Real Estate Litigation

3 Precautions to Avoid a Real Estate Dispute in Vietnam

Published: December-2023

The real estate industry has blossomed into quite a force to be reckoned with, bringing with it excellent business opportunities and its fair share of risks. Since the transactions are usually of great value and come with complexities, you can imagine that disputes over property lease contracts can turn pretty ugly. What precautions can you take to avoid a real estate dispute in Vietnam?

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Real estate is a significant investment that no one wants to lose in disputes, especially when complicated by contingent business issues like breach of partnership agreements, sale of businesses, and insolvency. Property disputes can be challenging and unpredictable, making it crucial to have skilled real estate dispute lawyers to handle the matter professionally. At Le & Tran Law Corporation, we understand the value of real estate investments and are committed to protecting our clients’ interests in resolving complex property disputes effectively.

At Le & Tran Law Corporation, our team of residential and commercial property lawyers is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of our clients, whether they are buyers, sellers, agents, or brokers. With a focus on profitability, we provide comprehensive legal support in various property matters, including development and regeneration disputes. Drawing on our extensive experience and critical thinking skills, we work diligently to guide our clients towards solutions that align with their legal and commercial requirements. Trust us to navigate the complexities of property litigation and deliver tailored strategies that achieve favorable outcomes.

What does a real estate dispute lawyer do?

A real estate attorney is responsible for conducting the following tasks:

Review of title documentation

Title documents serve as crucial papers that establish the legal ownership of an individual or organization over a specific real estate property. These documents encompass the rights of possession, use, and disposal. At our law firm, our dedicated team of residential and commercial property lawyers acts on behalf of buyers, conducting thorough searches and reviews to ascertain the validity and effectiveness of these vital documents.

In real estate transactions, a fundamental question arises: Does the seller, transferor, or lessor possess the legal authority to sell, transfer, or lease the property? Leveraging our extensive knowledge of the property sector in Vietnam, we address this concern by meticulously examining the title documents and taking necessary legal measures to accomplish your objectives. Our experienced residential and commercial real estate lawyers ensure that the property is conveyed without any legal or practical encumbrances, such as disputes or the property being utilized as collateral for another obligation.

During the process of conducting a title search, it may come to light that the property is pledged, mortgaged, or encumbered by other obligations, or is subject to dispute or enforcement of a court judgment. At Le & Tran, our lawyers provide comprehensive solutions and guide you through the essential steps to ensure that the property and all relevant parties fulfill the requirements and obligations before transferring the real estate to our clients.

Draft and review real estate contracts and agreements

When it comes to contracts and agreements in the realm of real estate, it’s crucial to understand their full implications and legal ramifications. Unfortunately, many buyers and sellers are often unaware of the complexities involved. Hidden within these legally binding documents are provisions that can be detrimental to your interests and may lead to future disputes. At Le & Tran, our seasoned real estate lawyers specialize in property litigation and dispute resolution. We work closely with clients to meticulously review and analyze contract terms, ensuring the removal, amendment, or addition of extraordinary or unfavorable clauses. With our extensive experience, we have successfully represented a diverse range of clients, from individuals to large corporations, securing equitable and fair purchase contracts. Furthermore, our proactive approach allows us to anticipate potential risks, disputes, and opportunities, enabling us to protect and maximize our clients’ interests. With over a decade of consultation experience and active involvement in court and arbitration proceedings, our residential and commercial property lawyers have a proven track record of safeguarding clients from any potential disputes that may arise in the future.

Draft and review documents related to secured transactions

In real estate transactions, deposits and mortgages play a significant role as security measures. When purchasing or transferring real estate, it is common for the seller to request a deposit from the buyer as a guarantee for the complete fulfillment of the contract. In cases where the purchase price is substantial and the buyer lacks the funds to pay the entire amount, they may seek financial assistance from a bank or credit institution by mortgaging the property intended for purchase to secure their repayment obligations. However, many parties involved in such transactions are unfamiliar with the intricacies of secure transactions and the legal consequences that may ensue. At our law firm, our experienced real estate attorneys provide comprehensive legal advice, reviewing deposit contracts and related mortgage documents, and assisting clients with any other issues that may arise during the transaction process. We ensure that our clients are well-informed and protected throughout the entire process.

Negotiation  

Negotiation is an important process in real estate transactions. Each party to the transaction needs to understand its own strengths and weaknesses to formulate an appropriate negotiation strategy to achieve optimal benefits. The real estate dispute lawyers comprehensively review the facts of each case and advise on appropriate strategies before representing clients in the negotiation process with the related parties.

Participate in the property transfer process

Ensuring compliance with legal requirements is essential when transferring property. Our team of residential and commercial property lawyers oversees the entire transfer process, providing comprehensive support from start to finish. We assist clients in navigating the necessary administrative procedures, such as obtaining certificates of land use rights, ownership of attached assets, and handling registration fees and taxes. By meticulously guiding clients through these procedures, we ensure that the transfer of ownership is conducted properly and in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Our real estate counsels also actively participate in the physical handover of the property, certifying that our clients rightfully possess the property as stipulated in the agreement. With our expertise, clients can have peace of mind knowing that their property transfer is handled with precision and in compliance with the law.

