Dubai has officially launched its First Time Home Buyer Programme in July 2025, marking a significant shift in the emirate’s real estate landscape. This government-backed initiative is designed to make property ownership more accessible for first-time buyers by reducing financial barriers and simplifying the path to owning a home.

The programme is open to both UAE nationals and expatriates and is facilitated through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in partnership with several leading banks and property developers. It offers a unified platform where eligible buyers can access financial incentives, property listings, and mortgage solutions tailored specifically for them.

The move comes at a time when property prices in Dubai continue to rise, and homeownership remains a top aspiration for many residents who previously found it out of reach due to high upfront costs.

Let’s explore the programme incentives, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step process to help you understand exactly how it works.

Dubai First Time Home Buyer Programme Incentives

Dubai’s First Time Home Buyer Programme brings a set of carefully designed incentives that directly tackle the two biggest challenges first-time buyers face: affordability and accessibility.

First Time Home Buyer Incentives include:

1. Down Payment Relief

One of the biggest hurdles for first-time buyers has always been the hefty down payment, often 20% of the property’s value. There’s also a 7% added cost which includes 4% DLD fee, 2% brokerage, 1% ,mortgage fee.

The programme introduces partial down payment support, allowing buyers to secure homes with reduced upfront costs. This makes it possible for residents who have steady incomes but limited savings to finally enter the market. With this, more people can shift from renting to owning without years of saving or financial strain.

2. Mortgage Interest Discounts

High mortgage interest rates can significantly impact the affordability of homeownership, especially over long tenures. Through partnerships with major UAE banks, the programme offers preferential interest rates that lower monthly repayments and reduce the total cost of borrowing.

This ensures that buyers not only enter the market but also maintain manageable financial commitments throughout their mortgage term. It brings long-term stability to new homeowners, making ownership genuinely sustainable.

3. Reduced Government Fees

Property buyers in Dubai typically incur additional costs including Dubai Land Department (DLD) fees and registration charges, which can add up to 4% or more of the property value. Under this programme, certain fees are reduced or waived entirely, easing the financial burden that often catches first-time buyers by surprise.

This incentive lowers the overall transaction costs, making the true cost of ownership significantly more affordable. It's a practical solution that gives buyers breathing room when planning their budgets.

4. Pre-Approved Mortgage Options

Getting mortgage approval has traditionally been a slow, paperwork-heavy process with no guaranteed outcome. The new system offers pre-approved financing options through participating banks, providing buyers with faster, more transparent access to home loans.

This reduces uncertainty and allows buyers to shop for properties with confidence, knowing exactly what they can afford. It streamlines one of the most stressful parts of the home-buying process.

5. Access to Select Properties

Buyers under the programme receive priority access to pre-approved property listings from trusted developers, including off-plan and ready homes. These properties are vetted for quality, price stability, and growth potential, reducing the risk of poor investment decisions.

Buyers avoid inflated prices and questionable listings, gaining entry into projects that align with market trends and future appreciation. This ensures they make smart, future-proof choices right from the start.

6. Simplified Process from Start to Finish

Traditionally, buying property in Dubai involved navigating multiple agencies, approvals, and legal steps, often leaving first-time buyers overwhelmed. The new programme centralizes the process through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and partner institutions, creating a smoother, faster journey from application to key handover.

Buyers receive clearer guidance, faster decisions, and coordinated support at every stage. This demystifies property ownership, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Who is Eligible?

Dubai’s first time home buyer programme has been designed with clear eligibility criteria to ensure that the incentives reach the people who need them most: genuine first-time property buyers who are ready to transition from renting to owning.

Here’s exactly who qualifies for the programme:

1. First-Time Property Buyers

To apply, you must not have previously owned any property in Dubai. This programme is strictly for individuals taking their very first step into the property market, whether for personal use or as an investment. Existing homeowners are not eligible for these incentives.

2. UAE Nationals and Expatriate Residents

The programme is open to both Emirati citizens and expatriate residents with a valid UAE residency visa. This inclusivity reflects Dubai’s diverse population and ensures that long-term residents, regardless of nationality, have an equal opportunity to own property.

3. Minimum Age and Legal Capacity

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and legally capable of entering into binding financial and property agreements under UAE law. This ensures that buyers have the legal and financial maturity to manage the responsibilities of homeownership.

4. Income and Affordability Requirements

While there is no official published income cap, participating banks will conduct standard income verification and affordability assessments as part of the mortgage pre-approval process. The programme is aimed at middle-income earners—those with enough financial stability to sustain a mortgage but without the means to afford traditional down payments and fees.

5. Documentation Readiness

To participate, buyers must have valid Emirates ID, passport copies, residency visa, and salary/income verification documents. These are required for both mortgage assessment and DLD registration, ensuring compliance with Dubai’s legal and financial regulations.

If you meet these eligibility conditions, you can apply through the Dubai Land Department’s official channels or through any of the participating banks offering the programme’s benefits.

How Does It Work? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s understand how does Dubai’s first time home buyer initiative work in simple steps:

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before you begin, you need to ensure you meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. This includes confirming that you are a first-time property buyer in Dubai, holding a valid UAE residency visa, and are over 21 years of age.

