Dubai has introduced a property ownership programme designed to help residents take their first step towards buying a home in the emirate. The initiative, known as the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, offers eligible Emiratis and expatriates access to selected property launches, preferential prices and tailored mortgage solutions.
Launched on July 2, 2025, by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the programme aims to make buying a first home more accessible to people who live and work in the UAE.
The initiative brings government authorities, property developers and financial institutions together to provide additional support for first-time buyers. Rather than offering a single cash grant, it focuses on improving access to suitable homes, financing options and selected property deals.
The programme has already recorded significant results. According to an update published on June 8, 2026, more than 3,200 UAE residents had purchased their first homes through the initiative, with residential property transactions exceeding AED5 billion. The programme has also continued to expand its network of participating developers and financial institutions.
What Is Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme?
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme is an initiative intended to help residents enter the emirate’s residential property market. It gives eligible buyers access to selected opportunities that may make purchasing a home more straightforward, particularly for people who have never owned a freehold residential property in Dubai.
The programme was developed in line with the objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. These strategies aim to strengthen the emirate’s economy, encourage long-term residency and support the development of a sustainable property market.
Under the initiative, participating developers can provide priority access to selected property launches and preferential prices on eligible units. Partner banks also offer tailored mortgage products and other financing benefits for qualifying applicants.
The programme is open to residents of different nationalities and is not restricted to Emirati citizens. This gives eligible expatriates an opportunity to explore homeownership while continuing to live and work in Dubai.
Who Is Eligible for the Dubai Home Ownership Scheme?
The programme has specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet before they can receive its benefits.
According to the Dubai Land Department, applicants must be residents of the UAE, be at least 18 years old and not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai. They must also be looking to purchase a property valued below AED5 million.
The main eligibility requirements are:
- UAE residency: Applicants must be residents of the United Arab Emirates, regardless of nationality.
- Age requirement: Applicants must be 18 years old or above.
- First-time ownership: Applicants must not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai.
- Property value: The property being considered must be valued below AED5 million.
The rules also make the programme accessible to certain residents who already own property elsewhere. For example, owning a property in another emirate does not automatically prevent someone from applying, provided they meet the programme’s other requirements and do not currently own a freehold property in Dubai.
Applicants should check the official Dubai Land Department guidance before registering to ensure their circumstances meet the eligibility conditions.
What Benefits Can First-Time Buyers Receive?
The programme brings together several benefits that may reduce some of the barriers associated with purchasing a first home. The exact offers depend on the participating developer, bank and property selected.
1. Priority Access to New Property Launches
One of the main benefits is priority access to selected new property launches from participating developers.
Buying a home in a popular Dubai development can involve considerable competition, particularly when a project first enters the market. Eligible buyers can register their interest and receive opportunities to explore selected launches before making a purchasing decision.
Once registration is complete, participating developers can contact eligible buyers about relevant upcoming projects.
2. Preferential Prices on Selected Properties
The programme also gives eligible buyers access to preferential prices on selected units offered by participating developers.
This could help first-time buyers compare available properties and explore deals that may not be offered under standard purchasing arrangements. However, the benefits vary between developers and projects, so buyers should confirm the specific discount or commercial terms available before committing.
The scheme does not guarantee that every property in Dubai will be discounted. Its benefits apply through participating partners and eligible offers.
3. Tailored Mortgage Solutions
Financing is another important part of the initiative. Partner banks provide mortgage products designed to support eligible first-time buyers, including potentially preferential interest rates, reduced fees or faster approval processes, depending on the offer.
This can be particularly useful for residents who want to purchase a property but need a home loan to complete the transaction.
Buyers should still compare mortgage rates, repayment periods, deposits, eligibility requirements and other charges before choosing a lender. Approval and final financing terms remain subject to the bank’s assessment.
4. Flexible Dubai Land Department Registration Fee Payments
Eligible buyers may also benefit from flexible payment plans for Dubai Land Department registration fees when using participating credit cards.
Certain offers allow these fees to be paid in instalments, including interest-free instalment plans where the relevant terms apply.
This can make it easier to manage the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. Buyers should check the participating card providers, applicable conditions and any related charges before using this option.
5. Additional Offers from Participating Partners
The programme can provide further benefits through its network of developers and financial institutions. Depending on the partner, buyers may find additional commercial offers, payment arrangements or financing options.
As offers can change, applicants should review the current terms before choosing a development or bank.
Which Property Developers Are Participating?
The programme has expanded since its launch, giving eligible buyers access to a wider range of developments and potential purchasing opportunities.
Participating developers listed by the Dubai Land Department include:
- Azizi Developments
- Beyond Developments
- Binghatti Properties
- DAMAC Properties
- Danube Properties
- Dubai Properties
- Ellington Properties
- Emaar Properties
- Majid Al Futtaim
- Meraas
- Nakheel Properties
- Palma Holding
- Wasl
- Sky View Real Estate
- SAMANA Developers
- Reportage Properties
- Qube Development
- Manam
- IRTH Group
- Arada
- 4Direction Developments
The original programme launched with a smaller group of developers, with additional companies joining in subsequent phases. As of June 2026, the initiative had reached a total of 22 participating developers.
