Buying your first home in Dubai just got easier. A brand-new programme launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) is now offering real support to people looking to acquire their first home.
This initiative – known as the First-Time Homebuyer Programme – is part of Dubai’s wider efforts to grow the economy, make home ownership more achievable, and create a stronger sense of long-term community across the city, aligned with the governments D33 and Real Estate Strategy 2033 ambitions:
What is the programme about?
In simple terms, it’s a new system of banks, developers and regulatory bodies cooperating to make it easier for first time homebuyers to own a home in Dubai. The program is alike, for Emiratis and expats, as long as you’re living in the UAE, the programme aims to make the process of buying your first home more affordable, less complicated, and more attractive.
It’s also part of a bigger plan to encourage more people to live and invest in Dubai for the long run.
Who can apply and who is eligible?
To join the programme, you need to meet a few simple conditions:
- Be 18 years or older
- Live in the UAE (any nationality)
- Never owned a freehold home in Dubai before
- Be looking to buy a home valued at AED 5 million or less
If you meet these criteria’s, you can sign up through the DLD website or the Dubai REST app. Once you register, you’ll get a QR code that unlocks all the programme benefits.
What Are the Benefits?
The programme brings together developers and banks to offer some real advantages to first-time buyers:
1. Early Access & Better Prices
You’ll get priority booking on select properties and discounted prices from some of Dubai’s top developers like Emaar, Nakheel and Damac. More developers are expected to join in the upcoming months.
2. Easier Payments
Can’t pay everything upfront? No problem. You can now split the DLD registration fees into interest-free monthly payments using your credit card.
3. Friendly Mortgage Terms
Several banks are offering more flexible home loan options, including lower interest rates and longer repayment periods (up to 18 years). Banks like Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic, and Mashreq are all on board.
Why This Matters
For many people, the idea of owning a home in Dubai has felt out of reach – especially with high upfront costs and complicated financing. This programme is a big step forward in making the dream of homeownership more realistic and less stressful.
It’s also a win for the city. When more people own homes, they’re more likely to stay long-term, invest in their communities, and help the local economy grow. Dubai has already reached the “global hub status”, however, we would like it to become a place where more people consider permanent residency, as we believe that is crucial for long term sustainable communities.
Developers are welcoming the move too. As Mirwais Azizi of Azizi Developments put it, “This helps renters become homeowners – and that’s good for everyone.” We agree, homeownership creates stable economies and flourishing communities.
How to Get Started
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, now might be the right time to explore your options. Head to the DLD website or download the Dubai REST app to check your eligibility and register. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive your QR code and can begin browsing offers from developers and banks participating in the programme.
https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/first-time-home-buyer-overview/
Final Thoughts
This new initiative isn’t just about making it easier to buy a home – it’s about giving people more confidence to put down roots in Dubai, for the longer term. It’s about building a city where more residents feel invested, connected, and part of the future.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make your move, this could be it. We look at this as a first step in the right direction, which has been a long time coming. We are confident in the governments approach to launch further initiatives which are more resident and homeowner friendly in the future.Ready to explore this initiative and secure your first home in Dubai? Reach out 😊
