The real estate area in Dubai can be explored by all ages including young adults who find it interesting. However, people under the age of 21 purchasing a property in Dubai are subject to specific rules. Even though according to the UAE law the actual age of adulthood is set at 21 which means the individual can sign legally valid contracts, those who are under this age have some particular legal limitations. However, it’s possible for those who are under 21 to become owners of properties either through guardians or through special arrangements.
The aim of this manual is to explain the property buying process for the under-aged in Dubai putting in place the legal conditions, steps to take, and key considerations for the young investors and their aides.

Legal Restrictions for Under-21 Buyers
The majority of young people in Dubai under 21 will be considered minors by the law, which means that they will have an incapable state to independently enter into contracts like real estate transactions without the participation of a legal guardian or authorized representative. The restriction being enforced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is aimed at the proper protection of the minors as far as the financial and legally significant transactions like property purchases are concerned.

Key Restrictions

• Only as a Guardian: The 21-year-old and below individuals have no option but to take guidance from a legal guardian or custodian who will be the lead party in signing the property contract.
• The Process of Representation: It is mandatory that representation will be done by the legal guardian, usually a parent or the legal custodian appointed by the court in the process of property buying.
• Court Approval (in Some Cases): In some specific situations, minor property purchases may require court approval.

How Individuals Under 21 Can Purchase Property
Although minors cannot directly purchase properties in Dubai, they can legally transfer ownership of real estate with their legal guardian’s help or through a trust or investment vehicle.

1. Purchase Through a Legal Guardian
   An individual under 21 is regularly encouraged to buy a property through a legal guardian. The role of the guardian is to carry out the acquisition of the property on behalf of the minor.
   • Steps for Property Purchase Through a Legal Guardian:
     • Identify the Property: The minor (with access to their guardian) makes a list of properties suitable for purchase.
     • Sales and Purchase Agreement: The legal guardian signs the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) instead of the minor, as minors are not legally permitted to enter into contracts.
     • Submit Required Documents: The guardian must submit identification documents, proof of guardianship (such as a court order or birth certificate), and financial records to the Dubai Land Department.
     • Register the Property: The property is in the DLD in the minor’s name but with the guardian listed as the legal representative till the individual turns 21.
2. Purchase Through a Trust or Investment Vehicle
   Another option for residents under 21 to obtain property in Dubai is by establishing a trust or engaging in investment vehicles like a special-purpose company (SPC). Trusts can be utilized to account for the ownership of property by minors, with a trusted person (usually a family member or a legal entity) managing the property until the minor reaches adulthood.
   • Steps to Purchase Property via a Trust:
     • Establish a Trust: A legal trust is set up with a trustee who will manage the property on behalf of the minor. The trust guarantees the safety of the property and the provision of the minor’s best interest.
     • Trustee Purchases the Property: The trustee, acting on behalf of the minor, purchases the property. The trust holds the property until the minor reaches the legal age to manage it independently.
     • Property Management: The trust manager is responsible for all aspects of the property, including rent payments (if applicable), maintenance, and the eventual transfer to the minor once they turn 21.
3. Gifting Property to Minors
   In Dubai, property can also be gifted to a minor by a parent or legal guardian. Gifting is a widely used method for transferring real estate to family members, which goes through the Dubai Land Department’s prescribed legal procedure.
   • Key Considerations for Gifting Property:
     • First-Degree Relatives Only: Property gifting in Dubai is limited to first-degree relatives, such as parents and children, or spouses.
     • Legal Guardian Role: When gifting property to a minor, the legal guardian must oversee the transaction and ensure the gift is registered in the minor’s name. The guardian retains control of the property until the minor turns 21.

Documentation Required for Minors to Purchase Property
For individuals under 21, the property buying process in Dubai requires the submission of specific documents to the DLD to ensure the transaction is legally compliant. These documents typically include:

• Identification Documents: Passports of the minor and the legal guardian.
• Proof of Guardianship: Documentation proving the legal guardian’s relationship to the minor, such as a birth certificate or a court order.
• Guardian’s Financial Records: Proof of the guardian’s ability to fund the purchase, including bank statements and loan approvals (if applicable).
• Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA): Signed by the legal guardian on behalf of the minor.
• Dubai Land Department Application: An application to register the property in the minor’s name.

Dubai Land Department Registration Process
Once the property purchase is agreed upon, the legal guardian must ensure that the transaction is properly registered with the Dubai Land Department.

• Steps for Registration:
  • Submit the SPA and Documents: The legal guardian submits the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), identification documents, and proof of guardianship to the DLD.
  • Payment of Transfer Fees: The standard 4% transfer fee must be paid to the DLD for the registration process. Additional administrative fees may also apply.
  • Issuance of Title Deed: Once the property is registered, the Dubai Land Department issues a title deed in the minor’s name, with the legal guardian acting as the custodian of the property until the individual reaches 21.

Key Considerations for Under-21 Property Buyers

• Role of the Guardian: The legal guardian serves as the go-between for a person that is under 21 and his or her potential home. They are the ones that ensure that the property is acquired and managed in the minor’s best interests. The guardian will also see to it that the property is purchased and the name is registered legally via the necessary prerequisites.
• Managing Property as a Minor: The minor cannot manage the property by himself or herself independently until he or she turns 21. The legal guardian or trustee will look after all legal and financial aspects regarding the property like leasing, maintenance, and five business decisions (when necessary) through them. Almost 21, an individual is the major who will have the property for him- or herself.
• Investment Considerations: For young investors, purchasing property through the guardian or trust is a good long-term investment tool to apply. The Dubai property market’s significant rent yields together with the possible capital appreciation make it a godsend for young investors wanting to generate wealth to consider this investment option.

Conclusion
Even though people under 21 cannot buy property in Dubai on their own, it is possible for youngsters who are investors to get real estate by having a responsible adult or using trusts to manage it. By going through the proper channels, such as working with a legal guardian and completing all necessary forms beforehand, minors can be owners of land in Dubai, and this will be a great future investment. The knowledge of the law and the dependability of guardians has to be obtained so that the acquisition of property will be legit and according to Dubai’s property laws. When a person reaches 21, they will have the property owner’s full authority, thus enabling them to sell it or manage it the way they deem necessary.