First Time Buyer Program Guide

First-Time Home Buyer Program:Your Gateway to Owning Property in Dubai

Owning your first home in Dubai is one of the most empowering financial steps you can take. However, navigating Dubai’s property market as a first-time buyer can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

That’s where Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Program steps in, designed to make property ownership easier, faster, and more affordable by offering exclusive benefits, streamlined access to developer launches, and competitive mortgage opportunities.

Whether you are looking to buy your first apartment in Downtown Dubai, a townhouse in JVC, or a villa for your family, the program supports you in taking this important step confidently.

What Is the First-Time Home Buyer Program?

The First-Time Home Buyer Program is a government-backed initiative in Dubai designed to:

• Ease the journey into homeownership for first-time buyers.

• Provide priority access to new project launches from top developers.

• Offer preferential pricing on off-plan and ready units.

• Enable flexible payment plans for DLD registration fees using eligible credit cards.

• Facilitate improved mortgage rates and faster approvals with partner banks.

• Extend exclusive incentives to eligible Emirati citizens.

It connects first-time buyers with leading developers, banks, and brokers to streamline the buying process while saving you time and money.

Who Is Eligible for the Program?

To qualify for the First-Time Home Buyer Program, you must:

• Be a UAE resident (any nationality).

• Be 18 years or older.

• Not currently own any freehold residential property in Dubai.

• Be seeking to purchase a property valued under AED 5 million.

If you own property in another Emirate or non-freehold area in Dubai, you can still participate as long as you do not own a freehold property in Dubai.

Benefits for First-Time Buyers

The program offers a range of exclusive benefits, including:

• Priority Access: Receive early notifications and priority booking for units in new project launches with participating developers, ensuring you secure premium units before they are released to the wider market.

• Preferential Pricing: Access exclusive pricing for off-plan units, often below market rates, with participating developers.

• Flexible Payment Plans: Pay DLD registration fees in interest-free instalments using eligible credit cards, easing upfront cost burdens.

• Better Mortgage Access: Benefit from competitive mortgage products with preferential rates and faster approvals from partner banks.

• Developer and Bank Incentives: Additional offers from developers and banks, including reduced fees, exclusive unit selections, and flexible payment schedules.

• Special Emirati Benefits: Select developers may provide added benefits to Emirati citizens, enhancing homeownership opportunities.

How to Apply for the Program

The application process is straightforward:

1. Register on the DLD website or Dubai REST app with your personal and residency details.

2. Submit the required documentation for eligibility verification.

3. If eligible, receive your First-Time Home Buyer QR code from DLD.

4. Use your QR code with participating developers and banks to access your exclusive benefits.

Your QR code remains valid until you purchase and register your property with DLD, allowing you to explore options confidently and at your own pace.

What Properties Are Covered Under the Program?

The First-Time Home Buyer Program supports:

• Off-plan properties with participating developers, allowing you to access early launches with flexible payment structures and preferential pricing.

• Ready properties, with participating banks providing faster mortgage approvals and competitive interest rates.

Whether you wish to invest in off-plan or move into a ready home immediately, the program ensures you benefit from structured support and financial advantages.

Who Are the Partner Developers and Banks?

The program includes Dubai’s top developers such as:

• EMAAR, DAMAC, Nakheel, Meraas, Dubai Properties, Ellington, Majid Al Futtaim, Azizi, Danube, Wasl, Binghatti, and more.

And partner banks including:

• Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic, Mashreq Bank, and Commercial Bank of Dubai.

Once registered, you can approach multiple developers and banks, compare offers, and choose the combination that best suits your homeownership goals. However, benefits can only be availed with one partner developer and one partner bank for your property purchase.

Important Points to Know

• No Additional Participation Fees: There are no extra fees to join the program. Standard DLD registration fees and applicable developer or bank charges apply unless waived under special program offers.

• Mortgage Is Optional: You are not required to use a mortgage to participate, but special mortgage products with preferential terms are available for first-time buyers.

• One-Time Eligibility: Once you purchase and register a property under this program, you lose first-time buyer status, even if you later sell the property.

• No Joint Purchases with Ineligible Buyers: Joint purchases are only allowed if all buyers meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

Why This Program Matters for You

Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Program is more than just a marketing initiative. It is a structured pathway designed to reduce barriers to entry for buyers, allowing you to:

Buy with confidence in a transparent, government-backed environment.
Secure premium units at attractive prices before general release.
Benefit financially through flexible fee payments and better mortgage deals.
Build your long-term wealth by investing in Dubai’s real estate market.

Ready to Own Your First Home in Dubai?

Smart Bricks will guide you through every step, from understanding your eligibility and registering for the program to helping you identify high-potential properties aligned with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Contact your Smart Bricks advisor today to take your first step toward owning your dream property in Dubai confidently.