Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Program has helped more than 3,200 residents purchase homes worth over AED 5 billion since launching in July 2025, with nine additional developers joining the initiative.
June 09, 2026 | Riya Malhotra | UAE | Real Estate
Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Program has generated more than AED 5 billion in residential property transactions and enabled over 3,200 residents to purchase their first homes in the emirate since its launch in July 2025, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
The milestone comes as the programme enters its next phase of expansion, with nine new developers joining the initiative through agreements signed with DLD and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The newly participating developers are 4Direction Developments, Arada, Dubai World Trade Centre, IRTH Group, Manam, Qube Development, Reportage Properties, SAMANA Developers and Sky View Real Estate. Their addition increases the total number of participating developers to 22, expanding the range of residential options available to eligible buyers across different communities, price points and property types.
The programme, which is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above who do not own a freehold residential property in Dubai, was introduced to support homeownership and encourage long-term residency in the emirate. It is also backed by five participating banks, providing eligible buyers with access to financing solutions tailored to first-time purchasers.
The latest figures highlight growing demand from end-users in Dubai's residential market, a segment that policymakers have increasingly sought to strengthen alongside the emirate's strong investor activity. By lowering barriers to homeownership and creating structured pathways for residents to enter the property market, the programme is contributing to a more balanced mix of owner-occupiers and investors.
The expansion also reflects increasing private-sector participation in government-led housing initiatives. With 22 developers now involved, residents have access to a broader inventory of homes, including both newly launched projects and existing residential stock.
The programme forms part of Dubai's wider economic and urban development agenda. Authorities said the initiative supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy and reinforce its position as a global destination for talent and investment. It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which seeks to increase homeownership rates and expand the sector's contribution to the emirate's GDP.
Beyond the transaction figures, the programme provides insight into a structural shift taking place within Dubai's residential market. Historically driven by international investors and second-home buyers, the sector is increasingly attracting long-term residents seeking permanent homeownership, supported by policy initiatives, financing accessibility and a growing range of residential offerings.
Residents who meet the eligibility criteria can register through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST application. Existing registrants can also update their preferences to access projects from the newly participating developers.
Sources: Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) announcement, 8 June 2026; official programme data on residential transactions, participant registrations and developer partnerships; information relating to the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program, Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.
