a police report, or an affidavit notarized by a public notary explaining the loss. After verifying the authenticity of your request, a new Sale Agreement will be issued, upon payment of a nominal fee of AED 3,000.

Question 8

How Many Days Does it Take to Receive My Contract for Signature From the Date of Sales Launch?

Accepted Answer

For off-plan properties purchased during a launch, it typically takes between 21-40 days for the Vendor to issue the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) after purchase date. This is due to the necessary approvals and documentation compliance, including the clearance of down payments, registration charges, and Oqood fees. At times, there is interdependency from the Lands Department to get the plot numbers particularly for town homes or villas which are printed on the agreements. For completed properties purchased, the SPA issuance is usually between 15-20 days, subject to approval and documentation compliance.

Question 9

What is a Mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage is a type of loan where the borrower pledges the title/property documents to real estate as collateral for a loan. In the event the borrower fails to repay the loan on time, the lender has the legal right to foreclose on the property and sell it to recover the outstanding debt/loan.

Question 10

Why Do I Need to Register the Mortgage of My Property with Emaar Properties?

Accepted Answer

Emaar Properties registers the mortgage over any of its properties upon the purchaser's request to protect the interest of the financing bank. Emaar will also issue an undertaking letter / Consent to Mortgage and Charge / Sale Addendum to this effect. However, Emaar's undertaking expires in the event of completing the title deed registration or full repayment of the loan, whichever is earlier.

Question 11

When and Where Can I Register a Mortgage with Emaar Properties?

Accepted Answer

You may visit our Customer Care Centre at Emaar Square, B2, G Level or apply for a request for mortgage registration/ discharge via E-services available on Emaar App or Emaar website.

Question 12

Why Do I Need to Pay a Mortgage Registration Fee?

Accepted Answer

A nominal fee of AED 5,000 is charged for registration of the mortgage with Emaar to cover all administrative costs. Emaar also provides an undertaking to the Bank / Financial Institution to protect the interest of the Bank / Financial Institution in the mortgaged property.

Question 13

What should I do If I want to change my Lender after my property has been financed previously?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to change your lender, you must first apply for a discharge of the existing mortgage or charge over the property. After that, you will need to register the new mortgage or charge. This process must be completed both at the Emaar office and the Dubai Land Department.

Question 14

Do I need to register my mortgage at the Land Department as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, registering your mortgage with the Dubai Land Department is mandatory.

Question 15

Can I authorize a representative to complete the mortgage registration on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a representative can act on your behalf provided they hold a notarized and legalized Power of Attorney from all registered owners of the property, stating that the attorney has been given the power to sign for discharge of mortgage requests.

Question 16

How long does it take to process the mortgage registration or discharge?

Accepted Answer

The mortgage registration or discharge process typically takes 10 working days to complete.

Question 17

Can I transfer my property if it is mortgaged?

Accepted Answer

The Purchaser will have to provide a clearance letter from the financier regarding settlement of all dues towards the property to initiate the transfer.

Question 18

Is life insurance mandatory when buying a freehold property with Emaar?

Accepted Answer

No, Emaar does not require Purchasers to have life insurance. However, if you are financing the purchase through a mortgage loan facility from a Bank / Financial Institution, they may require life insurance.

Question 19

What is Emaar Preferred Access?

Accepted Answer

The Emaar Preferred Access Programme is a customer-focused initiative launched to provide long-term investors and end-users with the opportunities to invest in our latest project launches. The initiative was introduced in response to high demand to our project launches and several end-user and long-term investors missed the opportunity to buy an Emaar property. The Emaar Preferred Access Programme is subject to the below terms and conditions.

Question 20

What Are the Terms and Conditions of the Emaar Preferred Access Programme?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility and Registration
Customers may opt into the Emaar Preferred Access Programme ("Programme") either online during launch registration or by visiting an Emaar Sales Centre. Emaar reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without liability, to accept, reject, or request additional conditions for any application to the Programme.

No Guarantee of Sale
Opting for and availing from the Programme does not bind Emaar to sell any property. The purchase of any property is subject to availability, agreement on Emaar's relevant terms and conditions of sale and final approval of the sale of the property by Emaar.

Registration Channels
Customers would have the choice to register on the Programme either through online or at Emaar Sales Centre(s).
Non-Transferability
The enrollment to the Programme is irrevocable and non-transferable and cannot be used to purchase properties in the name and/or for the benefit of third parties.

