Home » FAQ
Most asked questions about buying apartments in Dubai
Contracts
WHAT TYPE OF TITLE DEED WOULD I GET FROM ELLINGTON PROPERTIES?
WHAT ARE THE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FEES?
CAN I ADD OR REMOVE A JOINT OWNER FROM MY SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT?
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOST MY SALE PURCHASE AGREEMENT (SPA)?
HOW MANY DAYS DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE AN SPA FOR SIGNATURE FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE?
Customer Care Department
Ellington Properties
Burlington Tower, 16th Floor
Business Bay
P O Box 117500
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Property
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SNAGGING INSPECTION?
It means that once you have been issued a completion notice, you will be invited to visit the actual project and to inspect the property. Inspections must be based on the SPA specifications.
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY PROPERTY OR UNIT?
No changes can be made to the external façade and structure of the property or unit until the construction is complete. However, small internal modifications may be carried out after the unit is fully constructed and handed over to the purchaser. This is subject to clearance from the development team of Ellington Properties and other government authorities like DHCC or Dubai Municipality. Accordingly, administrative fees could apply for providing the NOC by Ellington Properties.
CAN I RENT OUT MY PROPERTY ONCE IT’S HANDED OVER TO ME?
Yes, you can rent out your property once the handover process is complete and title deed issued under your name.
WHERE IS THE LOCATION OF THE SALES OFFICES OF ELLINGTON PROPERTIES?
The sales office is currently located on the 16th & 17th floors of Burlington Tower in Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
WILL MY UNIT BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ONE I SAW AT THE SALES OFFICE OF ELLINGTON PROPERTIES?
Mock-up units are created in the office of Ellington Properties only to demonstrate how a finished unit might look like. Usually, the mock-up unit is presented with sample furniture, appliances, etc. However, your unit will be provided to you as per the specifications provided in your SPA. You can also expect some variation which is in line with the applicable laws and in accordance with your SPA.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO TAKE POSSESSION OF MY UNIT?
Nearing the completion of the project, Ellington Properties will notify the purchasers of the handover date by way of a completion notice and as per the SPA. Ellington Properties will request the purchasers to complete their payments in relation to the purchase price and any other due amounts. The purchasers would also be provided with an opportunity to inspect the unit. Based on the visit, they will prepare a list of defects which will be countersigned by the project manager or their representative.
Any outstanding defects which cannot be fixed before the handover date will be completed during the defect liability period. Notwithstanding, the purchaser will be bound to complete the payments and take possession of the unit on the handover date.
In case the purchaser fails to complete the payment, inspection or possession of the unit, Ellington Properties has the right to take appropriate action as per the applicable laws. In such event, no further inspection opportunity will be provided. The purchasers will also be notified of the documents that would be required and the process of handover to complete the handover.
WHAT WILL OWNERS RECEIVE ON HANDOVER OF THE PROPERTY?
- Keys to their unit
- List of important phone numbers
- Car parking remote
- Access card(s) (if applicable) or biometric fingerprint to access the building
- Car security sticker (if applicable)
- Owner’s manual
Property Registration & Resale
- For off-plan projects, the purchaser, and the incoming purchaser need to contact the CRM Department at Ellington Properties to apply for a transfer No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- The minimum payment required is 30%, which must be achieved. This percentage may be adjusted based on construction progress and the payment plan. However, for the following properties, a minimum payment of 50% is required, along with the next scheduled advance payment:
- Ocean House
- Arbor View
- One River Point
- The Mercer House
- Art Bay (West)
- Art Bay (East)
- Hillmont Residences
- Cala Del Mar
- Claydon House
- Rosemont Residence
- Appropriate administrative fees to process the NOC and SPA need to be paid to Ellington Properties, currently being AED 5,250.
- The purchaser must collect an NOC from Ellington Properties and execute the Transfer of Ownership Form and the required documents of the incoming purchaser. Accordingly, Ellington Properties will process the transfer and arrange a new SPA to be issued in favour of the incoming purchaser.
- All payments that are due on the NOC’s date of the application need to be settled before issuance. This is as per the policy set by Ellington Properties.
- The transfer will be registered in Ellington Properties interim registry and then completed at the DLD, subject to transfer fees being paid to DLD directly.
- Once the resale is completed at DLD, the new owner must provide a copy of the initial sale contract with Ellington Properties for update
- Any unit with mortgage shall be dealt with separately as per the norms of such banks and on a case to case basis
Payments
- WHAT IS THE PAYMENT POLICY FOR THE PROJECT?
Purchasers are advised to make all their payments as per the payment plan schedule provided in their SPA. Delay or non-payment of instalments would result in penalties and/or other courses of action in accordance with the SPA and Dubai property laws.
- WHAT IS THE PAYMENT PLAN OF THE PROJECT?
Ellington Properties typically offers 50% payment during construction and 50% on completion. However, the milestones and payment timelines will vary from project to project. It is best to request for the payment plan from a Property Consultant. Alternatively, please review the payment details which are outlined in the SPA which are considered final.
- WHAT IS THE PROCESS IN CASE OF DEFAULT OF PAYMENT BY THE PURCHASER?
Ellington Properties will provide 30 days notice to pay any defaulted amounts. Should the purchaser fail to do so, Ellington Properties reserves the right to take all necessary action in accordance with the applicable laws.
Others
HOW DO WE NOTIFY ELLINGTON PROPERTIES OF ANY CHANGE IN COMMUNICATION DETAILS?
You can send an e-mail using your registered email ID to Ellington Properties’ CRM Department or by visiting the Ellington Properties sales office. We encourage you to immediately notify Ellington Properties of any change in your address and telephone numbers, so you are constantly updated.
CAN I TAKE A HOME LOAN AND REGISTER THE MORTGAGE OVER THE PROPERTY?
Yes, the purchaser can take a home loan and register a mortgage on the property by paying the requisite fee to DLD. Please note only banks or financial institutions duly licensed and registered with the UAE Central Bank can provide finance for the property.
IS THERE VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) APPLICABLE ON MY PROPERTY?
Under UAE law, a newly constructed residential properties that are supplied for the first time or within three years of their construction, are exempted from paying any VAT. However, there is still ambiguity on the date of supply i.e. whether it is the date of payment or whether it is the date of property completion.
CAN I PURCHASE A PROPERTY IN THE NAME OF A FREE ZONE COMPANY?
Yes, you can purchase the property in the name of certain designated free zone company. It will be subject to meeting the requirements of DLD and the concerned free zone authorities. In order to register the property in the Interim Property Registry, the sales team will first guide you on the rightful procedure.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PRINCIPAL AND JOINT OWNERS TO THE SALE AGREEMENT?
There is no substantial difference between principal and joint owners as both are equal shareholders of the property unless notified otherwise to DLD. For instance, a property purchased by two friends could have a different percentage, depending on their contribution to the property. But if not specified both parties will have equal rights. Any notices or communications sent to the Principal Owner will be considered as served to all involved owners as per the UAE law.
Disclaimer: These FAQs are meant to serve merely as guidance and consequently have no legal merit. They can also be subject to amendments as per the guidelines issued for any amendment to the prevailing laws and regulations pertaining to real estate laws in Dubai.