Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Programme 2026: 3,200 Buyers, AED 5 Billion in Transactions and 22 Developers

Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Programme 2026: Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme has expanded significantly since its launch in July 2025. In less than a year, the programme has helped more than 3,200 UAE residents become homeowners, with residential property transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.

The latest expansion has also brought nine more developers into the programme, taking the total number of participating developers to 22.

The programme is a joint initiative of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), created to make buying a first home in Dubai more accessible to residents.

What Is Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme?

Launched in July 2025, the programme is designed for UAE residents buying their first residential property in Dubai.

It connects eligible buyers with participating property developers and financial institutions. Depending on the property and partner, buyers can receive access to selected new launches, available inventory, mortgage solutions and other partner-specific benefits.

The programme is not a direct government cash grant. The benefits come through participating developers and banks.

More Than 3,200 Residents Have Bought Their First Homes

The programme has recorded significant activity since its launch.

According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, more than 3,200 residents have purchased their first homes through the programme.

The residential property transactions generated through the programme have exceeded AED 5 billion.

These figures cover the period from the programme's launch in July 2025 through the announcement made on 8 June 2026.

Nine New Developers Join the Programme

Nine developers joined the programme in its latest phase.

The new participants are:

• 4Direction Developments

• Arada

• Dubai World Trade Centre

• IRTH Group

• Manam

• Qube Development

• Reportage Properties

• SAMANA Developers

• Sky View Real Estate

Their addition takes the total number of participating developers to 22.

For buyers, the expansion means a wider selection of properties across different locations, price points and property types.

Existing programme registrants can also update their preferences to explore properties from the newly participating developers.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is available to UAE residents of all nationalities who meet the eligibility requirements.

The eligibility conditions stated by DLD include:

• The applicant must be 18 years or older.

• The applicant must be a UAE resident.

• The applicant must not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai.

• The property being purchased must fall within the programme's applicable price limit.

The programme is therefore aimed at residents who are entering Dubai's residential ownership market for the first time.

What Benefits Are Available?

The benefits depend on the participating developer or financial institution.

Eligible buyers can access:

Priority access to selected properties

Programme participants can receive priority access to selected new projects and available inventory from participating developers.

This can be particularly relevant around new project launches, where early access may give registered buyers a wider choice of available units.

Preferential prices on selected properties

Some participating developers may provide preferential pricing for eligible programme buyers.

This does not mean that every property from a participating developer automatically comes with a discount. The offer depends on the individual developer and property.

Mortgage solutions

The programme is also supported by participating banks, which provide financing solutions for eligible first-time buyers.

The participating banks include:

• Commercial Bank of Dubai

• Dubai Islamic Bank

• Emirates NBD

• Emirates Islamic

• Mashreq

Mortgage rates, fees, approval conditions and other terms can vary between banks.

Do You Have to Take a Mortgage?

No.

The programme is not limited to buyers who need a mortgage. Financing is one of the benefits available through participating banks, while the wider programme also provides access to developer-related benefits.

This makes the programme relevant to both cash buyers and residents looking for home financing.

Can You Buy an Off-Plan Property?

Yes, the programme includes access to selected new projects from participating developers.

Buyers can also explore available residential inventory, while participating banks provide financing options for eligible purchases.

The specific benefits depend on the property, developer and financing arrangement.

How to Register for the Programme

Residents who meet the eligibility requirements can register through the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app.

After registering, eligible buyers can access information about participating developers and available programme benefits.

Existing registrants can update their preferences to include the newly added developers.

Why the 22-Developer Expansion Matters

The addition of nine developers is one of the biggest developments in the programme's 2026 update.

When the programme launched, its purpose was to connect first-time buyers with a network of developers and financial institutions. Expanding that network gives registered buyers access to a broader range of homes.

It also increases the number of property projects that can be explored through the programme rather than limiting buyers to a small group of developers.

For developers, participation provides another channel to reach residents who are actively considering their first home purchase in Dubai.

Dubai's Push to Increase Homeownership

The programme forms part of Dubai's broader real-estate strategy.

DLD and DET have positioned the initiative alongside the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.

The stated objective includes supporting homeownership and developing a more end-user-driven residential property market.

The programme also reflects the growing role of cooperation between Dubai government entities, property developers and financial institutions in the residential market.

What Buyers Should Check Before Purchasing

Being eligible for the programme does not mean that every property or offer will be suitable for every buyer.

Before making a purchase, buyers should check the actual terms attached to the specific property.

This includes:

• The property's total purchase price

• Payment schedule

• Developer's payment-plan terms

• Mortgage interest rate and fees, where applicable

• Registration and other transaction costs

• Handover date for off-plan properties

• Service charges for the property

• Any conditions attached to a developer's programme benefit

The programme provides access to opportunities and partner benefits, but buyers still need to evaluate the individual property and its costs.

Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Programme 2026: Key Numbers

Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Programme has moved beyond its initial launch phase, with more than 3,200 residents having purchased their first homes and residential transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.

The addition of nine developers brings the programme's developer network to 22 and gives eligible residents a wider selection of properties to consider.

For residents planning to buy their first home in Dubai, the programme provides a single route to explore selected developer opportunities and financing benefits. However, the exact offer depends on the participating developer, property and bank involved.