First-Time Home Buyer Programme Dubai: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Register
Quick answer: Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Programme is a free Dubai Land Department (DLD) initiative for UAE residents aged 18 or over, of any nationality, who do not already own a freehold residential property in Dubai and are buying a home valued below AED 5 million. Registered buyers receive a QR code that gives access to offers from participating developers and banks. Standard DLD fees still apply.
Launched on 2 July 2025 by DLD and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the programme connects first-time buyers with participating developers and banks. This guide explains who qualifies, what the benefits are, the conditions to know and how to register.
What Is Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Programme?
The programme is a DLD initiative for residents buying their first freehold home in Dubai. After registering, eligible buyers receive a QR code by email. They present it to participating developers and banks to access the offers available to programme members.
The programme supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to raise homeownership rates.
Who Is Eligible?
According to the official DLD programme page, you can apply if you:
- Are a UAE resident, of any nationality
- Are 18 years or older
- Do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai
- Are looking for a property valued below AED 5 million
Owning property in a non-freehold area of Dubai, or in another emirate, does not disqualify you. Joint purchases are only possible when every buyer is eligible.
What Benefits Are Available?
DLD lists the following benefits for registered buyers:
- Priority access to new launches. Participating developers contact registered buyers ahead of their project launches.
- Preferential prices on off-plan units. These are offered by selected developers on units allocated to the programme, not on every property.
- Flexible payment plans for off-plan units, set by the participating developers.
- DLD registration fees in instalments. The registration fee can be paid in interest-free instalments through eligible credit cards.
- Mortgage offers from participating banks, with preferential interest rates and faster approval processes. These also apply to buyers of ready properties.
DLD also lists additional benefits for Emirati citizens.
Offers differ between partners. Developer offers apply to that developer's projects, and bank offers are subject to each bank's own lending criteria, so a mortgage approval is never guaranteed.
Important Conditions and Limitations
- One use only. Once you buy a property through the programme, you lose first-time buyer status and cannot take part again, even if you later sell the property.
- One developer and one bank. The benefits can be used with only one participating developer and one participating bank.
- Fees still apply. There is no fee to apply or take part, but standard DLD registration fees and any developer or bank charges still apply unless a specific programme offer says otherwise.
- Selected units only. Preferential prices cover units that developers reserve for programme members.
Compare any programme offer with similar properties before you commit. A preferential price is only worthwhile if the unit, location and payment plan suit your plans.
Participating Developers and Banks
As of October 2026, the DLD programme page lists these partner developers: Azizi Developments, Binghatti Properties, Beyond Developments, DAMAC Properties, Danube Properties, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, Emaar, Majid Al Futtaim, Meraas, Nakheel Properties, Palma Holding, Wasl, Sky View, SAMANA, Reportage, Qube, Manam, IRTH, Arada and 4Direction Developments.
The partner banks are Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic and Mashreq Bank.
The list has grown since launch, so check the DLD page for the current partners before you apply.
How to Register With Dubai Land Department
- Register through the DLD website or the Dubai REST app and submit the required information.
- If you are eligible, DLD sends a confirmation email containing your First-Time Home Buyer QR code.
- Use the QR code to access programme benefits with participating developers and banks.
The QR code stays valid until you buy a property and register it with DLD. If you are found ineligible, DLD tells you why, and you can reapply if your circumstances change.
How Has the Programme Performed?
By January 2026, more than 41,000 residents had registered and over 2,000 had bought homes, according to Dubai Media Office. By June 2026, more than 3,200 residents had bought their first home through the programme, with transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.
Costs to Consider Before Buying
The programme can make the first purchase easier, but the usual costs and steps still apply:
- Budget for the full cost. Our guide to the cost of buying property in Dubai covers DLD fees and other charges.
- Check mortgage eligibility early. The Dubai mortgage guide explains down payments and loan-to-value limits, and the mortgage calculator helps estimate repayments.
- Understand off-plan registration. Off-plan purchases are registered through Oqood.
- Decide whether buying is right for you now. Our rent vs buy guide compares the two.
The legal procedure to buy property in Dubai explains each step of the transaction.
How Seven Century Can Help
Seven Century helps first-time buyers compare new launches and ready homes, review payment plans and understand the full costs before they commit.
Explore off-plan properties in Dubai and ready homes for sale, or speak to our property consultants about your budget and the programme's participating developers.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Programme terms can change, so confirm current eligibility and offers with DLD, participating developers and banks before you buy.