Dubai has launched a new initiative aimed at first-time homebuyers, offering major discounts on fees, flexible payment options, and early access to properties. The scheme is designed to make owning a home in the emirate more accessible, especially for UAE residents looking to enter the property market.
In a major policy move aimed at widening property access and encouraging long-term residency, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has introduced a new initiative targeting first-time homebuyers. The programme is set to offer significant financial incentives and benefits for UAE residents—both nationals and expatriates—who have never previously owned freehold property in Dubai.
This strategic rollout arrives as Dubai’s real estate sector continues to experience strong demand and record-breaking transaction volumes. By reducing entry barriers for new buyers, the scheme aims to foster financial stability, reduce reliance on rental markets, and drive sustainable urban growth.
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The scheme is open to all UAE residents who meet two key conditions: they must be at least 18 years old and must never have owned freehold residential property in Dubai. Applicants can register online through the DLD’s official website or the Dubai REST app using their Emirates ID. Once approved, users receive a unique QR code that grants them access to the benefits under the programme.
Registration is completely free, and there are no hidden charges for applying. Once enrolled, participants can access exclusive offers from participating developers and banking institutions.
The programme brings together developers, banks, and the government to offer a comprehensive package for first-time buyers. Notable benefits include:
Early Access to New Projects: Registered buyers gain priority access to off-plan residential projects and selected resale properties before they are released to the general public.
Exclusive Discounts on Property Prices: Developers participating in the initiative are offering first-time buyers substantial discounts, particularly on off-plan units.
Flexible and Extended Payment Plans: Buyers can choose from a range of installment options, easing the financial burden of large down payments.
Interest-Free Installments on DLD Fees: Through collaborations with banks, the 4 percent DLD property registration fee can be paid in zero-interest installments, instead of upfront.
Tailored Mortgage Solutions: Banks are offering faster loan approvals, lower interest rates, and special mortgage packages designed for first-time homebuyers.
The scheme covers residential properties with a purchase value up to AED 5 million. This cap ensures that the programme remains focused on the middle-income segment rather than luxury properties.
Dubai’s property market has been surging in recent years, driven by investor confidence, economic diversification, and strong post-pandemic recovery. In 2024, real estate transactions crossed AED 700 billion, marking a historic high. However, rising property prices have made it increasingly difficult for many residents to enter the market.
This programme is designed to address that issue by making property ownership more accessible and financially viable for long-term residents who have been living in rented accommodations.
The initiative is also aligned with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda and the 2040 Urban Master Plan, both of which emphasize inclusive urban development and sustainable housing. Officials believe the first-time buyer scheme will help support Dubai’s goal of attracting more permanent residents and skilled professionals.
While the programme is applicable across Dubai, experts believe it will be particularly useful for buyers looking in up-and-coming affordable areas such as Dubai South, Dubai Land Residential Complex, Al Warsan, Liwan, and parts of Silicon Oasis. These zones offer units within the AED 5 million threshold and have high potential for capital appreciation.
Industry experts also expect developers to increasingly tailor their offerings in these areas to suit the programme, possibly spurring the development of more affordable housing units.
There are no post-purchase restrictions under the scheme. Once a buyer purchases a property through this initiative, they are free to rent it out, live in it, or sell it, subject to standard real estate regulations. However, the programme is a one-time benefit—those who make use of it will not be eligible to apply again, even if they sell their home later.
Real estate analysts have praised the initiative as a timely and necessary step to balance Dubai’s housing market. By encouraging end-user ownership over speculative investment, the programme may reduce volatility and encourage more stable, long-term growth.
Prospective buyers have also responded positively, citing the flexibility in payment plans and lower registration costs as significant motivators. Many renters see the programme as their first real opportunity to enter the property market without overextending themselves financially.
Developers, too, are likely to benefit from the initiative, as it could widen the buyer base and reduce the time needed to sell inventory. Some have already announced their participation and hinted at releasing exclusive units under the programme in the coming months.
The First-Time Home Buyer Programme represents a significant shift in Dubai’s housing policy, targeting real end-users rather than investors. It reflects the government’s broader strategy of creating a more inclusive property market and promoting long-term residency through homeownership.
As the programme gains momentum, it may serve as a model for other emirates and regions across the UAE looking to balance affordability, investment, and sustainable urban development.
