Dubai Introduces Initial Home Purchase Plan to Enhance Residential Possession and Economy Development
**Dubai Launches First-Time Home Buyer Programme to Boost Homeownership**
In a significant move to make homeownership more accessible for residents, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have jointly launched the First-Time Home Buyer Programme in July 2025 [1][2][3]. The initiative is part of Dubai's broader 10-year D33 economic strategy, which focuses on doubling economic output and boosting homeownership to improve residents' quality of life and support the real estate market’s sustainable growth [2][3].
### Key Details and Benefits
The programme is open to all UAE residents aged 18 and above who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai [2][3][4]. Eligible buyers can purchase apartments or villas priced up to AED 5 million (approximately USD 1.36 million) [2][3][4].
The benefits of the programme include priority access to units in new developments launched by participating top developers, flexible payment plans for off-plan properties, preferential pricing and attractive discounts on off-plan units from select developers, interest-free instalments for Dubai Land Department registration fees when paid via eligible credit cards, improved mortgage access with better interest rates and reduced fees through participating banks, and automatic eligibility checks for residency programmes linked to property ownership [1][2][3][4].
The scheme involves 13 leading developers, five major banks, and various brokerages, ensuring extensive collaboration between public and private sectors [1][3][4].
### Impact on Dubai’s Real Estate Market
The First-Time Home Buyer Programme is designed to make home ownership more accessible, particularly for first-time buyers, thereby broadening the ownership base and fostering a more inclusive property market [2][4]. By prioritizing flexible financial options and attractive developer incentives, the initiative aims to stimulate demand and attract thousands of new investors and residents into the market [2][4].
Experts expect the programme to relieve price pressures and encourage longer-term residency, supporting Dubai's strategy to become a top global financial and residential hub as outlined in the D33 plan [2][3][4]. With Dubai’s property prices already competitive globally, this programme adds a further layer of incentives that enhance Dubai's attractiveness as a real estate investment destination [4].
### How to Register
Residents can register via the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app by providing preferences such as type of property (apartment or villa), budget, and preferred communication method [3].
In summary, the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Programme offers substantial financial and logistical support to new homeowners, contributing to Dubai’s goal of expanding homeownership and sustaining its real estate market growth over the coming decade. The programme is in line with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the D33 Economic Agenda, which aim to double the real estate sector's contribution to GDP. Senior officials from the DLD and DET announced the First-Time Home Buyer Programme at a press event, with Omar Bu Shehab, Director-General of DLD, describing the programme as a strategic step towards a more inclusive and transparent property market.
- The First-Time Home Buyer Programme, launched in Dubai in July 2025, is a significant initiative aimed at fostering a more inclusive property market and boosting homeownership, which is part of Dubai's 10-year D33 economic strategy.
- Eligible buyers, who must be UAE residents aged 18 and above without a freehold residential property in Dubai, can purchase apartments or villas priced up to AED 5 million, benefiting from flexible payment plans, developer incentives, and improved mortgage access through participating banks.
- The scheme, involving 13 leading developers, five major banks, and various brokerages, aims to stimulate demand, attract new investors, and relief price pressures in the real estate market, ultimately supporting Dubai's goal to become a top global financial and residential hub.
- Interested residents can register for the programme via the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app, providing preferences such as type of property, budget, and preferred communication method.
