Dubai Home Buyer Program Hits $885m Sales Milestone

The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program has generated $885m in sales after 2,000 residents purchased their first homes during the initial six months of its launch. This initiative has altered the map of the emirate’s real estate sector. The milestone program has achieved AED 3.25 billion in residential property sales, and more than 41,000 participants have registered to date. The program’s success adds to Dubai’s thriving real estate market, which saw total transactions of AED 917 billion in 2025. Residents throughout dubailand now reap the benefits of this initiative, which builds on Dubai’s exceptional performance in 2024 when the emirate logged AED 761 billion in real estate transactions through 226,000 deals. The program’s momentum continues from last year when Dubai drew approximately 110,000 new real estate investors—marking a 55 percent increase from the previous year.

Dubai Launches Home Buyer Program to Boost Ownership

Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) launched the First-Time Home Buyer Program on July 2, 2025. This joint effort has altered the map of Dubai’s real estate sector and created new ways for residents to become homeowners instead of renters.

Program launched in July 2025 by DLD and DET

DLD hosted a press conference that revealed this groundbreaking initiative. Majid Al Marri, CEO of Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, and Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation attended the event. The program brings together government bodies, leading developers, and financial institutions. Their shared framework aims to reshape the scene of Dubai’s real estate market. This strategic collaboration shows Dubai’s steadfast dedication to building an inclusive property market for aspiring homeowners from all backgrounds.

Aims to support first-time home buyers and long-term residents

The program targets both Emiratis and expatriates who want to buy their first property in Dubai. Applicants must meet these criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old and a UAE resident
• Not currently own any freehold residential property in Dubai
• Be seeking a property valued below AED 5 million

Participants get priority access to new property launches, better pricing from participating developers, and custom mortgage solutions. The program also offers flexible payment plans for off-plan units. Buyers can pay DLD registration fees through eligible credit cards with interest-free installment options.

This detailed approach helps solve common problems that first-time buyers face – high upfront costs, complex financing procedures, and limited access to good loan terms. The program gives extra benefits to Emirati citizens, which creates more opportunities for different groups in society.

Backed by Dubai’s D33 economic agenda

The program lines up with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which wants to double Dubai’s economy by 2033. This initiative gets more and thus encourages more long-term demand, adds liquidity to the real estate ecosystem, and boosts the sector’s contribution to GDP.

The program supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and helps achieve UAE’s Year of Community goals by deepening social bonds and economic strength. It fits perfectly with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan that focuses on increasing homes in strategic locations, making housing more affordable, and encouraging people to stay longer.

The program helps renters become homeowners and creates stronger community ties throughout the emirate. This change is more than just a financial move—it shows Dubai’s commitment to creating an open real estate market that welcomes new homeowners while making the city a top global destination for talent.

Over 2,000 Buyers Drive AED 3.25 Billion in Sales

Dubai’s first-time homeownership initiative has taken off with thousands of residents becoming property owners faster than expected. The program has sparked market growth and generated impressive sales right after launch.

Sales milestone reached within six months

The First-Time Home Buyer Program has helped more than 2,000 residents buy their first home in just six months. Buyers have spent over AED 3.25 billion ($885 million) on residential properties.

More than 41,000 residents have signed up for the program. These numbers show how many people want to enter Dubai’s property market. The real estate sector is booming with AED 431 billion in total transactions during the first half of 2025.

The program’s success stands out in Dubai’s real estate market. The market recorded 125,538 transactions in H1 2025—26% more than the same period in 2024. These numbers prove that the First-Time Home Buyer Program benefits from and adds to the market’s positive momentum.

49% of buyers were long-term Dubai residents

The program has attracted many long-term residents. About 49% of purchases came from people who lived in Dubai for more than five years without owning property. This shows how the program helps established residents build permanent roots in their city.

More UAE residents are buying property beyond this program too. About 45% of first-time investors in this period were UAE residents. People who live and work in the UAE now see real estate as a way to save money or earn passive income.

The program turns renters into homeowners and builds stronger communities across the emirate. This change lines up with Dubai’s vision for stable population growth and better quality of life.

Transactions spread across multiple developers

The program works with many developers, which has become one of its strengths. This wide reach shows how the program fits into Dubai’s varied property market.

Banks play a vital role in the program’s success. First-time buyers love the special mortgage options from all five participating banks. These financial products help more Dubai residents buy homes by removing common obstacles.

The Dubai Land Department wants to work with more developers as the program grows. More property choices will become available to future homeowners at different price points across Dubai.

The real estate sector shows similar growth. Brokers completed 42,181 transactions in the first half of 2025, earning over AED 3.23 billion in commissions—twice as much as the same period in 2024. This jump in broker activity shows how programs like this boost the entire real estate market.

Government and Private Sector Unite to Ease Access

“The remarkable response to the First-Time Home Buyer Program – an initiative guided by our visionary leadership and delivered in close collaboration with the Dubai Land Department – reflects Dubai’s spirit of partnership, uniting government, developers, and financial institutions to turn homeownership into a reality for thousands.” — Hadi Badri, Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, overseeing economic initiatives including real estate programs

The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program shows how government entities and private sector work together. They created a simplified path to homeownership by coordinating financial and developmental support. This partnership is the life-blood of the program’s early wins.

Five banks and 13+ developers participate

A resilient network of financial institutions and property developers are the foundations of the program. Five major banks support first-time buyers:

• Commercial Bank of Dubai
• Dubai Islamic Bank
• Emirates NBD
• Emirates Islamic
• Mashreq Bank

Thirteen prominent developers have joined the program. These include Azizi Developments, Binghatti Properties, Beyond Developments, DAMAC Properties, Danube Properties, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, EMAAR, Majid Al Futtaim, Meraas, Nakheel Properties, Palma Holding, and Wasl. This all-encompassing partnership will give buyers access to a variety of property options throughout dubailand.

