Buying your first Dubai home? The First-Time Home Buyer Programme offers eligible residents access to participating developer and bank benefits. It can help with the purchase, but it does not replace checking the property, the payment schedule or your borrowing limit.
Who qualifies?
According to Dubai Land Department, applicants must be UAE residents, at least 18 and currently own no freehold residential property in Dubai. The programme covers qualifying properties below AED 5 million. Residents of any nationality can apply.
Registration is free. Normal property-purchase costs still apply. If you are buying jointly, check the programme’s eligibility requirements for both buyers before relying on an offer.
What benefits can you receive?
Participating offers can include priority access to new launches, preferential off-plan pricing, bank mortgage options and eligible card instalments for registration fees. Benefits depend on the partner and purchase. They do not apply automatically to every property on the market.
Ask for the offer in writing beside the ordinary purchase terms. Compare the actual price, payment dates and fees, rather than the label attached to the programme.
How do you register?
Apply through DLD’s programme service or Dubai REST. Eligible applicants receive confirmation and a QR code to use with participating partners. You may approach different partners, but programme benefits can be used with one developer and one bank, subject to the rules.
What should you work out before choosing a home?
Start with three figures: the cash you can pay now, the monthly amount you can comfortably afford and the reserve you want left after purchase. Include the buying costs in that calculation.
For an off-plan home, map out the developer’s payment schedule. For a financed purchase, check when a mortgage can release funds and what could change before final approval. A programme registration is not a mortgage approval.
Check the ownership and registration documents too. Then compare locations such as Dubai Hills Estate against everyday life: your commute, schools, space and expected running costs. Our Emaar community guide offers a starting point for comparing areas. Keep the property decision and the incentive separate, so a limited offer does not rush a long-term commitment.
