Success of Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Programme: AED3.25bn Sales

The First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme in Dubai has made a significant impact on the real estate market, assisting more than 2,000 residents in acquiring their first homes within a mere six months, leading to an impressive AED3.25 billion in residential transactions as reported by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Initiated in July 2025, this programme was collaboratively crafted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Land Department to enhance accessibility to homeownership for residents of diverse nationalities and income brackets. By uniting government sectors, prominent developers, and financial institutions, the initiative provides first-time buyers with early access to new developments, competitive pricing, and specially tailored mortgage options.

Interest in the programme has surged, attracting over 41,000 resident registrations. Remarkably, 49 percent of properties purchased were acquired by long-term residents who had lived in Dubai for over five years without owning property, underscoring the programme's effectiveness in enabling long-standing residents to establish permanent homes.

This initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33's objectives, which aim to double Dubai's economic size by 2033, alongside the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033. It also complements the UAE's Year of Community by enhancing social stability and promoting long-term residency.

Early results show strong performance across participating developers and all five associated banks, with customized mortgage plans seeing considerable adoption among first-time buyers. This coordinated strategy has effectively transformed persistent demand into actual home purchases, broadening ownership access for a multitude of residents.

Fostering Confidence and Sustainable Growth

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), pointed out that the enthusiastic response illustrates Dubai’s unified effort and forward-looking vision.

“The First-Time Home Buyer Programme exemplifies the achievements possible when government, developers, and financial bodies collaborate. It is actualizing homeownership dreams for many, reinforcing investor confidence and enhancing the real estate sector's contribution to the broader economy,” he remarked.

Badri emphasized that the initiative promotes social unity and talent retention, stimulating long-term demand and fortifying Dubai’s role as a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.

Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department, stated that the programme has become a critical element in sustaining Dubai's robust property market momentum in 2025.

He highlighted that real estate transactions this year have achieved AED917 billion, indicating the sector's strong performance and boosting investor confidence. “The heightened interest in the Programme showcases its success in translating potential demand into tangible transactions. It demonstrates how regulatory support and strategic partnerships can simplify the path to homeownership and reinforce market trust and transparency,” he noted.

Transforming Lives Through Homeownership

For many, the Programme has been pivotal.

Fatma Almarri, a first-time buyer, shared that homeownership used to feel like a distant dream. “With one income, it always seemed unattainable. This programme simplified the entire process and has empowered me to envision a better financial future,” she remarked.

Another participant, Jade Lee, described her experience as life-altering. “Having grown up constantly moving from one rental to another, owning my home now gives me stability and a foundation going forward,” she expressed.

Expanding Options Ahead

As the programme progresses, additional developers and partners are anticipated to join, expanding the variety of properties and locations available to buyers. Officials predict that this will further bolster Dubai’s end-user market and ensure that homeownership remains attainable for more residents.

By encouraging resident involvement in the property sector and fostering long-term community engagement, the First-Time Home Buyer Programme is crafting a more inclusive, stable, and future-oriented real estate landscape—one that supports Dubai’s growth initiatives while aiding families and individuals in establishing lasting lives within the city.