Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to make homeownership more accessible than ever — especially for first-time buyers. This strategic move supports both long-term residency and economic growth, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global real estate leader.
Who Can Apply?
- All UAE residents (regardless of nationality)
- Over 18 years old
- Must not already own a freehold residential property in Dubai
- Property must be valued at AED 5 million or less
What Does the Program Offer?
- Priority access to new off-plan launches from top-tier developers
- Preferential pricing on eligible residential units
- Tailored mortgage packages and flexible payment plans from partnered banks
- Zero-interest installment option for DLD registration fees (payable over 2 years)
Who’s Involved?
The initiative brings together:
- Leading Developers: Including Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, Meraas, Azizi, Binghatti, Danube, Ellington, Wasl, Majid Al Futtaim, and more
- Major Banks: Including Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, Emirates Islamic, and Commercial Bank of Dubai
Why This Matters
This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader Real Estate Strategy 2033 and aligns with its Economic Agenda D33. The goal is to:
- Stimulate real estate investment
- Empower residents with long-term ownership
- Create social stability and financial growth opportunities
- Increase transparency, accessibility, and affordability in the market
How It Works: Step-by-Step
- Eligibility Check
- UAE resident (any nationality)
- Over 18 years old
- Must not own any freehold property in Dubai
- Property must be priced under AED 5 million
- Register Online
- Via the Dubai REST app or Dubai Land Department (DLD) portal
- Fill in your Emirates ID & personal info
- Get Approved & Receive QR Code
- Once approved, you’ll get a unique QR code that gives you access to all the programme benefits
- Choose a Property
- Browse options from partnered developers (e.g., Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, Danube, etc.)
- Get priority access to launches before the general public
- Secure Financing
- Choose from partner banks with tailored mortgage products, low rates, and flexible payment plans
- Special Fee Arrangement
- Pay DLD registration fees in 2-year instalments (instead of upfront 4% payment)
What Makes It Different from a Regular Market Purchase?
| Feature | First-Time Buyer Programme | Regular Market Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Only for first-time buyers in Dubai | Open to all buyers |
| Price Limit | Max AED 5M property value | No limit |
| Access to Projects | Priority access before public sales | Standard public sales |
| Pricing | Preferential pricing on selected launches | Market pricing |
| Mortgage Options | Tailored by partner banks | Standard bank offers |
| DLD Fees | Installment option over 2 years | 4% paid upfront |
| Developer Network | Restricted to approved developers | Any developer or private seller |
| Government Support | Backed by DLD and Dubai Economic Agenda | No special support |
Summary
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme is not just a discount scheme — it’s a strategic, government-backed pathway to help new buyers enter the property market with:
- Lower financial barriers
- Early access to the best projects
- Custom mortgage and fee structures
- Full regulatory support from DLD
This creates a low-risk, high-confidence environment — perfect for both end-users and long-term investors entering the Dubai market for the first time.
