Post by : Bianca Suleiman
The First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme in Dubai is making significant strides in the property sector, assisting over 2,000 residents to buy their inaugural homes within a span of just six months and generating an impressive AED3.25 billion in residential transactions, as stated by the Dubai Land Department (DLD).
Incepted in July 2025, this initiative is a collaborative effort between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Dubai Land Department, aimed at making homeownership attainable for residents from various backgrounds and income brackets. The Programme unites government agencies, prominent developers, and financial institutions to provide first-time buyers with exclusive access to new developments, attractive pricing, and specialized mortgage options.
Since its inception, the Programme has garnered tremendous interest, with over 41,000 residents registering. A remarkable statistic is that 49% of homes purchased belong to residents who have lived in Dubai for over five years but had not previously owned property—emphasizing the Programme's effectiveness in helping long-term residents establish roots in the city.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aspires to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033, and it aids the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033. Moreover, it complements the UAE’s Year of Community by enhancing social stability and promoting long-term residency.
The Programme has already yielded remarkable outcomes for participating developers and all five partner banks, with customized mortgage solutions witnessing substantial demand among first-time home buyers. This coordinated effort has effectively turned longstanding demand into tangible home purchases, broadening access to property ownership for numerous residents.
Bolstering Confidence and Long-Term Development
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), remarked that the enthusiastic response reflects Dubai's collaborative ethos and its clear long-term goals.
“The First-Time Home Buyer Programme exemplifies what can be accomplished when governmental bodies, developers, and financial institutions collaborate. It is making homeownership a reality for thousands while boosting investor confidence and enhancing the real estate sector’s contribution to the broader economy,” he noted.
He added that by fostering social cohesion and retaining talent, the initiative is instrumental in driving sustained demand and reinforcing Dubai's status as a global leader in sustainable urban development.
Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department, highlighted the Programme as a cornerstone in sustaining the dynamic momentum of Dubai's property landscape in 2025.
He pointed out that total real estate transactions this year have soared to AED917 billion, showcasing the sector’s robust growth and increasing investor trust. “The strong interest in the Programme demonstrates its capacity to convert latent demand into actual sales. It is a practical illustration of how regulatory support coupled with strategic partnerships can streamline the homeownership journey while enhancing trust and transparency in the market,” he stated.
Transforming Lives, One Home at a Time
For numerous residents, the Programme has marked a pivotal change.
Fatma Almarri, a recent homebuyer, shared that owning a property once seemed unattainable. “With a single income, it always felt far-off. This Programme simplified the journey and has instilled in me a greater sense of financial confidence,” she expressed.
Another program participant, Jade Lee, described her home purchase as life-altering. “Coming from a family that frequently moved between rentals, having my own home now offers me stability and a secure foundation for the future,” she remarked.
Expanded Opportunities Ahead
As the Programme continues to evolve, additional developers and partners are set to join the initiative, providing prospective buyers with an even broader array of property options and locales. Officials assert that this will further strengthen Dubai's end-user market and ensure that homeownership remains available to more residents.
By engaging residents in the property market and nurturing long-term community development, the First-Time Home Buyer Programme is crafting a more inclusive, stable, and forward-looking real estate sector—supporting Dubai’s growth aspirations while enabling families and individuals to build enduring lives in the city.
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