Restrictions on Property Transfer
Any property purchased under the Programme is non-transferable prior to the payment of at least fifty percent (50%) of the purchase price of the property. In the case of full-floor purchases, no transfer or assignment is permitted prior to its handover.
Minimum Down Payment
Twenty percent 20% of the total property value, or a higher percentage as may be requested and increased from time to time by Emaar at its sole discretion is required to be paid at the time of purchase.
Documentation Requirements
All required documentation must be submitted to Emaar at the time of purchase.
Additional Terms
Additional terms and conditions shall apply including without limitation the terms and conditions of online registration for launches.

Right to Amend or Cancel
Emaar reserves the right at any time at its sole discretion and without any liability to modify, add, suspend, or cancel the Programme, or amend any of the terms and conditions of the Programme including changes to down payment requirements, resale restrictions, payment terms, or Programme benefits. Emaar may also withdraw or suspend a customer's enrollment in the Programme, and the ensuing privileges/benefits.

Question 21

Does registration to the Programme and compliance with all conditions guarantee a property purchase?

Accepted Answer

Home allotments under the Programme are subject to demand and the number of units available at the time of launch.

Question 22

How do I register for Preferred Access?

Accepted Answer

When online registration opens for a launch, customers will be prompted to select the "Emaar Preferred Access Programme" field during the process. Please note that online registration is applicable only during official launches. For investments not tied to a specific launch, customers are advised to contact an Emaar Sales Centre.

Question 23

Is Preferred Access given as a one-time only opportunity or will this be on-going for all future launches?

Accepted Answer

The "Emaar Preferred Access" Programme is on-going and can be availed of by customers every time they register online.

Question 24

What is a Home Orientation?

Accepted Answer

A Home Orientation is an opportunity to visit your new home, accompanied by one of Emaar's Property Handover Executives. During this walkthrough, any issues that require attention will be documented in a Home Orientation Checklist. Emaar's Property Quality Assurance Department (PQA) will liaise with the Contractor to ensure all observations as recorded on the checklist (subject to acceptance by PQA and consultants) are rectified.

Question 25

Can Emaar provide a visit visa for my Home Orientation or Handover?

Accepted Answer

No, Emaar does not provide visit visas for customers.

Question 26

Can I authorize someone else to attend the Home Orientation on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may appoint a representative to attend the home orientation on your behalf. Please submit an authorization letter that includes the representative's full name and contact number, clearly stating your consent to conduct the orientation on your behalf. A copy of your passport is also required for signature verification.

Question 27

Can I change my home orientation date?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may reschedule your home orientation date once, provided the new date falls within the official handover period allocated for the project.

Question 28

Can I go for a second home orientation to make sure that all snags are rectified?

Accepted Answer

Only one Home Orientation per unit is conducted, in accordance with the terms outlined in the Sales Purchase Agreement. However, should you find any pending snags after you take handover of the property, you can report them to Emaar's Property Quality Assurance (PQA) team by:

Calling the Emaar Contact Centre at 800-EMAAR (800 36227 / +971 4 366 1688)
Emailing pqa@emaar.ae
Visiting the Emaar Customer Centre at Emaar Square, Building 2

Question 29

Can I make changes to my Villa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, internal modifications may be permitted provided they do not impact the villa's structure or external façade. However, before making any alterations, you have to first obtain a No Objection Certificate from Emaar. Please note that all external changes are not allowed.

Question 30

Can I rent out my property after handover?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once the property is handed over to you, you are free to lease it.

Question 31

Will my villa look exactly like the one I saw at the Sales Centre?

Accepted Answer

Please note that show villas featured at our Sales Centres are designed with premium, luxury finishes, which may differ from the standard specifications of your purchased unit. If you wish to upgrade to luxury finishes, please inform the Sales office at the time of purchasing your property. Keep in mind that this will result in the price being adjusted accordingly.

Question 32

What is the Property Handover Process?

Accepted Answer

To complete the handover process and take possession of your property, you must submit the following documents:

Single Ownership:

Original Certificate of Completion of Payment
Copy of Application for Land Registration
Original DEWA Security Deposit Receipt
Original Passport or valid Government ID for identification

Joint/Multiple Ownership (including spouses):

Original Certificate of Completion of Payment
Copy of Application for Land Registration
Original DEWA Security Deposit Receipt
Original Power of Attorney or a Notarized Authorization Letter from all owners/spouses (if not all are present)
Original Passport or a recognized Government photo ID for each owner

Note: In cases of spousal joint ownership, a notarized letter is required if one party is absent during the handover.

