More than 2,000 residents have purchased property for the first time in Dubai over the past six months under the First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme, reflecting a growing shift from renting to ownership in the emirate.
According to the latest data released by the Dubai Land Department, residential property transactions completed under the programme reached a total value of AED 3.25 billion. Notably, 49% of buyers were long-term Dubai residents who had lived in the city for more than five years without previously owning a home, highlighting the programme’s success in converting long-standing renters into homeowners.
Making Homeownership More Accessible
The FTHB Programme was launched in July 2025 by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the Dubai Land Department. The initiative aims to make property ownership more attainable for first-time buyers by offering priority access to selected new developments, tailored mortgage solutions, and preferential pricing, in partnership with leading developers and banks.
Since its launch, over 41,000 residents have registered for the programme, underlining strong demand for structured homeownership support in Dubai’s growing residential market.
Programme Expansion Underway
Following its strong uptake, authorities have announced plans to expand the programme by onboarding additional developers and properties. Participating developers currently include leading names such as Emaar, Damac, Nakheel, Meraas, Wasl, Binghatti, Ellington Properties, Majid Al Futtaim, Danube Properties, Dubai Properties, Palma Development, and Beyond Properties.
On the financing side, the programme is supported by major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, Emirates Islamic, and Commercial Bank of Dubai, ensuring accessible mortgage options for eligible buyers.
A Shift From Renting to Ownership
With rental prices continuing to rise, many residents are choosing to buy homes to secure long-term stability and benefit from capital appreciation. Dubai’s evolving lifestyle, investor-friendly policies, and long-term residency options have further strengthened its appeal as a permanent home rather than a transient destination.
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, noted that the initiative supports Dubai’s wider economic goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, enhancing investor confidence and reinforcing the real estate sector’s contribution to economic growth.
A Life-Changing Milestone for Buyers
First-time homeowners have described the programme as transformational. Buyers shared that the initiative simplified what once felt like a distant goal, enabling financial security, stability, and long-term planning. For many residents, homeownership has become a foundation for building their future in Dubai.
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at the Dubai Land Department, highlighted that the programme successfully converts latent demand into real transactions by aligning regulatory frameworks with strong public-private partnerships—reinforcing trust, transparency, and market stability.