Dispute resolution

Real estate disputes are common. They are typically specific to the facts of each case, such as purchase, transfer, boundary disputes, claims concerning ownership, usage rights, real estate management and rental of residential and commercial office buildings, apartments, hotels and factories.

With extensive and multi-disciplinary litigation experience in the real estate sector as well as the fields of construction disputestax, administrative, commercial transactions, civil and others, we continuously search for alternatives to costly and time-consuming litigation, such as pre-case mediation. We work closely with the parties to resolve disputes, maintain business relationships and narrow the scope of litigation.  Should litigation become unavoidable, the residential and commercial real estate lawyers of Le & Tran will represent clients in all stages of the proceedings (trial, appellate courts, arbitration, and enforcement) to protect and optimize our clients’ interests.

When do you need a commercial property law firm or real estate dispute lawyer?

A real estate lawyer may be required to draft documents, conduct property appraisals, participate in bargaining sessions, negotiate deals or represent you in litigation involving your property.

Whether or not you need to hire a real estate lawyer or commercial property law firm is dependent on your confidence in your knowledge of the real estate law of Vietnam.  However, if there exists a particularly difficult or complex situation, such as a dispute, foreclosure by a government agency, fraud, mortgaged property, or litigation, then you should consider hiring a real estate legal expert. For less complicated situations or administrative procedures only, you can also work with a commercial lawyer to ensure all the steps are followed according to the law as well as to save time in avoiding cumbersome real estate administrative paperwork.

Should you hire a real estate attorney?

A real estate attorney’s main duty is to protect you and your legitimate interests. They are a support system, a shield and a valuable resource that provides you with peace of mind for your investment, from the negotiation stage and implementation of secured transactions, through to finalizing the official purchase and sale contract. Their duty also covers payment, handing over the property, adjusting the certificate of property usage rights, establishing real estate ownership and closing the transaction. Here are five reasons why you should hire a residential and/or commercial property lawyer:

  1. Clarity

Having a residential and/or commercial property lawyer on board from the outset of a transaction ensures a thorough review of all agreements and contracts, providing clarity and understanding of their implications. Your lawyer will help decipher complex terms, communicate your requirements accurately, and ensure transparency and efficiency throughout the process.

  1. Savings

While engaging a law firm incurs upfront fees, the potential financial impact of making mistakes in real estate transactions can be far greater. A small error or oversight could lead to significant long-term consequences. By entrusting your legal matters to a real estate lawyer, you benefit from meticulous document scrutiny, expert negotiation management, and the resolution of unforeseen issues. Considering the substantial investment involved in real estate, the savings and knowledge provided by a competent lawyer are invaluable.

  1. Experience

Even if you have prior experience in residential and/or commercial property transactions, an experienced real estate lawyer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They have undergone the process numerous times and stay updated on the latest legal developments and provisions. Complex cases, such as new construction projects or zoning disputes, require the guidance and assistance of a skilled lawyer to minimize risks and ensure a smooth transaction.

  1. Closing

The various stages leading to the completion of a real estate transaction, including deposit, mortgage, title insurance, purchase contract, and handover, can be overwhelming. A property lawyer will review, adjust, and prepare all necessary documents, alleviating the burden and ensuring the protection of your interests and assets. Their expertise guarantees a successful and timely closing, facilitating a smooth transition to property ownership.

  1. Protection

A diligent residential and/or commercial property lawyer serves as your advocate, representing your interests throughout the transaction. They negotiate on your behalf and act as a facilitator, guiding you through the complexities and helping you avoid unforeseen difficulties and risks. With their legal advice, you can rest assured that your family and investments are protected, and you are on the right path to property ownership.

The real estate residential and commercial law firm’s responsibilities

A residential and commercial real estate law firm is responsible for:

  • Reviewing the legitimacy and reasonableness of the documents;
  • Preparing an assessment of the legal risks;
  • Anticipating and preparing for potential litigation disputes;
  • Interpreting the impact of rules and regulations regarding the changes and amendments in real estate law;
  • Monitoring the entire transaction process to ensure legal compliance; and
  • Providing representation and participating in dispute resolution at all stages of the proceedings.

Real Estate Expertise – Le & Tran

With over a decade of experience in real estate litigation and a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s intricacies, our team of residential and/or commercial property lawyers is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of transactional financing, ownership structures, and regulatory frameworks. We adopt a strategic and focused approach to problem-solving, assisting clients in achieving their objectives efficiently and cost-effectively, both domestically and internationally.

Our diverse client base includes individuals, organizations, buyers, sellers, borrowers, lessees, lessors, project investors, contractors, banks, credit institutions, guarantors, and more. These clients rely on our expertise in real estate to address various issues, including purchase agreements, security enforcement, financial restructuring, asset recovery, debt and equity financing amendments, asset management and enhancement, and acquisition of new assets at adjusted costs. Furthermore, our wide range of practice areas enables us to assess our clients’ needs across multiple legal fields and utilize the necessary resources to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential risks throughout the transaction process and potential litigation.