Additionally, you must have a stable source of income that allows you to qualify for mortgage financing. Without meeting these basic criteria, you won’t be able to access the benefits tied to the Dubai first time home buyer programme.

Step 2: Register Your Interest

Once eligibility is confirmed, you need to formally register your interest in the programme. This can be done either through the official Dubai Land Department (DLD) online portal or by approaching any of the participating banks offering the scheme.

Registration triggers the start of the process and gives you access to pre-approved properties, exclusive mortgage rates, and financial guidance designed specifically for first-time buyers.

Step 3: Gather and Submit Your Documents

The next step involves preparing and submitting the necessary documentation. This is a critical part of the process as it forms the basis for your mortgage application and programme participation.

The key documents required include:

• Emirates ID and passport copy with a valid UAE visa.
• Salary certificate from your employer or proof of business income if self-employed.
• Recent bank statements (typically covering the last 3 to 6 months).

Submitting complete and accurate documentation upfront helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother journey through the approval stages.

Step 4: Obtain Mortgage Pre-Approval

After your documents are submitted, your selected bank will assess your financial situation and issue a mortgage pre-approval. This pre-approval confirms how much you can borrow based on your income, financial obligations, and credit standing. It also secures you access to preferential mortgage rates and lower down payment requirements offered under the programme.

This is a crucial milestone because it sets your property budget and allows you to confidently move forward with property selection.

Step 5: Select Your Property

With pre-approval in hand, you can now explore and select from an exclusive list of properties provided by approved developers. These properties include off-plan units, ready homes, and strategically located apartments or villas chosen specifically for this initiative.

The available stock has been vetted for quality, price competitiveness, and investment potential, which means you avoid overpaying or falling into risky purchases. The bold: dubai first time home buyer incentives ensure that buyers get not only affordability but also value.

Step 6: Final Mortgage Approval and Offer Letter

Once you’ve chosen your property, your bank will finalize the mortgage process. This involves property valuation, verification of your selected unit, and issuing the formal mortgage offer letter.

The offer letter outlines the approved loan amount, interest rate, monthly instalments, and repayment tenure. At this point, you’ll typically pay a booking fee to the developer and prepare for the final legal steps of the transaction.

Step 7: Complete Legal Transfer and Registration

The legal stage involves signing the Sales Purchase Agreement (SPA), processing the ownership transfer with the Dubai Land Department, and paying the remaining down payment. Thanks to the programme, certain government-related fees such as registration charges may be reduced or waived, depending on your eligibility.

Once these steps are complete, you will receive your title deed, officially making you the legal owner of the property.

Step 8: Move In and Manage Your Investment

With the keys in hand, you become a homeowner. However, the journey doesn’t end there. Managing your new property—handling mortgage payments, staying on top of rental potential, and maintaining proper documentation—can be simplified through platforms like Prosper.

By using a centralised management tool, you can continue to benefit from financial insights, market updates, and proactive alerts that help you protect and grow your investment long after the purchase is complete.

Who All Are Part of the Programme?

Dubai’s programme for first time home buyers is the result of a collaborative effort between the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, leading real estate developers, and top-tier banks. Each stakeholder plays a crucial role in making the programme functional, reliable, and accessible to first-time buyers across the city.

Participating Developers

A select group of the UAE’s most reputable real estate developers are offering exclusive property options under the programme. These developers bring a wide range of off-plan and ready properties tailored to first-time buyers seeking quality, location, and future value:

• Azizi
• Beyond Developments
• Binghatti
• DAMAC Properties
• Danube Properties
• Dubai Properties
• Ellington Properties
• EMAAR
• Majid Al Futtaim
• MERAAS
• Nakheel
• Palma Development
• Wasl

Participating Banks

The financial side of the programme is supported by some of Dubai’s leading banks, all of which offer tailored mortgage products with preferential rates, reduced down payment requirements, and faster approvals designed specifically for first-time buyers:

• Commercial Bank of Dubai
• Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)
• Emirates Islamic
• Emirates NBD
• Mashreq

These banks work hand-in-hand with government authorities and developers to make the financial entry into property ownership smoother and more accessible for qualifying buyers.

How Prosper Streamlines Home Ownership for First Time Buyers

Dubai’s new initiative for first time home buyers marks a major shift in making property ownership more accessible, affordable, and streamlined for first-time buyers. With the right knowledge, tools, and timing, this is an opportunity for many to take their first confident step onto the property ladder.

While the government’s programme eases the buying process, smart property platforms like Prosper ensure that your entire property journey—before, during, and after purchase—runs smoothly.

From helping you compare market trends and property performance to guiding you through mortgage options, document storage, and timely reminders, Prosper acts as your dedicated real estate partner.

First-time buyers can access expert advice, exclusive listings, and real-time financial insights—all in one place. Whether it’s managing tenancy agreements, keeping track of mortgage payments, or preparing for future investments, Prosper takes care of the fine details so you can focus on growing your portfolio with confidence.

Download Prosper now to streamline your home ownership journey.