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Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme is rapidly reshaping the emirate’s residential property landscape, with more than 2,000 residents purchasing their first homes within six months, generating over Dhs3.25 billion in residential sales, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Launched in July 2025, the initiative has emerged as a cornerstone of Dubai’s long-term economic and real estate strategy, strengthening investor confidence while expanding access to home ownership across diverse income groups and nationalities.
Developed jointly by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Land Department, the programme brings together government entities, developers, and financial institutions under a unified framework designed to simplify and accelerate the journey to ownership.
Through priority access to new residential projects, preferential pricing, and tailored mortgage solutions, the programme has reduced long-standing barriers for residents who previously viewed property ownership as unattainable. Since its launch, more than 41,000 residents have registered, highlighting strong latent demand for structured pathways into the housing market.
Notably, 49 per cent of buyers were long-term residents who had lived in Dubai for over five years without owning a home, underscoring the programme’s role in strengthening community roots and encouraging long-term settlement.
Supporting Dubai’s economic vision
The FTHB Programme aligns closely with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033, as well as the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033. By promoting ownership among residents, the initiative supports talent retention, economic stability, and sustainable urban development.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said the strong response reflects Dubai’s collaborative growth model. He noted that the programme unites leadership vision with effective partnerships to turn home ownership into reality for thousands, while accelerating the real estate sector’s contribution to the economy in line with D33 goals.
Sustaining real estate momentum
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, described the programme as a key driver of residential ownership and a contributor to Dubai’s robust real estate performance in 2025. Total real estate transactions this year have reached Dhs917 billion, reflecting strong demand and rising market confidence.
He added that the FTHB Programme successfully converts latent demand into real transactions by integrating regulatory support with partnerships across developers and financial institutions, enhancing transparency, trust, and market stability.
A simplified path to ownership
The programme has facilitated transactions across participating developers and banks, with tailored mortgage solutions easing access to financing. For many beneficiaries, it has marked a significant turning point.
First-time buyer Fatma Almarri said home ownership once felt out of reach on a single income, but the programme simplified the process and gave her confidence in securing her financial future. Another beneficiary, Jade Lee, described ownership as a life-changing milestone, providing long-term stability and a foundation for the future.
Looking ahead
As the programme continues to expand with additional developers and partners, residents can expect a wider range of property options. The initiative is increasingly seen as a pillar of a more inclusive, future-ready property market—one that supports individuals and families while reinforcing Dubai’s long-term economic resilience and global competitiveness.
