Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme has helped more than 2,000 residents purchase their first property in the past six months, generating over Dhs3.25 billion in residential property sales, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
First-Time Home Buyer Programme
Launched in July 2025, the FTHB Programme was created by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and DLD to make homeownership more accessible to residents of all nationalities and income levels.
The initiative provides priority access to new developments, tailored mortgage options, and preferential pricing through collaboration with developers and financial institutions, WAM reported.
Over 41,000 residents have registered for the programme so far. Nearly half of the purchased units (49%) were acquired by residents who have lived in Dubai for more than five years without previously owning a home, highlighting the scheme’s focus on supporting long-term community stability.
Economic impact
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said: “The remarkable response to the First-Time Home Buyer Programme – 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.
“This initiative not only strengthens investor confidence but also accelerates the real estate sector’s contribution to Dubai’s economy, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. By fostering social cohesion and supporting talent retention, we are stimulating long-term demand and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global model for sustainable urban development.”
Majid Al Marri, CEO of DLD’s Real Estate Registration Sector, added that the programme has helped sustain Dubai’s real estate momentum, with total transactions in 2025 reaching Dhs917 billion. He said the initiative effectively converts latent demand into actual property sales while promoting trust and transparency in the market.
First-time buyers have praised the programme for simplifying the homeownership process. Fatma Almarri, a participant, said: “Owning a home felt distant, especially on a single income. This Programme made the process simpler and more achievable, and it has helped me take control of my financial future with greater confidence.”
Jade Lee added: “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 Programme, I now have stability and a foundation I can build on for my future.”
The FTHB Programme continues to expand with additional developers and financial partners, offering a wider selection of properties to residents. It aims to support long-term community development while providing practical pathways to homeownership in Dubai.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
