Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme is accelerating homeownership across the emirate
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme is fast-tracking homeownership across the emirate, with more than 2,000 residents purchasing their first homes within six months of its launch. The initiative has also generated over AED3.25 billion in residential property transactions, according to the latest data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Introduced in July 2025, the Programme was jointly designed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and DLD to widen access to homeownership for residents of all nationalities and income brackets. By aligning government entities, developers, and financial institutions, the Programme offers first-time buyers priority access to new developments, customised mortgage products, and preferential pricing.
The FTHB Programme supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and reinforce Dubai’s global appeal as a destination for talent. It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and contributes to the UAE’s Year of Community by strengthening social stability and long-term economic resilience.
Since launch, more than 41,000 residents have registered for the Programme. Notably, nearly half of all completed purchases—49%—were made by residents who have lived in Dubai for more than five years without previously owning property, underlining the Programme’s impact in enabling long-term residents to establish permanent roots in the city.
Strong uptake has been recorded across participating developers, while all five partner banks have reported high demand for tailored mortgage offerings, further reinforcing the Programme’s role in making homeownership a practical and achievable goal.
A collaborative model
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), part of DET, said the strong response reflects Dubai’s collaborative approach to economic growth.
“The First-Time Home Buyer Programme, guided by our leadership’s vision and delivered in partnership with the Dubai Land Department, demonstrates how coordinated efforts across government, developers, and financial institutions can translate ambition into real outcomes for residents,” he said.
He added that the initiative strengthens investor confidence, supports talent retention, and accelerates the real estate sector’s contribution to the economy, while positioning Dubai as a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.
Sustaining market momentum
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, said the Programme is playing a key role in expanding end-user ownership and maintaining strong real estate momentum in 2025. He noted that total real estate transactions reached AED917 billion this year, reflecting sustained confidence and demand.
He explained that the Programme has been particularly effective in converting previously unmet demand into completed transactions, adding that it represents a practical model for integrating regulatory frameworks with cross-sector partnerships to simplify the homeownership journey and enhance market transparency and stability.
Turning aspiration into reality
By lowering barriers to entry, the Programme continues to stimulate activity across Dubai’s property market while opening doors for residents who once considered homeownership unattainable. Early beneficiaries describe it as a decisive step toward long-term security.
First-time buyer Fatma Almarri said the Programme transformed what once felt out of reach into a realistic goal. “On a single income, owning a home seemed unlikely. The process became far more manageable, and I feel more confident about my financial future.”
Another beneficiary, Jade Lee, described purchasing her first home as a defining milestone. “I grew up watching my family move between rental homes. This Programme gave me stability and a foundation for the future.”
As additional developers and partners join the initiative, the Programme will continue to expand the range of available properties, supporting a more inclusive and resilient housing market. Through the FTHB Programme, Dubai is shaping a future-focused real estate landscape that empowers residents while strengthening the emirate’s long-term competitiveness.
