First Time Home Buyer Dubai Package in Dubai

Having been the preferred destination for many global buyers in the past, Dubai is now trying to attract the support of the local residents. As a result of the rapid property market development and increase in rents, many UAE nationals and foreigners have been facing problems in acquiring suitable housing. Nevertheless, an initiative has been started that will make it easier for them to own a property in Dubai. Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Program, which came into force in January 2025, aims to take the burden off of the residents and assist them in realizing their potential of owning property for the first time.

What Is the First-Time Home Buyer Program?

The program is a joint venture by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism, having the aim to bring in residents—both UAE citizens and expatriates. This initiative is a remarkable step. The project primarily targets first-time buyers and offers a variety of financial benefits, as well as exclusive access to properties and improved mortgage options.

This program is available for those who do not own any freehold residential property in Dubai, and the maximum property value is AED 5 million. There is no salary cap, and all UAE residents who are of age (18 years or older) and have a valid Emirates ID can apply.

Why Now?

The real estate sector in Dubai has been the recipient of foreign investment, with off-plan properties being mainly acquired by overseas buyers and brokers in recent years. Many dwellers have not been allowed to share in lucrative early bird sales promotional offers. The new scheme is envisioned to be an equilibrium to the market. Hence, making housing easier for the people who work and reside in Dubai.

“Through this initiative, the volume of foreign non-residents outweighing off-plan properties bought in previous years will be balanced,” says Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE MENA.

What Are the Key Benefits?

If you qualify as a first-time buyer, these are the perks are given to you:

Priority access to new home launches and pre-launch inventory
Reduced prices on off-plan projects from leading real estate developers
Customized & flexible payment plans for new homeowners
Improvement of mortgage terms with participating banks includes:
Better interest rates (potentially below 4%)
Shorter approval durations
Waived charges
DLD registration fee zero-interest installment payment options for banks and credit cards
Automatic eligibility checks as per Dubai's residency programs
No application or participation charges

Who’s Involved?

Thirteen of Dubai’s top developers and five banks have joined hands to support the program. These include:

Participating Developers:

Emaar
Nakheel
Azizi
Wasl
Dubai Properties
Damac
Danube
Binghatti
Meraas
Ellington Properties
Beyond Developments
Majid Al Futtaim
Palma Development

Partner Banks:

Emirates NBD
Emirates Islamic
Mashreq Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank
Commercial Bank of Dubai

Developer Spotlight:

Binghatti has committed to making at least 10% of both new and existing inventory under AED 5M exclusively available to first-time buyers. The units will be offered for pre-launch sales at special prices to qualified buyers.

What Properties Qualify?

The program is applicable to both off-plan and ready properties. First-time buyers can select from:

Newly launched units from the participating developers
The existing ones through the partnering bank
Units in economic zones such as Dubai Land Residential Complex, Liwan, Silicon Oasis, Al Warsan, and Marjan

The availability of budget and ready-resale units facilitates the housing decision-making process for the buyers.

How to Register?

You only need to follow these simple steps:

Go to the DLD website or download Dubai Rest app
Comply with certain formalities like Emirates ID and passport submission
Use UAE Pass for quicker registration (optional)
You shall get a QR code showing qualification when you are verified.

You can attach the QR code while you are negotiating with the participating developers or banks to get the discounts or credits.

Note: As soon as you purchase this kind of property, you lose your first-time buyer status, and no matter what you do later on, you can’t apply again - even if you in the meantime dispose of the property.

Is This the Right Time to Buy?

For many residents, the rise in rents has driven them to think about acquiring property. In the words of Farooq Syed, CEO of Springfield Properties:

"This scheme opens doors for people to create equity and be part of the long-term profit of the Dubai property market."

To add to that, the offering of interest-free DLD fee installments, special rebates, and low mortgage rates for those first-time buyers makes it one of the most favorable markets in years.

Things to Remember

Engage a knowledgeable broker who is familiar with the program
Investigate on the areas and their property costs
Scrutinize the material before you sign on any financial obligations
Pick a property that is suitable to your way of life in the long run

In a Nutshell

Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Program is more than just a property program. It is a campaign that has the objective of changing tenants into homeowners and making property investment accessible for all residents. Whether you are an expatriate looking for long-term stability or an Emirati who is ready to settle down, 2025 may be the ideal year to get that house you've been dreaming of. So, are you tired of renting and would like to own your own place? This can be the window that opens the door for you.