- Property Sale Agreement Breaches
- Property Deposit Recovery
- Seller Refusal to Transfer Property
- Buyer Failure to Complete Property Purchase
- Property Purchase Misrepresentation Claims
- What to do next
- FAQ
A buyer pays a 10 percent deposit to a seller on a Form F. The seller then receives a higher offer and stops responding. The transfer date passes. The buyer has a mortgage pre-approval that is about to lapse.A representative scene, not a reported case.
01Property Sale Agreement Breaches
A breach occurs when a party fails to do what the sale agreement requires: sign transfer documents, clear a mortgage, hand over vacant possession or pay on time.
We read the dates, the conditions, the default clauses and the remedies. Then we look at what each party did. A deadline is not always the end if the other side's conduct allowed it to slip.
02Property Deposit Recovery
A deposit is usually forfeited if the buyer defaults and returned, sometimes with compensation, if the seller defaults. The detail depends on the contract and who is in breach.
Where a deposit is held by a broker or trustee account, we identify who holds it and send notice to prevent release. If the other side has already received it, we calculate the claim with the contract's default wording.
Get Legal Advice on a Property DisputeSend us the contract or the key messages and we will tell you where you stand.
WhatsApp us03Seller Refusal to Transfer Property
When a seller will not transfer after receiving the price, the buyer can ask the court to compel performance or claim damages. Evidence of payment, the signed agreement and the buyer's readiness to complete are the key points.
Where the property is at risk of being sold on to a third party, urgent steps may be considered, such as a request for protective measures. Speed and documents matter.
04Buyer Failure to Complete Property Purchase
If a buyer fails to complete, the seller may keep the deposit, re-market the property and claim any shortfall, subject to the contract and the court's review of the amount.
Sellers should give a clear written notice with a deadline and keep records of their own readiness to transfer. Buyers who intend to withdraw should take advice first, because the cost of default is often higher than expected.
05Property Purchase Misrepresentation Claims
A buyer who relied on false statements about the property, such as the status of title, mortgage, service charges or physical condition, may claim to cancel or for damages.
The claim needs proof that the statement was made, that it was false and that it influenced the purchase. Pre-sale emails, listing details and inspection reports are the useful documents. Related: specification misrepresentation in off-plan sales.
What to do in the next 48 hours
- Stop and read the agreementFind the default, cancellation and deposit clauses. Do not send a message that withdraws or admits default.
- Secure the deposit positionConfirm who is holding the deposit and send written notice if release is not agreed.
- Show you are ready to completeKeep proof of funds, mortgage approval and attendance at the transfer date.
Documents we ask for first
- MOU or sale agreement (Form F)
- Proof of deposit and payments
- Broker agreements and correspondence
- Mortgage approvals and NOCs
- Title deed copy and service charge statements
- Notices and messages between the parties
Questions we are asked
Can the seller keep my deposit?
Only if the contract or law supports it, usually where the buyer defaulted. The amount can be reviewed. We check the clause and the facts.
Can I force a seller to sell?
A court can sometimes order performance of a valid sale agreement. It depends on the agreement, payment and circumstances.
What if the broker holds the deposit?
We identify the account and send formal notice. Payment out after a dispute is raised creates additional risk for the holder.
Related disputes
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Call nowThis page is general information based on UAE and Dubai legislation as we understand it at the date of drafting. It is not legal advice. Laws are amended, and the right step depends on your documents and facts. Outcomes are never guaranteed.