Launched in July 2025, the Dubai First Time Home Buyer Program is designed to make expats’ home-buying dreams a reality. This initiative is announced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Department of Economy and Tourism. Under this scheme, first-time home buyers can get special offers, including easy financing and priority access to luxury properties. This guide, derived from The Dubai Street, will guide you to understand how to check your eligibility to buy your dream home in Dubai.

Dubai First Time Home Buyer Program Scheme

The new “Buy Your Dream Home in Dubai” initiative is designed to help residents purchase their first home with ease. With a collaboration of top developers, leading banks, and property platforms, home buyers in Dubai will get premium access to new properties, flexible payment plans, and mortgage options. Aimed at providing a better lifestyle for expats, this program aligns with Dubai’s goal to double its real estate sector’s growth by 2033. This scheme is perfect for those who are ready to step into the process of finding your dream home in Dubai.

Who Can Apply for the First-Time Home Buyer Scheme in Dubai?

Who can apply for the program? Here is the checklist on who can apply for the Dubai First Time Home Buyer Program.

• Your age should be 18 years or older.
• You must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID and must live in the UAE.
• This must be your first home purchase, and must not own any freehold residential property in Dubai.
• The total value of the home you buy must be valued at up to AED 5 million.

Note: All nationalities can apply for this program.

How to Check Your Eligibility

You can check your eligibility to buy your dream home in Dubai by following the below steps:

• Visit the official DLD website or Dubai REST app.
• Log in using your Emirates ID
• Provide all the required details, including residency status and property ownership history.
• If eligible, you will receive a QR code. You can scan the QR code to access the premium properties available, and program benefits and bank offers.

In case you don’t qualify for the scheme, the DLD will explain the reasons, and you can reapply if your situation changes. You can do it on your own, and there are no extra fees to apply; all you need to pay are standard DLD fees.

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Things to Consider Before Applying for First-Time Home Buyer Scheme

Before applying for the First Time Home Buyer Scheme in Dubai, keep these points in mind:

• Banks are solely responsible for deciding your eligibility based on your credit score, not a fixed salary.
• Once you buy a property under this scheme, you can’t rejoin the program, even if you sell later.
• Under this scheme, joint purchases are allowed. But both buyers should be first-time buyers.
• Kindly ensure your Emirates ID is active to avoid delays.

Difference Between Other Mortgage Options and First Time Home Buyer Program

Under this ownership scheme, residents will enjoy the perks as listed below:-

• Get priority access to new property launches
• Enjoy flexible pricing and discount options on selected units
• Pay DLD registration fees with interest-free installments using eligible credit cards
• Access to provide better mortgage options and get access to tailored loans with lower rates and faster approvals from partner banks.

This initiative is great news for UAE expats who wish to buy their dream home in Dubai. With over 3.7 million expats in the UAE, and more planning to move to Dubai, this initiative helps build a stronger city and aligns with Dubai’s master vision to be a top global city by 2040.

FAQs About the Dubai First Home Buyer Program

Who can join the Dubai First Time Home Buyer Program?

You must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID and must live in the UAE to be eligible to enroll in the Dubai First Time Home Buyer Program.

What is the maximum property value I can buy under this scheme?

Under Dubai’s First Time Home Buyer scheme, you can purchase a property up to AED 5 million.

Are there any fees to be paid to enroll in the First Time Home Buyer Scheme?

No, there are no extra fees, though standard DLD and developer charges apply.

Can UAE expatriates apply for this program?

Yes, this program is designed for all UAE residents, including expatriates and UAE nationals.

What if I don’t qualify for the Firt-Time Home Buyer Scheme?

If you don’t qualify for the first-time home buyer scheme. The DLD will notify you of the reasons and you can reapply later, after fixing the reasons.

What happens after I buy a home?

You lose your first-time buyer status and can’t rejoin the program.

Which banks and developers are involved?

Partners include Emaar, Nakheel, Emirates NBD, and more, with others joining soon.

Whether you’re an Emirati or an expat, now is the perfect time to act. Visit the DLD website or Dubai REST app today to start your journey toward homeownership!

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