Dubai's first-time home buyer program is now live — and it could be a significant step toward homeownership for thousands of UAE residents. Announced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism on July 2, 2025, the initiative targets residents aged 18 and above who have never owned property in Dubai.
What Is the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program?
The scheme was developed in partnership with more than 13 property developers and five leading financial institutions. It is designed to ease entry onto the property ladder for long-term residents, and is aligned with the D33 Economic Agenda — Dubai's plan to double the emirate's GDP and improve quality of life for its people.
Key Benefits for Eligible Buyers
The program offers several concrete advantages:
- Priority access to new residential project launches - Preferential pricing on units valued up to AED 5 million - Flexible mortgage options through partner banks, with faster approvals and tailored loan terms - Waived property registration fees — saving buyers the standard 4% DLD fee
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for Dubai's first-time home buyer scheme, applicants must:
- Hold a valid Emirates ID - Be aged 18 or above - Have never previously owned a freehold residential property in Dubai - Purchase a property valued at AED 5 million or less
There are no restrictions on renting out or selling the property after purchase.
How to Register
Interested residents can sign up through the DLD website, the Dubai REST app, or via an authorised real estate broker. Applicants provide details about their housing preferences and budget, after which registered developers contact them directly with available offers. Partner banks are on hand to assist with financing.
Officials Highlight Scale of Demand
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, noted that approximately 10,000 new investors move to Dubai every month — underlining the scale of demand that this program aims to serve.
Khalid Al Shaibani, Director of the Rental Affairs Department, emphasised that the process is designed to be straightforward and inclusive, lowering the barriers for residents who want to transition from renting to owning.
Program Impact Since Launch
Since July 2025, the first-time home buyer program has grown rapidly. Participating developers have expanded from 13 to 22, and more than 45,000 individuals have registered. The program has facilitated over 3,200 home purchases, generating residential transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.