The inclusion of these companies gives first-time buyers more opportunities to explore different developments, locations and property types. However, not every unit offered by a participating developer will necessarily qualify for every programme benefit.
Interested buyers should contact their chosen developer to confirm which properties are eligible and what special terms are available.
Which Banks Are Supporting the Scheme?
The initiative also includes partnerships with five banks that offer home financing solutions to eligible applicants.
These participating banks are:
- Commercial Bank of Dubai
- Dubai Islamic Bank
- Emirates NBD
- Emirates Islamic
- Mashreq Bank
Eligible applicants can approach the participating banks directly after registering with the programme and receiving confirmation of their eligibility.
The available mortgage products and terms can differ between lenders. Prospective buyers should compare the overall cost of borrowing, including interest rates, fees, deposit requirements and repayment conditions, before making a decision.
Importantly, taking out a mortgage is not compulsory to participate in the programme. Buyers who intend to purchase a property without a home loan can still explore the relevant developer benefits.
How to Apply for Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme
The registration process is designed to help eligible residents access the initiative’s benefits through the Dubai Land Department.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting an application, confirm that you meet the age, residency, property ownership and property value requirements. You must be at least 18, live in the UAE and not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai.
Step 2: Register Online
Visit the official Dubai Land Department website or use the Dubai REST app to register for the First-Time Home Buyer Programme.
Applicants need to submit the information requested during the registration process. Make sure the details provided are accurate and complete.
Step 3: Receive Your Confirmation and QR Code
If your application is approved, the Dubai Land Department will send a confirmation email containing your First-Time Home Buyer QR code.
This code confirms your eligibility for the programme and can be used to access benefits through participating developers and banks.
Step 4: Explore Eligible Properties
Once registered, you can explore available opportunities with participating developers. You may receive priority notifications about upcoming property launches and can ask developers about eligible homes, prices and payment plans.
Compare the available options carefully before deciding which property best suits your needs and budget.
Step 5: Contact a Participating Bank if You Need a Mortgage
Buyers who require financing can approach one or more of the participating banks to discuss mortgage products.
Review the full loan terms and confirm your borrowing capacity before committing to a purchase. A programme registration does not automatically guarantee mortgage approval.
Step 6: Confirm the Final Terms Before Buying
Before signing an agreement, check which programme benefits apply to the selected property and whether any additional conditions or charges apply.
There are no additional fees to register for or participate in the programme. However, standard registration fees and other developer or bank charges still apply unless a specific offer provides otherwise.
What Should Buyers Know Before Applying?
Although the scheme can make the first home purchase more accessible, prospective buyers should understand how its benefits work.
First, programme registration does not mean that a home will be provided free of charge. Buyers must still pay the purchase price and meet the applicable payment or mortgage requirements.
Second, preferential prices and payment offers depend on the participating partner and the individual property. Applicants should request written confirmation of the applicable terms before making financial commitments.
Third, the programme can support purchases of both off-plan and ready properties through different partner arrangements. Developer benefits are available for eligible properties, while participating banks may offer mortgage benefits to buyers seeking ready homes.
Finally, eligible applicants may approach different participating banks and developers to compare their offerings. However, the programme’s rules state that its benefits can be used with only one participating developer and one participating bank.
These details are worth reviewing before making a decision, particularly for buyers who are comparing several properties or financing packages.
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Scheme Records Strong Results
The initiative has gained momentum since its launch in July 2025.
In an update issued on June 8, 2026, Dubai authorities reported that the programme had helped more than 3,200 residents purchase their first homes. Residential property transactions generated through the initiative had exceeded AED5 billion.
Nine additional developers joined during the programme’s latest expansion phase, bringing the overall number of participating developers to 22. The initiative continued to work with five participating banks to improve access to home financing.
These figures suggest growing interest in the programme among residents who want to move from renting to owning their own property.
The initiative also supports Dubai’s broader strategy to encourage long-term residency and strengthen connections between residents and the city. By bringing government authorities, developers and banks together, it seeks to make the home-buying process more accessible while supporting activity across the residential property market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The programme is open to UAE residents of any nationality who meet the eligibility requirements. This includes qualifying expatriates as well as Emirati citizens.
The Dubai Land Department lists eligible properties as those valued below AED5 million. Buyers should confirm the property’s eligibility and the current programme terms before purchasing.
Yes. According to the Dubai Land Department, owning a property in another emirate does not automatically disqualify you, provided you do not currently own a freehold property in Dubai and meet the other eligibility requirements.
No. A mortgage is not compulsory. Buyers can explore the relevant benefits offered by participating developers, while those who need financing can approach participating banks.
You can register through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app. Eligible applicants receive a confirmation email containing a QR code that can be used to access programme benefits.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme provides a new route for eligible Emiratis and expatriates who want to purchase their first home in the emirate. Priority access to selected property launches, preferential prices, flexible registration fee payment options and tailored mortgage solutions can help residents explore ownership with greater confidence.
The programme is particularly relevant to residents who are considering a move from renting to owning, although the right choice will depend on their income, savings, preferred location and long-term plans.
Before applying, prospective buyers should review the official eligibility rules, compare participating developers and banks, and calculate the total cost of purchasing a property. The scheme offers access to selected benefits rather than a free home or guaranteed discount, so understanding the conditions is essential.
