E-Paper
Sign In
Over 3,200 Dubai residents become first-time homeowners in less than a year
The programme, launched in July 2025, has driven residential property transactions surpassing Dh5 billion
- PUBLISHED: Mon 8 Jun 2026, 12:25 PM UPDATED: Mon 8 Jun 2026, 5:00 PM
More than 3,200 people have purchased homes for the first time in Dubai in the past one year, thanks to the First-Time Home Buyer Programme launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
The programme, launched in July 2025, has driven residential property transactions surpassing Dh5 billion, underscoring its significant impact on Dubai's real estate market and its role in broadening homeownership access across the city.
Recommended For You
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The initiative was designed to lower barriers for first-time buyers navigating one of the world's most dynamic property markets, offering residents a structured pathway to homeownership. The results signal strong uptake among Dubai's growing residential community, with thousands of families and individuals now holding title to their first properties in the UAE.
As many as nine developers have joined the initiative to support new property buyers in Dubai.
Officials from both departments highlighted the programme’s performance as evidence of sustained demand for residential ownership in Dubai, and pointed to the figures as a reflection of the emirate's commitment to inclusive economic growth and long-term residency stability.
The collaboration between the land authority and the tourism and economy body reflects a broader push to position Dubai not only as a global destination, but as a place where residents can put down permanent roots.
High time to buy property in Dubai
Zhou Yuan, operations director, Tomorrow World Real Estate Group, said it is high time for those looking to enter the market, as initiatives such as the First-Time Home Buyer Programme provide structural support and make property purchases more accessible.
"Waiting could mean missing out on these targeted government benefits or facing higher entry prices as Dubai's population and economic appeal continue to expand."
Rohan Bhaskar, managing director, Meraki Group, said that for genuine buyers, whether investors or end-users, the opportunity today lies in identifying quality developments in emerging growth corridors before the next wave of infrastructure and community development is fully priced in.
Diverse demographics
Bhaskar said today's buyer profile is much broader than in previous market cycles.
"A significant portion consists of long-term residents who have spent years renting in Dubai and now see ownership as a smarter financial decision. Alongside them are first-time international investors attracted by Dubai's stability, transparency, tax efficiency, and global connectivity. We're also seeing increasing participation from professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who view Dubai not just as a place to invest, but as a place to build a future. The shift is from speculative buying toward ownership driven by lifestyle, security, and long-term wealth creation," added Bhaskar.
Zhou Yuan added that the new buyers' demographic profile is quite diverse, but the primary driver is long-time expat residents.
"Many of them viewed Dubai as a temporary hub, but recent market shifts are encouraging these long-term residents to transition from renting to owning by lowering the barriers to entry. We are also seeing many young UAE citizens purchasing their primary residences, supported by domestic financing initiatives, as well as a growing segment of newly arrived foreign professionals who are choosing to immediately invest in a home rather than navigate the rental market," he added.
Protection from rentals
Yuan noted that there are two important reasons: personal financial stability and the broader economic vision of the emirate.
"On an individual level, buying a property protects residents from the fluctuations of the rental market, locking in housing costs and building long-term equity. If we consider the big picture, homeownership is vital for Dubai's sustainable growth. Programmes launched by the DLD and DET aim to transition the city's demographic from a transient workforce to a deeply rooted, invested population. When people buy homes, they are more likely to reinvest in the local economy, start businesses, and contribute to community development," he concluded.
