Operating without custody approval is now banned even for property use rights
A lawyer explained the rules for selling real estate involving minor co-owners in 2026. Updated legislation requires guardianship authority approval when selling housing used by a child. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine (Тетяна Веремєєва), according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Property ownership can be transferred to a minor through inheritance, privatization, donation, or purchase regardless of age. Actual residence in the premises or registration of a place of residence does not automatically make a person an owner without proper execution.
The scope of civil legal capacity depends on age according to Articles 31 and 32 of the Civil Code of Ukraine. Reaching the age of fourteen expands capabilities, yet real estate transactions require adherence to special procedures and the participation of legal representatives.
Guardianship authority permit
Parents do not have the right to independently dispose of property objects belonging to minor children. Article 177 of the Family Code of Ukraine provides for the mandatory obtaining of a permit from guardianship and custody authorities to carry out transactions.
Similar requirements apply to adolescents aged 14 to 18 alongside notarized parental consent. The state body checks the conditions within one month to guarantee the preservation of the child’s housing rights.
New requirements in 2026
The law dated March 25, 2026, expanded the scope of requirements to residential premises or land plots used by a child. The changes entered into force on May 25, 2026, and strengthened the protection of minors’ interests in such transactions.
The law provides an exception for the gratuitous acquisition of property used by a child, as it is processed without guardianship permission. However, the subsequent sale of such an object falls under general restrictions and requires approvals.
Photo: RBC-Ukraine
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