Dubai’s first-time buyer scheme turns 2,000 residents into homeowners in six months
Dh3.25 billion in home sales reflects strong market confidence
DUBAI – Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme is accelerating access to residential ownership across the emirate, with more than 2,000 residents purchasing their first homes within six months of its launch.
The initiative has already generated over Dh3.25 billion in residential property sales, according to the latest figures released by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). The early performance points to sustained end-user demand and a growing appetite for long-term investment in the city.
Launched in July 2025, the programme was jointly developed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and DLD. It aims to make home ownership more attainable for residents of all nationalities and income levels by aligning government entities, developers and financial institutions under a single framework.
Eligible buyers are offered priority access to new projects, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions designed specifically for first-time purchasers.
FTHB Programme
The FTHB Programme has been developed in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and reinforce its global position as a destination for talent and investment. It also supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and contributes to the UAE’s Year of Community by promoting social cohesion, financial stability and long-term residency.
To date, more than 41,000 residents have registered for the programme, highlighting strong underlying demand from individuals seeking to transition from renting to ownership. Of the homes purchased so far, 49 percent were bought by residents who have lived in Dubai for more than five years without previously owning property. This trend underscores the programme’s role in empowering long-term residents and strengthening community roots across the emirate.
The initiative has facilitated transactions across participating developers, while all five partner banks have reported strong uptake of mortgage products tailored to first-time buyers. These financing solutions have been structured to reduce entry barriers and simplify what is often viewed as a complex purchasing process.
Partnership model
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, the economic development arm of DET, said the response to the programme reflects Dubai’s collaborative approach to growth. He said the initiative brings together government, developers and financial institutions to translate policy objectives into practical outcomes for residents.
According to Badri, the programme supports investor confidence while accelerating the real estate sector’s contribution to economic growth in line with D33. He added that by encouraging home ownership, the initiative supports talent retention and social cohesion, stimulating long-term demand and reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a model for sustainable urban development.
Market momentum
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, described the programme as a pivotal step in expanding residential ownership and sustaining market momentum in 2025. He noted that Dubai’s real estate sector recorded total transactions worth Dh917 billion this year, reflecting robust demand and growing confidence among investors and end users.
Al Marri said the rising interest in the FTHB Programme demonstrates its effectiveness in converting latent demand into completed transactions. He added that the initiative provides a practical model for integrating regulatory oversight with cross-sector partnerships, streamlining the ownership journey while reinforcing transparency, trust and market stability.
The programme continues to drive activity across Dubai’s residential sector by deepening end-user participation and expanding access for residents who previously viewed ownership as unattainable. Early buyers have cited the initiative as a key factor in their ability to commit to long-term plans in the city.
Buyer experience
Participants have highlighted the simplified process and improved affordability offered through the programme. Fatma Almarri, a first-time buyer, said owning a home had previously felt out of reach, particularly on a single income. She said the programme made the process more achievable and helped her plan her financial future with greater confidence.
Another beneficiary, Jade Lee, described home ownership as a major personal milestone. She said growing up in a family where renting was the norm had shaped her expectations, but the programme provided an opportunity to achieve long-term stability and build a foundation for the future.
As the FTHB Programme continues to expand, additional developers are expected to join, offering buyers a broader range of properties across different communities and price points.