Your guide to the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program
Thinking about buying your first home in Dubai? You’re just in time for Dubai’s First Time Home Buyer Program, an initiative by the DLD and the Department of Economy and Tourism that offers various exciting benefits while buying your first home in Dubai. And the benefits range from access to exclusive units to various financial advantages.
If you’re planning to get your dream home in 2025, we’re here to help you with our lowdown on this initiative, its eligibility criteria and much more.
What is the Dubai First Time Home Buyer Program
The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme offers enticing benefits for the next 5,000 individuals buying their first home in Dubai
Launched by the Dubai Land Department and the Department of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with 13 top developers, brokerages and five leading banks, this initiative aims to empower and encourage first-time homeowners in the city in 2025. Dubai FTHB program benefits include:
- Priority access to units in new launches by participating developers.
- Flexible payment plans for off-plan properties.
- Attractive discounts on the price of off-plan units with select developers.
- Interest-free instalment payment options for DLD registration fees (with 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.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the First-Time Home Buyer Program, you should meet the following criteria:
- You are a UAE resident (national or expat)
- You do not own any freehold residential property in Dubai
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You are looking for a property below AED 5M in value.
How to register
- Head over to the DLD’s first-time home buyer page and click on Access Service.
- Submit your information (Emirates ID details and passport number). You can also use your UAE pass to register yourself.
- If you fit the eligibility criteria, you will receive a QR code.
- Scan this QR code when meeting a developer or confirming your purchase to avail of the benefits.
- In addition, the selected developers will get in touch with you after a real estate project launch, so you can access exclusive units.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How can brokers work with clients eligible for the Dubai first-time home buyers program?
If you’re an agent working with a first-time home buyer in Dubai, walk them through generating the QR code. Then, when walking your client through their property journey, share the QR code with the developer or at the end of a sale. You can check out our broker’s guide to the program for a detailed walkthrough.
What should I keep in mind when buying my first home in Dubai?
Some common mistakes first-time home buyers in Dubai make are skipping research on current property prices, not inspecting the unit and not having their finances in order. It’s best to keep in mind, not to overlook these aspects of buying property in Dubai.
Can expats buy freehold properties and what areas are available for them?
Yes, expats can buy freehold properties in Dubai. Some areas to buy freehold properties include Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). Sellers can use tools like TruEstimate™ to find out the right price to sell their freehold property in Dubai.
Discover more exciting initiatives and tips to buy your first home in Dubai with MyBayut, the region’s biggest property blog.
