Your First Home in Dubai: A Guide to the First-Time Home Buyer Programme

Buying your first home is a milestone—and in Dubai, the process just got easier. The Dubai Land Department’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme (also called the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program, First Home Buyer Scheme, or First-Time Buyer Initiative) bundles early access to new launches, preferential pricing, flexible ways to pay fees, and competitive mortgage options so you can move from research to keys-in-hand with confidence.

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

It’s a government-backed initiative from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in collaboration with leading developers, brokerages, and banks. If you qualify, you’ll receive a unique First-Time Home Buyer QR code that you can present to partner developers and partner banks to unlock programme-only benefits—think priority access, pricing advantages, and streamlined financing. There are no application or participation fees.

Who is eligible?

• UAE resident (any nationality)
• 18+ years old
• No current freehold residential ownership in Dubai
• Property value under AED 5 million

Emirati citizens may receive additional privileges. Some benefits have been time-limited—in recent updates, they applied to the next 5,000 first-time buyers—so always verify the latest terms with the DLD.

What you get as a first-time buyer

• Early access and priority allocation to new launches before public sales
• Preferential pricing and access to reserved inventory
• Flexible fee payments for the DLD registration fee (typically 4%), often via eligible credit cards in instalments
• Competitive mortgage offers from partner banks—lower rates, extended terms, reduced fees, and faster approvals
• No programme fee to register or participate

How to apply and use your QR code (step-by-step)

1. Register with the DLD
   Sign up via the Dubai Land Department website or the Dubai REST app. Complete your profile and submit details that confirm eligibility.
2. Receive approval and your QR code
   Once approved, you’ll receive a unique First-Time Home Buyer QR code by email/app.
3. Present your QR code to partners
   Show it at developer launches to access priority allocations and pricing, and share it with partner banks to unlock programme-specific mortgage benefits. If you’re working with a broker, they can help generate and share it at reservation or sale.
4. Select your home and proceed
   Shortlist communities, compare layouts and views, reserve your unit, execute the SPA, arrange fee payments, and complete financing if needed.

Tip: Confirm your QR code’s validity period and any usage limits in the Dubai REST app or directly with the DLD.

Partner banks and developers

You’ll interact with a trusted ecosystem of banks and developers under the programme.

Partner banks (examples)

• Emirates NBD
• Emirates Islamic
• Dubai Islamic Bank
• Mashreq
• Commercial Bank of Dubai

Partner developers (examples)

• Emaar, Nakheel, Damac, Sobha, Danube
• Meraas, Azizi, Imtiaz, Ellington, Binghatti

You’re free to compare multiple offers. For the current, complete list of partners, check the DLD site or Dubai REST.

Costs, fees, and what to budget

• Programme fee: None
• DLD registration fee: Typically 4% of the property price (installment options via eligible credit cards may be available under the programme)
• Mortgage-related: Bank valuation fee, processing/administration fees, and occasionally early settlement/lock-in costs
• Developer/admin: SPA registration/admin charges as applicable
• Ongoing ownership: Community service charges and maintenance provisions

Build a total budget (purchase price + DLD fee + bank/developer fees + moving/fit-out + contingency) so you’re never surprised at handover.

Off-plan vs ready-to-move: which is right for you?

Option	Pros	Considerations
Off-plan (under construction)	Earlier access and pricing; flexible developer payment plans; pick preferred layouts/views in new communities	Delivery timelines; completion-linked payment schedules; buy from reputable developers; review SPA carefully
Ready-to-move (completed)	Immediate handover; inspect the actual unit before paying most of the price	Upfront funds timing; existing service charges; weigh current market pricing vs new-launch alternatives

Where can expats buy freehold in Dubai?

Expats can purchase in designated freehold areas. Popular choices include Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). If you’re exploring master communities, also consider locations like Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour, and The Valley. Compare commute times, schools, amenities, and future infrastructure plans when shortlisting.

Mortgages for first-time buyers (and how the programme helps)

Partner banks streamline financing with lower rates, extended terms, reduced fees, and faster approvals tailored to first-time buyers.

• Get pre-approved early: Clarify your budget and expected monthly repayments.
• Compare multiple offers: Look beyond headline rates—check fees, rate type, lock periods, and early settlement rules.
• Match timelines: Align pre-approval validity and disbursal with the developer’s payment schedule and handover date.

Common first-time buyer mistakes to avoid

• Rushing in without researching comparable prices and recent transactions
• Skipping a physical inspection (for ready units) or detailed plan/spec review (for off-plan)
• Underestimating community service charges and long-term maintenance
• Misreading completion-linked payment schedules and handover timelines
• Overlooking developer reputation and delivery track record
• Applying for finance late or not comparing multiple bank options
• Ignoring commute time, school proximity, and transport access

Is now a good time to buy?

Dubai continues to attract first-home buyers thanks to strong demand, competitive pricing relative to other global hubs, and a tax-friendly environment. Pro-investor policies—like 100% foreign ownership and long-term residence options (e.g., the 10-year Golden Visa for qualifying investments)—add to the appeal. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme amplifies accessibility via early access, preferential pricing, flexible fee payments, and smoother mortgage approvals.

Quick FAQs about the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program(me)

Is there a fee to apply?

No. There are no application or participation fees for the programme.

Is it only for off-plan properties?

Not explicitly. Many benefits emphasise new launches and early allocations. Check the current scope with the DLD or via Dubai REST.

Can expats participate?

Yes—if you are a UAE resident, are 18+, do not own a freehold residential property in Dubai, and choose a property under AED 5 million.

What if I own property in another emirate or in a non-freehold area?

Rules beyond “no freehold residential ownership in Dubai” haven’t been publicly detailed. Confirm your specific case directly with the DLD.

How long is the QR code valid?

Validity isn’t publicly specified. Confirm the latest details in the Dubai REST app or with the DLD.

Can I work with more than one bank or developer?

Yes, you can compare multiple partner offers. Confirm any process limits with the DLD and the sales teams you’re engaging.

Can I buy jointly?

Joint purchases are possible; typically, all co-buyers must meet eligibility criteria. Please verify current rules with the DLD before proceeding.

Do I need a mortgage to benefit?

No. Cash buyers can still access developer-side perks like early access and preferential pricing. If you finance, partner banks offer tailored terms.

Can I use the programme more than once?

It’s intended for first-time buyers. For repeat eligibility or scenarios after selling, consult the DLD for the latest policy.

Smart first-home buying checklist

• Define your total budget (price + DLD 4% + bank/developer fees + service charges + contingency)
• Get mortgage pre-approval (if financing)
• Register for the programme via the DLD site or Dubai REST
• Receive and keep your First-Time Home Buyer QR code handy
• Shortlist reputable developers and well-connected communities
• Attend launches and use your QR code for reserved units/pricing
• Compare offers from multiple partner banks
• Read the SPA and payment schedule carefully; confirm service charges
• Align move-in and financing timelines; plan for handover
• Keep documents organised and ask for clarifications early

How to start today

• Visit the Dubai Land Department – First-Time Home Buyer page or download the Dubai REST app.
• Register, secure your QR code, and engage partner developers and banks.
• If you’re working with a broker, ask them to guide the QR workflow during reservation and sale.

With the right prep and the programme’s built-in advantages, you’ll be on the property ladder in Dubai sooner—and on better terms.