For Company Ownership:

Original Certificate of Completion of Payment
Copy of Land Registration Application
Original DEWA Security Deposit Receipt
Original Trade License
Original Notarized Letter of Authorization on company letterhead, signed by the authorized signatory
Copy of Passport of Authorized Signatory (for signature verification)
Original Passport or Recognized Government-issued ID of the authorized representative

For Authorization on Behalf of Individual Owners:

Original Certificate of Completion of Payment
Copy of Land Registration Application
Original DEWA Security Deposit Receipt
Original Power of Attorney or Notarized Letter of Authorization from all property owners
Copy of Passport of All Owners
Original Passport or Recognized Government-issued ID of the authorized representative

Question 33

What Owners Will Receive Upon Property Handover?

Accepted Answer

Apartments
Upon taking handover of their apartment, owners will receive:

Keys to the unit
Homeowner's manual
List of important contact numbers
Car parking number
Access cards / transponder (where applicable)
P.O. Box keys (where applicable)

Villas
Upon taking handover of their villa, owners will receive:

Keys to the villa
Homeowner's manual
List of important contact numbers
Car security sticker

Question 34

I want to carry out some modification works to my property. Do I need permission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, any home modification or improvement requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Emaar Community Management. Please refer to the Home Modification Guidelines to ensure your planned works comply with community standards. To apply for a NOC, log into your community portal and select 'Home Modifications' from the sidebar.

Question 35

Do I need to apply for a NOC if I want to do landscaping in my garden?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both soft and hard landscaping works require a NOC.

Question 36

I want to build a pergola in my garden. Do I need to seek permission?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Installing a pergola requires a NOC. Please refer to the relevant conditions in the Home Modification Guidelines to ensure that it is in line with guidelines.

Question 37

Can I renovate my kitchen and bathroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These are considered internal modifications and require a NOC.

Question 38

Can I make changes to my balcony or terrace?

Accepted Answer

External modifications that affect the aesthetics of the villa are not permitted. Please consult the Home Modification Guidelines for acceptable modifications to balconies.

Question 39

Can I increase the height of my boundary wall?

Accepted Answer

It is not permitted to increase the height of the boundary wall. For privacy reasons, it is recommended to plant trees or hedges and for other options, please refer to the Home Modification Guidelines.

Question 40

Can I change the existing landscape in front of my villa in the common area?

Accepted Answer

No. Modifying the landscaping in common areas is not permitted, as these areas are maintained as part of the community.

Question 41

I want to build a swimming pool. Do I need to seek permission?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Constructing a swimming pool requires a NOC. Any modifications to your villa or garden must be approved.

Question 42

Can I repaint the exterior walls of my villa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please note that it is permitted to repaint the external walls of the villa, however a NOC is required to ensure that the colour theme and uniformity of the community is maintained.

Question 43

Do I need a NOC for internal painting, A/C cleaning, repairing of damaged sanitary wares, fixture and electrical accessories?

Accepted Answer

Works like interior painting and regular maintenance work do not require a NOC from Emaar. However, your contractor must obtain an entry permit to get access to the community and carry out maintenance works.

Question 44

Why do I have to pay transfer fees to Emaar Properties upon transferring my property?

Accepted Answer

Emaar charges an admin fee for issuance of NOC for Transfer. This transfer is registered in Emaar's Property Register and subsequently to be completed at the Land Department. The fee is part of the administrative charges involved in completing the transaction.

Question 45

What are the documents that are required for an NOC for Transfer?

Accepted Answer

For information on document requirements, kindly visit this link.

Question 46

How many people need to attend the transfer of my property?

Accepted Answer

The transfer needs to be attended by both the Transferor/s, Transferee/s. You may apply for the NOC for Transfer by visiting our Customer Care Centre at Emaar Square, B2, G Level or via E-services available on the Emaar App/website.

Question 47

Will Emaar issue me a Visa after I complete the Purchase of my property?

Accepted Answer

No, Emaar is not allowed to sponsor any visas as per instruction from Dubai Immigration. Eligible customers can apply for an NOC from Emaar to Dubai Immigration for a multiple entry visit visa subject to terms and conditions.

