Programme expansion includes reduced costs, priority access and enhanced loan options.
Dubai residents looking to buy their first home now have access to a broader range of properties, more developer choices and expanded financial incentives under the First-Time Home Buyer Programme.
The initiative, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in July 2025, has already driven more than Dh5 billion in residential transactions and enabled over 3,200 residents to purchase their first homes. In less than a year, nearly 45,000 residents have registered for the programme.
The latest expansion has added nine new developers, bringing the total number of participating developers to 22. This has significantly increased the supply of eligible homes across a wider range of communities and price segments, giving first-time buyers more choice and flexibility in entering the property market.
For many UAE residents considering the trade-off between rising rents and homeownership, the programme offers advantages not available to repeat buyers. These include preferential pricing, priority access to new property launches, and improved mortgage options designed to make first-time purchasing more accessible.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to UAE residents of any nationality who meet the eligibility criteria, including:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 years or above
- Not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai
- Be purchasing a property valued at up to Dh5 million
Eligible residents can apply through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app.
Once approved, applicants receive a QR code that allows them to access programme benefits with participating developers and financial institutions, including preferential pricing, priority access and enhanced mortgage options.
First-time perks
One of the key advantages introduced by the programme is that first-time buyers receive benefits that are generally not available to repeat purchasers.
1. Priority access to new launches
Registered participants are given early access to selected property launches before units are opened to the wider market. In Dubai’s fast-moving real estate market, where high-demand projects often sell out quickly, this early access increases the likelihood of securing preferred units, layouts and locations.
2. Preferential pricing
Participating developers may offer exclusive rates on selected units reserved specifically for programme members. This allows first-time buyers to access property at prices below standard launch levels, improving affordability and entry into the market.
3. Better mortgage terms
Five partner banks are involved in the scheme, offering mortgage products designed for first-time buyers. These may include lower interest rates, reduced banking fees and faster loan approval processes.
4. Lower upfront costs
To ease one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, the programme provides more flexible options for managing initial expenses. This includes interest-free instalment plans on Dubai Land Department registration fees when paid through eligible credit cards.
5. Flexible payment plans
Developers participating in the programme may also offer customised payment schedules for off-plan properties. These plans allow buyers to spread payments over longer periods, reducing the immediate financial burden of purchasing a home.
6. More developers, more choice
The latest expansion has added nine new developers to the programme — Arada, Dubai World Trade Centre, IRTH Group, Manam, Qube Development, Reportage Properties, Samana Developers, Sky View Real Estate and 4Direction Developments.
Their inclusion significantly broadens the range of available housing options across different communities, price points and property types, giving first-time buyers more flexibility in choosing homes that match their budgets and lifestyle needs.
The expansion also aligns with Dubai’s wider strategy of encouraging long-term residency and increasing homeownership among residents, strengthening stability in the property market while supporting sustainable urban growth.
How to apply
The application process is designed to be simple and user-friendly:
- Register through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app
- Submit basic eligibility details as a UAE resident
- Receive confirmation and a QR code upon approval
- Use the QR code to access benefits with participating developers and banks
Once registered, eligible applicants can immediately begin exploring available properties and take advantage of programme perks such as preferential pricing, priority access and tailored financing options.
How to apply
The process remains simple and structured:
- Register through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app
- Verify eligibility using Emirates ID and residency details
- Receive a First-Time Home Buyer QR code upon approval
- Use the QR code when dealing with participating developers and banks
- Compare eligible properties, financing options and payment plans
- Complete mortgage approval and proceed with the property purchase
For many long-term residents in Dubai, the programme is increasingly serving as a structured pathway from renting to ownership, bringing together government support, developer incentives and bank financing within a single framework.
With residential transactions under the scheme already surpassing Dh5 billion and participation continuing to grow, first-time buyers now have a broader range of options and opportunities to enter the property market.
