The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme is a major new initiative aimed at supporting aspiring homeowners across the city in 2025.
Launched by the Dubai Land Department and the Department of Economy and Tourism, in partnership with 13 of the city’s leading developers, top brokerages and five major banks, the programme offers a range of exclusive benefits, including priority access to select units and attractive financing options. The accessibility of the scheme is expected to encourage many more residents to take their first step onto the property ladder.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the programme and how you can connect the right clients to this exciting opportunity.
What is the Dubai FTHB Program?
The First-Time Home Buyer program is open to the next 5000 individuals buying their first property in Dubai. Individuals eligible for the FTHB program can avail of the following benefits:
- Priority access to units in new launches by participating developers.
- Special discounts on the sale price of off-plan units with select developers.
- Flexible payment plans for off-plan properties.
- Interest-free instalment payment options for DLD registration fees through eligible credit cards
- Improved access to mortgages, with better interest rates and reduced fees by participating banks.
- Automatic eligibility checks for residency programmes
….and more.
Get the latest tips for Real Estate Success
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the First-Time Home Buyer Program, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- They are a UAE resident (national or expat)
- They do not own any freehold residential property in Dubai
- They are 18 years of age or older
- They are looking for a property below AED 5M in value.
Participation as a broker
If you’re a real estate agent participating in the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program, here’s how you can register your eligible clients to avail these benefits:
- Use the Broker Platform to register your clients
- Use your client’s UAE Pass application to verify their UAE Residence permits
- Once authenticated, you will be directed to generate a QR code that verifies their eligibility
- For off-plan sales, share this QR code with the developer while booking a unit and completing the sale. This gives your client access to the benefits mentioned above.
- For secondary sale, use the QR code to help your buyers avail of cheaper mortgages from participating banks.
Participating developers and banks
Dubai’s top banks and developers are collaborating with the DLD and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. They are as follows:
Developers:
- Azizi
- Beyond Developments
- Binghatti
- DAMAC Properties
- Danube Properties
- Dubai Properties
- Ellington Properties
- EMAAR
- Majid Al Futtaim
- MERAAS
- Nakheel
- Palma Development
- Wasl
Banks:
- Commercial Bank of Dubai
- DIB
- Emirates Islamic
- Emirates NBD
- Mashreq
This enticing program is one of several initiatives by the Dubai Land Department to enhance the city’s property development and boost buyer confidence. Head over to the DLD’s website to be a part of this initiative!