Question 48

When and where can I collect my NOC for Transfer from?

Accepted Answer

You will receive an automated notification once your NOC is ready. The NOC can be collected from Emaar's Customer Care office at Emaar Square, B2, G Level.

Question 49

Can the NOC for transfer be collected by anyone?

Accepted Answer

The NOC can be collected only by the property owner/ legal power of attorney holder.

Question 50

Which properties are eligible for registration of land?

Accepted Answer

All property types need to be registered/ pre-registered with the Dubai Land Department as per law.

Question 51

Where can I submit my application for registration?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our Customer Care Centre at Emaar Square, B2, G Level or apply for the registration via E-services available on the Emaar App/ website.

Question 52

Do I need an appointment, or it is a walk-in procedure?

Accepted Answer

Transactions are done either by walk-in or via E-services. Please note that we do not arrange appointments for carrying out transactions.

Question 53

Can any owner from any project register their property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all projects can be registered.

Question 54

What happens if one of the joint property owners passes away? Should the contract with Emaar be updated?

Accepted Answer

In accordance with Article 11 of the UAE Civil Code, "The law of the state of which a person has the nationality shall apply to the civil status and competence of such person." Based on this, Emaar has implemented a formal Transfer on Succession process for transferring property ownership to the next of kin in the event of the demise of an owner or joint owner. To initiate this process, beneficiaries must follow legal procedures and provide the necessary documentation in line with UAE law.

Question 55

Is a will sufficient to transfer ownership after death?

Accepted Answer

A will alone is not sufficient to transfer property ownership. For ownership to be legally transferred, the will must be:

Confirmed by a Dubai court (or equivalent legal authority)
Accompanied by an officially issued succession certificate

Question 56

Can I add my children's names to the Sale Agreement to safeguard their rights?

Accepted Answer

Ownership rights in the UAE are governed by local laws. In the event of the owner's death:

Sharia Law will apply to UAE-based properties,
Unless a court order is obtained through the Dubai Courts (or equivalent legal body).

Question 57

Who should I contact if I do not receive my dividend payment?

Accepted Answer

For all dividends since 2003 (except 2006), you should contact Union National Bank's (UNB) Capital Markets Services by phone at: +971-2-698-4430; +971-2-698-4675; +971-2-698-4163; +971-2-698-4603; +971-2-698-4591 or by e-mail at: Siham.Elitaoui@unb.ae.

For 2006 dividends, you should contact Mashreq Bank's Investment Services Help Desk by phone at: +971-4-363-2430 or by e-mail at: KarenE@mashreq.com.

For all other dividends, you should contact Emaar Investor Relations at: Investor_Relations@emaar.ae.

If your shares are deposited with a brokerage firm, please contact your broker directly with any questions regarding the dividend payment.

Question 58

Who should I contact regarding a change of address, an account statement, or share transfers?

Accepted Answer

The Dubai Financial Market's (DFM) Customer Service by phone at: +971-4-305-5555 or by e-mail at: customerservice@dfm.ae

Question 59

When was Emaar Properties PJSC Incorporated?

Accepted Answer

Emaar Properties was incorporated in 1997.

Question 60

Where is Emaar Properties PJSC headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Emaar Properties PJSC is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Question 61

When was Emaar Properties PJSC listed on the Dubai Financial Market?

Accepted Answer

Emaar Properties PJSC was listed on the Dubai Financial Market on March 26, 2000.

Question 62

What is Emaar Properties PJSC fiscal year?

Accepted Answer

Emaar Properties' fiscal year ends with the calendar year. Our quarters end on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

Question 63

How can I buy shares in Emaar Properties PJSC?

Accepted Answer

Emaar Properties' shares can be bought or sold through a stock broker, or generally through a financial institution that provides brokerage services. A list of licensed brokers is available on the Dubai Financial Market's website at: https://www.dfm.ae/investors/how-to-trade

Question 64

Can foreigners buy shares in Emaar Properties PJSC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can buy shares in Emaar Properties as long as the total foreign ownership of the stock does not exceed 49%. Daily foreign ownership levels can be checked on the Dubai Financial Market's website at: https://www.dfm.ae/issuers/listed-securities/securities/company-profile-page?id=EMAAR

FAQ's

Contracts

Mortgages

Preferred Access

Property

Property Alterations and Home Improvements

Registration and Transfers

Succession