Can a minor buy a house? Yes.
Is it straightforward? No.
Can they be registered in title as a proprietor? Yes. They will be noted on title as a minor, together with their date of birth.
Is transfer duty (stamp duty in old speak) payable? Yes, even if the property is gifted to them. If the currently owner is related to the minor, you’ll have to get an appraisal/valuation done as well and pay transfer duty on that amount.
The biggest difficulty in a minor buying property is often giving assurance to the seller. As buying a property Is predominantly contract law, making it enforceable against the minor can be impossible (that devolves down into a whole ‘contract of necessity’ style argument). A potential way around is to get a guarantee from an adult for completion of the contract, which could be too big an ask. Then there’s the aspect of the minor securing finance (contract of necessity/guarantee scenario again).
The minor will also generally need a solicitor to act on their behalf for the purchase. The Registrar of Titles will not accept a transfer signed by a minor as transferee unless it is accompanied by a solicitor’s letter setting out relevant information. The other options are for a solicitor to sign as transferee (which is common anyway), or a court order must be produced allowing the transaction.
Also be aware that unless the minor intends to hold that property until after they turn 18 then a court order could be required to allow them to sell it.
