Choosing a developer: what to check beyond the name
A recognised brand is a starting point. The project entity, documents, delivery record and residence specification deserve their own checks.
2 min read
Assess the project and contracting entity separately from the group brand. A useful comparison records documents and unresolved questions instead of awarding an unsupported developer ranking.
Identify the project you are actually buying into
Confirm the developer, project name, selling entity and residence reference in the documents. A group brand and the legal entity signing the contract may not be identical. Keep the brochure, reservation form and proposed agreement together so differences are visible.
Look at completed work
Where possible, visit a completed development rather than relying only on launch imagery. Look at finishes, shared spaces, access and maintenance. Ask about the age of the building and whether the comparison is relevant to the specification of the new project.
Check the official record
Use official channels to check the project and relevant property documents. ADREC provides document verification, including certificates and Madhmoun permits. A brochure, logo or broker statement is not a substitute for checking the document associated with the specific transaction.
Read what is included
Identify the finishes, appliances, parking, external space and shared facilities included in your purchase. Ask which features are contractual and which are illustrative. Compare the written specification with the residence plan, rather than treating every render as a promise.
Compare the offer on the same basis
Put price, payment timing, expected delivery, ownership costs and important exclusions side by side. Record unresolved questions before deciding. A confident sales presentation should not make a missing answer disappear.
Keep an evidence record for the shortlist
- Record the selling entity and project reference in each proposed agreement.
- Identify the dated specification, residence plan and payment schedule.
- Separate completed work you have actually visited from marketing material.
- Request written answers to differences between the brochure and contract.
- List missing evidence without turning an unanswered question into a negative or positive score.
Golden Dome guidance for planning your property questions. Legal, finance and immigration decisions require advice appropriate to your circumstances.
Official references and further reading
Use the current official requirements for your own circumstances. Illustrative calculations are not quotes or forecasts. How our guidance is prepared