Abu Dhabi brings new rules for real estate sector - including on jobs

Dubai: Abu Dhabi has gone in for a major regulatory update to its real estate sector - especially on professions closely allied to the industry.

This would ensure 'effective market governance' and 'protect investor interest'.

The new rules extend to all aspects of real estate development, including the sale, purchase, registration, evaluation, management and operation of real estate.

Breaches to the new rules will invite penalties. A 'schedule of violations and administrative fines will be defined by a resolution issued by the Chairman of DMT (Department of Municipalities and Transport) following the approval of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council', said a statement.

Property owners in Abu Dhabi will come under 'owners' committees' instead of owners associations.

"The formation and functioning of these committees will be governed by decisions issued by the DMT - with their role limited to advisory and oversight duties," said a statement.

In this regard, specialized management companies will be responsible for the operational management of jointly-owned properties in Abu Dhabi.

This will ensure 'flexible regulation and sustainability of shared facilities and common areas' in these investment/freehold hubs.

In Abu Dhabi, developers under the new rules get the right to 'unilaterally' terminate offplan SPAs (sale and purchase agreements) if the buyer fails to fulfil their side of the obligations.

But for developers to do so, they must follow 'specific procedures' and in all cases 'obtain the approval from ADREC (Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center)'.