Dubai just made real estate history.
In a landmark move to make homeownership more accessible to long-term residents, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have launched the First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Programme — a game-changing initiative designed to boost the city’s property market while helping residents build lasting roots.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the FTHB Program?
The FTHB initiative offers unprecedented support for first-time home buyers in Dubai, giving them access to exclusive benefits, discounts, and financing support when purchasing residential properties under AED 5 million.The goal?
To empower more residents to become homeowners and improve overall quality of life in the emirate — while also fueling Dubai’s real estate sector.
Key Benefits for Buyers
Through partnerships with 13 of Dubai’s top developers and 5 leading banks, the program offers:
✅ Priority Access to select projects from top developers
✅ Special Discounts on eligible properties
✅ Interest-Free DLD Fee Installments via participating bank credit cards
✅ Reduced Mortgage Rates & Fees from major banks including Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Emirates Islamic, DIB, and Commercial Bank of Dubai
This creates a more affordable, accessible path to homeownership than ever before — especially for younger residents and families ready to settle in Dubai long term.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to all UAE residents over the age of 18, provided the property in question is:
- Freehold
- Residential
- Valued below AED 5 million
Whether you’re an expat or Emirati, this initiative could be your gateway to owning your first property in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.
How Brokers Are Involved
Participating brokers are a key part of the process — helping applicants register and guiding them through the home-buying journey from start to finish.
They’ll assist with:
- Validating eligibility via Emirates ID
- Registering applicants using UAE Pass
- Securely generating QR codes for developer/bank use
- Supporting clients with mortgage facilitation
- Ensuring data privacy (buyer details aren’t shared with developers)
This is designed to streamline the buying process and eliminate the usual roadblocks first-time buyers face.
Developers & Banks You Can Work With
The program is backed by 13 of Dubai’s most prominent developers, including:
Emaar, Nakheel, Meraas, Dubai Properties, DAMAC, Azizi, Binghatti, Ellington, Danube, Majid Al Futtaim, Wasl, Palma, and Beyond.
Banks include:
Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Commercial Bank of Dubai.
Why This Is a Big Deal
With rising rental prices and high demand in Dubai’s real estate market, this initiative is timely and strategic. It enables more residents — especially expats — to put down roots, start building equity, and gain long-term stability in the UAE.
It also shows Dubai’s commitment to making the city more livable, diverse, and accessible for all.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s FTHB Programme is more than just a government project — it’s a lifestyle opportunity. Whether you’ve been dreaming of owning your own apartment or upgrading from renting, this may be the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Want help navigating the program or finding the best new projects under AED 5M?
We can help. Contact us now to get your personalized buyer’s guide.
