Dubai Property Service Charges Before Handover – New Ruling

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Buying a home in Dubai is exciting. But did you know that under a new ruling on Dubai property service charges, buyers must pay these fees even before handover? For many, this might sound surprising, but the law aims to keep residential communities running smoothly and fairly.

Why Dubai Property Service Charges Matter

Service charges in Dubai cover the cost of maintaining shared spaces—think elevators, lobbies, gyms, pools, and landscaping. Without them, entire communities could fall into disrepair.

The Dubai Rental Disputes Center (RDC) recently ruled that buyers are responsible for paying service charges once a project is completed, even if they haven’t received the keys yet. This ensures that facilities remain operational without developers having to foot the entire bill.

Legal Foundation: Law No. (6) of 2019

The ruling is backed by Law No. (6) of 2019 on Jointly Owned Properties, which regulates service fees in Dubai. You can read the official law on the Dubai Land Department website.

In short:

• Developers must pay for unsold units.
• Buyers must pay for sold units, starting from completion or default.

This closes a long-standing gap in Dubai property law and protects compliant owners from shouldering the costs of others.

Common Disputes Over Service Charges

Disagreements often arose when:

• Buyers completed installments but delayed final registration.
• Developers withheld keys due to unpaid dues.
• Owners argued they shouldn’t pay for facilities before handover.

Now, the RDC has clarified that service charges Dubai property owners are responsible for begin once the project is complete, regardless of handover delays.

How This Impacts Property Owners

If you’re planning to invest in Dubai real estate with OPlus Realty, here’s what you should know:

1. Budget Earlier: Buyers must account for service charges before handover.
2. Developers Benefit: They can maintain buildings without covering costs for sold units.
3. Fewer Disputes: A clear framework speeds up conflict resolution.
4. Investor Confidence: A transparent system strengthens Dubai’s global real estate reputation.

For context, in 2024 alone, the RDC closed 49,817 execution files and finalized 443 agreements worth AED 190.7 million, most in under a week.

Practical Advice for Buyers

Thinking about investing in Dubai property? Follow these steps:

• Check Service Charge Rates: They vary by community. For example, charges in Dubai Marina real estate differ from those in newer developments.
• Plan Your Finances: Add service charges to your long-term ownership costs.
• Stay Compliant: Avoid defaults that could trigger extra fees.
• Work With Experts: Agencies like OPlus Realty provide guidance to keep your investments worry-free.

Bigger Picture: Why This Ruling Helps Dubai

At first glance, paying charges before handover might feel unfair. But in reality, it ensures:

• Buildings remain well-maintained.
• Costs are distributed fairly.
• Dubai stays attractive to investors worldwide.

For more context, you can check the Dubai Rental Disputes Center for official updates.

Final Thoughts

The ruling on Dubai property service charges before handover is more than just a legal update—it’s a step toward a healthier, more sustainable real estate market. For owners, the key takeaway is to plan ahead and work with professionals who understand the fine print.

At OPlus Realty, we help clients not just buy properties but also manage every stage of ownership. From choosing the right developer like Emaar development real estate to understanding your ongoing responsibilities, we’re here to guide you.

Ready to invest with confidence? Contact OPlus Realty today and let us help you secure your dream property while navigating Dubai’s real estate laws with ease.