Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) offers a globally recognized legal framework tailored for real estate transactions.
The DIFC real estate law Dubai, DIFC Law No. 10 of 2018, as amended by DIFC Law No. 3 of 2022 and DIFC Law No. 2 of 2022, governs all aspects of real property within DIFC.
This article outlines the essential features of DIFC real estate law and highlights our firm’s legal services in 2025, specifically in this domain.
Contact our expert lawyers & legal consultants in UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
Table of Contents
DIFC Real Estate Law Dubai
The DIFC Real Property Law regulates the ownership, leasing, and registration of real estate located within the DIFC.
The law is administered by the Registrar of Real Property (RoRP), which ensures legal protection for owners, leaseholders, and other interested parties.
Registrar of Real Property
The Registrar of Real Property (RoRP) is responsible for maintaining the Real Property Register. This includes:
- Establishing and keeping the Real Property Register.
- Registering each Folio, every Instrument that creates or affects a Real Property Interest or Right.
- Registering all required documents and any additional information the Registrar considers important for accuracy and completeness.
The Register may be maintained in any form the Registrar deems appropriate and can be changed over time.
DIFC Services handles the daily processing of applications related to:
- Freehold transfers.
- Lease registrations.
- Mortgage registrations.
- Other lodgements under DIFC real estate laws.
All documents must meet the Registrar’s specified requirements for proper registration.
Real Property Lease Laws
The DIFC Real Property Law and the DIFC Leasing Law govern DIFC leases. Important provisions include:
- Real property may be leased, and a Lease exceeding six (6) months (including renewal options) must be registered by the Lessor.
- The Lessor must register the lease within 20 days of entering into the agreement.
- Failure to comply results in a contravention of the law.
- The Instrument must clearly identify the leased Lot or part Lot and be accompanied by a Lease Plan.
- Assignment and variation of a Registered Lease are allowed through properly executed and registered Instruments.
- Registered Leases do not bind a Mortgagee unless the Mortgagee consents and such consent may be recorded in the Folio.
The Lessor has implied powers including entry for inspection or repair and termination rights for specific breaches.
These powers may be varied by express terms in the Lease, but the 30-day grace periods for breach or overdue rent cannot be shortened.
Tenants also have access to the Court for relief against forfeiture for non-payment or other breaches.
The Lease remains subject to other applicable laws that may restrict a Lessor’s right to recover possession.
Legal Services for DIFC Real Property Law Compliance
Our law firm in UAE provides specialized legal services under DIFC real estate law Dubai. Our lawyers focus exclusively on the following areas:
- Advisory on property transactions governed by the DIFC Real Property Law.
- Drafting and registering Leases, including review for compliance with Article 48 and 49.
- Preparation and registration of Instruments for lease variations, assignments, or terminations.
- Assistance with registration of Freehold and Mortgage Instruments with the Registrar.
- Legal representation in lease disputes, including breach, forfeiture, and relief proceedings.
- Consultation on obligations under the DIFC Leasing Law, for both Lessors and Lessees.
- Folio and Instrument due diligence prior to any real estate transaction in the DIFC.
- Legal support for developers and property owners during property transfers and strata arrangements.
Our legal team ensures all applications and instruments meet the requirements set by the Registrar, safeguarding client interests throughout every step of the registration process.
Learn about the Best Difc Registered Lawyers.
Find more services from top Real Estate lawyers in Dubai and specialized Property Lawyers in Dubai.
FAQs about DIFC Real Property Law
Conclusion.
The DIFC real estate law Dubai sets a structured legal environment for real estate ownership and leasing in the DIFC.
It offers legal certainty through strict registration requirements and a transparent framework.
Whether you’re entering a lease, transferring ownership, or seeking compliance with property regulations, our firm provides focused legal expertise tailored to DIFC’s unique legal landscape.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
