Late Handover Claim

A late handover claim is an off-plan buyer's claim against a developer for failing to deliver the unit by the date promised in the sale and purchase agreement. The SPA is the starting point: it states the anticipated completion date and almost always grants the developer a grace period — commonly up to twelve months — before any liability arises, and may specify compensation mechanics or attempt to exclude them. Once delay exceeds the contractual allowance, buyers' options range from claiming compensation for the delay period (rental value of the unit is a common measure) to, in cases of substantial or indefinite delay, seeking termination of the SPA and refund of amounts paid. Evidence of the project's actual status — RERA's published completion percentages, escrow reports, site inspection — frames the claim. These cases proceed in the Dubai courts or arbitration depending on the SPA's dispute clause, and limitation periods make early legal advice important once a delay becomes serious.