A recent industry report revealed that 79% of women in the UAE identify real estate as a key avenue for wealth-building, citing stability, long-term value, and ownership empowerment as the primary motivators. However, caution prevails among many, especially in navigating legal procedures, property disputes, and the complexities of UAE property & real estate law.

The insights were drawn from a Bayut-Dubizzle survey, which polled a diverse sample of women across the Emirates. While female investors are rapidly reshaping the real estate market, the survey also noted hesitancy due to property document verification, off-plan sale risks, and potential delays in the handover completion.

 

Women Take Charge of Real Estate Portfolios

According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), women accounted for over AED 58.8 billion in real estate investments in 2023, making up more than 30% of total transactions. This reflects a notable shift as women increasingly pursue financial independence through property ownership.

A recent survey by Bayut-Dubizzle reveals that 79% of women in the UAE view real estate as a crucial avenue for investment. Yet, the same study underscores a strong sense of caution among female investors, who are increasingly mindful of legal risks, property document verification, and landlord-tenant issues before signing the dotted line.

The report highlights that women are investing in real estate to build wealth and secure long-term residential stability. This comes as no surprise, considering the UAE's robust property market, which saw over AED 58.8 billion in transactions by women in 2023, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

 

A New Era of Legal Awareness in Real Estate

Despite the enthusiasm, many women investors are taking a more legally conscious approach—consulting real estate lawyers, requesting property document-checking services, and verifying compliance with Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) before making any commitments. This includes verifying property purchase agreements, identifying risk factors such as delay in handover, and checking for proper title deeds.

The increasing complexity of Property & Real Estate Law in the UAE has made legal clarity essential. Whether purchasing an off-plan apartment or entering a lease agreement, investors demand support from the best real estate lawyers and property scrutiny lawyers to ensure all aspects of their investment are legally sound.

Common Legal Concerns

Among the top concerns expressed by women investors:

• Real estate disputes involving shared ownership or misrepresentation

• Lack of clarity in draft real estate agreements

• Delays in completion of off-plan projects

• Landlord dispute issues such as illegal rent increases

• Verifying ownership and property documents

• Risks tied to unlicensed real estate agents

These challenges have led to a rise in demand for real estate lawyer services that assist with due diligence and offer dispute resolution through legal channels or mediation.

Legal Reforms Empowering Female Investors

In recent years, UAE legal reforms have improved protections for women, allowing them to independently own, sell, and lease property. Under in the region.

Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, women can now register wills and manage asset succession with more autonomy, regardless of nationality or religion. These developments align with broader goals to encourage female financial independence 

 

Expert Insight

Mr Sunil Ambalavelil, a seasoned real estate and civil litigation expert and partner at NYK Law Firm, one of the best international law firms in Dubai, highlighted that the majority of issues faced by women stem from legal oversights at the early investment stage.

“Women are more cautious and analytical when investing in property. But that caution must be matched by correct legal steps—starting from property document verification to addressing potential landlord-tenant issues. It’s essential to engage the right legal experts early,” Ambalavelil noted.

He added that access to the best real estate lawyer or a real estate law firm in Dubai could protect clients from signing unfavourable contracts or becoming victims of misrepresented deals.

Growing Demand for Legal Services in Property Investment

With real estate transactions rising, so has the demand for real estate lawyer consultation, especially from first-time investors and expatriate women. Many seek help with the following:

• Reviewing and negotiating property purchase agreements

• Resolving real estate disputes

• Seeking redress for delay in handover or unfulfilled developer promises

• Mediation in Tenant Dispute Cases

• Legal advice on inheritance-related property claims

Many of the best law firms in the UAE now offer these legal services, some expanding their real estate divisions to cater to this emerging investor demographic.

Support From Government and Legal Institutions

To aid this growing segment, the UAE government and related bodies are rolling out initiatives focused on legal education:

• The Dubai Land Department (DLD) conducts periodic legal literacy campaigns

• The Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) hosts legal workshops on asset protection

• Pro bono sessions from top Dubai lawyers offer guidance on property & real estate law

The Role of Education and Legal Empowerment

Several UAE-based initiatives are helping bridge the legal knowledge gap for women:

• Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) hosts seminars on asset protection and real estate law firm consultations.

• DLD conducts awareness campaigns for legal literacy and safe investment practices.

• Free legal clinics offer guidance from some of the best Dubai lawyers for first-time investors.

Ambalavelil’s firm, recognised among the best international law firms, regularly provides internship opportunities, positioning itself as the best internship law firm in Dubai for legal graduates aiming to specialise in property & real estate law.

Legal Best Practices for Women Investors

Here are a few legal steps recommended for all women looking to enter the UAE real estate market:

• Always perform property document verification.

• Use licensed real estate agents vetted by RERA.

• Involve property dispute lawyers for existing or potential conflicts.

• Check for delays in handover clauses in the purchase agreement.

• Consult with a real estate law firm for contract drafting and review.

Final Word

The UAE’s real estate landscape is shifting, and women investors are at the forefront—confident, informed, and increasingly legally empowered. While the property sector offers high returns, expert legal involvement remains key to securing those gains.

Sunil Ambalavelil rightly pointed out, "Real estate law is intricate, but with the right real estate lawyer services, investors can navigate it safely and successfully."

 

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