Can a Person with Power of Attorney Sell Property in the UAE?

A Power of Attorney (POA) for property is a legal document that lets one person (the agent or attorney‑in‑fact) act on behalf of another person (the principal). In property matters, it gives someone the authority to carry out specific actions like selling, buying, transferring, or managing real estate.

There are different types of POAs for property:

• A General Power of Attorney gives broad authority to manage financial, legal, or property matters. It cannot sell real estate unless it includes special conditions or the agent is a close relative.
• A Special Power of Attorney to sell property gives the agent clear, limited authority to sell a specific property. The document must state all property details.
• A Durable Property Power of Attorney lets an agent continue managing property even if the principal becomes incapacitated. It gives the agent authority to act on the owner’s behalf within legal limits and ensures property matters can continue without interruption.

Note: A POA does not transfer ownership of the property itself. It simply gives authority to act on behalf of the owner. Ownership still stays with the principal until the official sale transfer happens through the land department.

Find out if a Power of Attorney can be transferred in the UAE, and learn the legal process in our detailed blog.

How Special Power of Attorney Work in a Property Sale?

When you grant a Special Power of Attorney to sell property, you give specific rights to your agent. Your agent can:

• Sign the sales agreement with the buyer.
• Apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer.
• Handle required documentation at land department offices using the SPA to process documents.
• Complete the official property transfer procedures.

The agent acts with your authority, not as an owner. This ensures your buyers and land department treat the sale as genuine and lawful.

Learn how to make a valid Special Power of Attorney for property in the UAE with this detailed guide.

You must meet the following requirements to sell property under a Power of Attorney:

1. Clear and Specific Authority

The POA must explicitly state the authority to sell the property. It must reference the specific property (unit number, title deed, plot number, etc.). A mere general Power of Attorney for property often cannot be used for sale unless it meets the specific conditions set by the land authority. That’s why a Special Power of Attorney is advised and mostly used for this activity.

2. Notarization and Attestation

• If you issue a POA inside the UAE, a recognized public notary (Dubai Notary Public) must notarize it. Also, make sure that the POA must be in Arabic or in a bilingual format (Arabic and English).
• If the POA is issued abroad, you must first notarize it locally. After notarization, legalize it at the UAE embassy or consulate. Then get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

3. Validity Period

Property sale POAs used in the UAE usually have limited validity. For example, in Dubai, a Power of Attorney for property is generally valid for up to two years from the date of issuance. If you do not use it within this period, you typically need to re‑issue or renew it.

4. Land Department Requirements

During the sale, the relevant land authority (like the Dubai Land Department) reviews and verifies the original POA. The authority requires that sale funds go directly into the property owner’s bank account. The account must match the exact name on the title deed.

The attorney cannot receive the sale proceeds in their own account unless the POA clearly allows it. Even then, the land authority may still insist on payment to the principal’s account.

5. Proper Registration with Authorities

In some emirates, you may need to register the POA with the land authority before it can be used for the sale. This protects the principal and ensures compliance with real estate laws.

A Power of Attorney for property sale gives property owners the flexibility to manage their real estate transactions without being physically present. It ensures that sales, purchases, or property management tasks continue smoothly, even if the owner lives abroad or is busy with other commitments. While it offers many advantages, it also comes with certain risks that you must address carefully.

What are the Key Benefits of Using a Power of Attorney?

Key benefits include:

1. Complete sales remotely: You can authorize an agent to handle property transactions without being physically present.
2. Manage investments efficiently: The POA allows you to manage your UAE properties, handle urgent tasks, and meet deadlines on time.
3. Prevent delays: You can authorize lawyers, family members, or trusted agents to act on your behalf, keeping transactions smooth.

What are the Potential Risks of Using a POA for Property Sale, and How to Safeguard?

Before using a POA for property sale, understand common risks and follow clear steps to protect your interests.

Key Risks and Solutions:

1. Misuse of POA: Appointing an untrustworthy agent may lead to misuse of authority. Choose a reliable agent and clearly define their powers in the POA.
2. Misinterpretation of authority: A General POA that does not mention property sale may become invalid. Use a Special Power of Attorney to sell property and include all property details explicitly.
3. Financial exposure: A POA holder might try to receive sale proceeds in their own account. Always state in the POA that funds must go directly to the owner’s bank account and follow the land department rules.

Following these safeguards ensures smooth property transactions and protects your interests while using a POA in UAE.

A person with a POA can sell property in the UAE. However, this works only when the POA is specific, legally valid, and meets the land authority’s requirements. A Special Power of Attorney to sell property must clearly state the agent’s authority and include full property details. You must notarize it properly and follow UAE rules on execution, attestation, and validity.

Get help to draft, notarize, and verify your Special Power of Attorney quickly and accurately in the UAE with SafeLedger. We guide you through every legal step, ensure compliance, and make property transactions smooth. Contact us today for assistance.