As the Head of Conveyancing and Compliance at Fam Conveyancing, it is crucial to inform our agents and clients about the potential risks in real estate transactions involving Powers of Attorney (POAs). One critical issue is what happens to a sale transaction if the POA is found to be canceled by the original owner or if the original owner of the POA has passed away. This article aims to clarify this important topic, highlighting the need for careful verification of POAs through the Dubai Courts portal.
The Role of Dubai Courts in POA Verification
The Dubai Courts play a vital role in verifying the status of POAs issued within Dubai. POAs issued by the Dubai Notary Public have an unlimited validity period for buying and selling properties, unless canceled at the client's request. To verify the status and validity of any POA issued by the Dubai Notary Public or Dubai Courts, you can visit the official Dubai Courts website.
Understanding POA Validity in Dubai Real Estate
- Unlimited Validity within Dubai: POAs issued by the Dubai Notary Public do not expire for real estate transactions. However, clients can cancel these POAs at any time.
- Validity Outside Dubai Jurisdiction: For POAs issued outside of Dubai, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) specifies the following validity periods:
- Selling Properties: Valid for two years.
- Buying Properties: Valid for five years.
Consequences of Using a Canceled or Void POA
Using a canceled or void POA in real estate transactions can have serious legal consequences. If a POA is found to be canceled or if the original owner has died, the entire sale transaction becomes null and void. This can lead to significant legal and financial complications for all parties involved. The affected parties can seek a court order against the respondent (the POA holder) where the court will instruct the Dubai Land Department to revert the ownership of the property back to the original owner. If the original owner is deceased, the property will be transferred to the rightful inheritors.
The Importance of Verifying POAs
To avoid the use of void POAs and ensure the legality of transactions, it is essential for all parties to verify the status of POAs. This can be done through the Dubai Courts website or by consulting with the relevant authorities. Regular verification helps prevent legal issues and protects the integrity of real estate transactions.
Conclusion
While using a POA in real estate transactions offers convenience and flexibility, it also comes with significant legal responsibilities. As the Head of Conveyancing and Compliance at Fam Conveyancing, we urge all clients and agents to be diligent in verifying POAs and understanding their legal implications. By doing so, we can avoid the risks associated with void POAs and ensure smooth real estate transactions.