In a landmark move designed to significantly enhance homeownership opportunities for both Emirati citizens and expatriate residents, Dubai has officially launched its comprehensive “First-Time Home Buyer Programme.” Announced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) on July 2, 2025, the initiative offers a suite of exclusive benefits, including priority access to new property launches and preferential pricing on units valued up to AED 5 million (approximately $1.36 million).
The program is a strategic response to Dubai’s rising rental costs and aligns with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aim to double the emirate’s economy and its real estate sector’s contribution to GDP. It also seeks to strengthen social cohesion by fostering long-term residency and a deeper sense of community.
Exclusive Benefits and Eligibility:
The “First-Time Home Buyer Programme” provides a range of incentives to make property ownership more accessible:
- Priority Access and Preferential Prices: Eligible buyers will receive early access to newly launched units from a consortium of 13 leading real estate developers, including Emaar, Nakheel, DAMAC, Azizi, and Danube Properties. They will also benefit from preferential prices on new off-plan units.
- Flexible Payment Plans: The program facilitates easier payment of DLD registration fees through interest-free installment plans via eligible credit cards from participating banks.
- Tailored Mortgage Solutions: Five major banks – Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Commercial Bank of Dubai – are offering customized mortgage products with competitive interest rates and preferential fees specifically for program participants. Mortgage terms can extend up to 18 years, significantly reducing monthly obligations and making homeownership more affordable for middle-income residents.
- No Salary Criteria (Bank Discretion): While individual banks will determine salary requirements for loan approvals, the DLD’s framework does not impose a blanket salary criterion, offering flexibility.
- No Restrictions on Leasing or Resale: Buyers retain full flexibility to lease out or resell their properties without program-imposed restrictions.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident (of any nationality) in the United Arab Emirates.
- Be 18 years or older.
- Must not currently own any freehold residential property in Dubai.
- Be looking for a property with a value under AED 5 million ($1.36 million).
Simple Application Process and Widespread Support:
Prospective first-time buyers can register their interest and check their eligibility through the Dubai Land Department’s official website or the Dubai REST app. Upon confirmation of eligibility, a First-Time Home Buyer QR code will be issued, which can then be used to access benefits directly with participating developers and banks.
The initiative is a testament to the strong public-private sector collaboration in Dubai. Over 13 major developers, five leading banks, and various property brokers and digital platforms like Bayut and dubizzle have partnered with the DLD and DET to ensure its success. Officials anticipate the program will attract thousands of new investors and contribute significantly to the emirate’s goal of reaching AED 1 trillion in property transactions by 2033.
This new program marks a pivotal step in Dubai’s vision to become an even more inclusive city, where residents can transition from tenants to homeowners, investing in their future and contributing to the emirate’s sustained economic growth and social stability.
Key Highlights:
- Dubai has launched a “First-Time Home Buyer Programme” offering priority access to new property launches and preferential pricing on units up to AED 5 million ($1.36 million).
- The initiative, aimed at both Emiratis and expatriate residents, provides flexible payment plans for DLD fees and tailored mortgage solutions with extended terms from five major banks.
- To be eligible, applicants must be UAE residents over 18, not currently own freehold property in Dubai, and seek a property under the AED 5 million cap.
- The program, a collaborative effort between the DLD, DET, and over 13 developers and 5 banks, aims to boost homeownership, stimulate the real estate market, and support Dubai’s long-term economic goals.