Tailored mortgage products and flexible payment plans

Partner banks offer specialized mortgage solutions designed for program participants. These include better interest rates, faster approvals, and lower fees[122]. Emirates NBD accepts applications with a minimum salary of AED 10,000. The bank finances up to 85% of property value, charges no application fee, and allows free partial settlement up to 20% of the loan amount.

The program also offers flexible payment arrangements for Dubai Land Department registration fees. Eligible credit cards come with interest-free installment plans. This helps overcome common financial barriers that stopped many long-term residents from buying property.

Priority access to new launches and discounted pricing

Program participants get exclusive benefits that substantially improve their buying position. They receive priority access to units in new project launches from all participating developers. This early access creates opportunities that would typically be out of reach in Dubai’s competitive real estate market.

The program offers real financial benefits through better pricing on units valued up to AED 5 million[141]. Developers notify eligible customers directly about planned launches and dedicated units. Buyers looking for ready properties can also benefit, as verified participants get special offers when financing through partner banks.

The program continues to grow with new partners, so first-time buyers will have more property choices.

How the Program Aligns with Dubai’s Economic Vision

The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program does more than help people find homes. This program serves as a foundation that supports the emirate’s economic and social goals. The initiative fits perfectly with Dubai’s long-term development plans.

Supports D33 and Real Estate Strategy 2033

This program helps implement Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which wants to double Dubai’s economy in the next decade. The goal is to make Dubai one of the top three global cities. Residents who buy properties through this initiative support D33’s mission to improve living standards and build reliable economic sectors. The program acts as an economic tool that brings money into real estate, which helps grow the GDP faster.

The program also matches the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033’s goals for eco-friendly market growth, better transparency, and easier access. First-time home buyers in dubailand now face fewer obstacles thanks to custom financing options and better pricing.

Contributes to UAE Vision 2040 population goals

The program is a vital part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan that aims to house 5.8 million residents by 2040. This goal needs more than just buildings – it needs ways to encourage people to stay longer. People who switch from renting to owning homes create stronger community bonds. This change helps achieve the plan’s goal of bringing different groups together in stable neighborhoods.

Encourages social stability and economic resilience

Owning a home means more than just having property – it creates investment in the community and long-term loyalty to Dubai. The program supports UAE’s Year of Community goals by deepening their commitment through property ownership. This shift makes Dubai’s economy stronger by creating more stakeholders who care about the emirate’s success.

The program also helps position Dubai as a top global talent destination by offering paths to permanent residency through property investment. When first-time buyers build stronger connections to Dubai, they help create a more stable consumer base and workforce. These changes strengthen economic foundations beyond just the real estate sector.

Participants Share How the Program Changed Their Lives

“Owning my own property has been a life-changing milestone. Growing up in a family where homeownership was not common, I watched my parents move from one rental to another. Thanks to this Program, I now have stability and a foundation I can build on for my future.” — Jade Lee, First-time home buyer under the Dubai program, highlighting stability for long-term renters

Real people’s stories show how Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Program changes lives. Their experiences paint a picture that goes beyond numbers and data, showing how dreams become reality throughout Dubailand.

Fatma Almarri: From renting to financial confidence

Fatma Almarri stands out as one of the program’s first success stories. “Owning a home felt distant, especially on a single income. This Program made the process simpler and more achievable, and it has helped me take control of my financial future with greater confidence”. She now enjoys the security of owning her home instead of paying rent.

Jade Lee: Achieving stability after years of renting

The program created lasting change for Jade Lee and her family. “Owning my own property has been a life-changing milestone. Growing up in a family where homeownership was not common, I watched my parents move from one rental to another. Thanks to this Program, I now have stability and a foundation I can build on for my future”. Lee’s story shows how temporary housing gave way to permanent roots in Dubai.

Buyers cite ease of process and long-term benefits

Early participants see the program as a key milestone that helped them put down roots in the city. The support system makes ownership possible for residents who never thought they could buy property. First-time home buyers throughout Dubai now benefit from both stable housing and smart investment opportunities, thanks to straightforward procedures and financial help.

Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Program has achieved remarkable results in just six months. The program has revolutionized the emirate’s property market by generating AED 3.25 billion in sales and helping 2,000 residents buy their first homes. The program’s success is evident as nearly half of these buyers had called Dubai home for more than five years, which shows how it helps long-term residents put down roots.

The program creates clear paths to homeownership by bringing together government bodies and private sector partners. Five major banks now provide specialized mortgage products, while thirteen leading developers give priority access to launches and better pricing. This partnership helps overcome common obstacles that Dubai’s first-time buyers face.

The initiative fits perfectly with Dubai’s key plans – the Economic Agenda D33, Real Estate Strategy 2033, and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It acts as both an economic driver and social anchor that supports Dubai’s goal to become one of the world’s top three cities.

Beyond the numbers, personal stories reveal the program’s real value. Residents like Fatma Almarri and Jade Lee share how the program gave them financial security after years of renting. Their experiences show how the initiative creates lasting change and helps people build stronger community ties throughout Dubai.

This program does more than just help people buy homes – it shows Dubai’s dedication to building economic strength, growing its population, and creating social unity. As more partners join the program, it will strengthen Dubai’s status as a world-class city where residents can build their future permanently instead of staying temporarily.