Multitudes flock to purchase real estate in Dubai, capitalizing on incentives for initial homeowners
Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Programme Attracts Thousands
Dubai's real estate market is witnessing a significant shift, as the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, launched on July 2, 2025, has drawn in a surge of interest from potential homeowners.
Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Damac Properties, revealed that the developer received approximately 1,000 inquiries daily, just 15 days after the programme's launch. This figure is a testament to the programme's appeal among UAE residents seeking to establish long-term roots in Dubai.
Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of Danube Group, reported a similar trend, with his company receiving 500-700 queries daily from first-time buyers since the incentives were announced.
The programme, designed to support UAE residents aged 18 or older with a valid Emirates ID, offers key incentives such as up to 10% discounts on properties valued up to AED 5 million, priority access to new project launches, flexible payment plans, and zero-interest installment options for Dubai Land Department (DLD) registration fees.
Participating developers include Azizi Developments, Beyond Developments, Binghatti Holding, DAMAC Properties, Danube Properties, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, Emaar Properties, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Meraas, Nakheel, Palma Holding, and Wasl. These developers are offering exclusive discounts and priority access to selected off-plan and ready-stock units.
On the financing side, five major UAE banks—Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, and Mashreq Bank—have joined forces to make the programme possible. These banks are providing improved mortgage access with preferential interest rates and reduced fees. Eligible credit card holders from some participating banks can pay DLD registration fees in interest-free installments, reducing upfront costs.
Amira Sajwani of Damac Properties stated that around 70% of interested buyers are seeking properties priced below Dh1.5 million. Danube founder Rizwan Sajan mentioned that most of the first-time property buyers are looking for properties in the Dh1 million to Dh2 million range.
The programme has attracted a notable shift in buyer behaviour, with more individuals and families looking to take advantage of these opportunities. In fact, within two weeks of the programme's launch, nearly 14,000 individuals registered their interest. Amira Sajwani expects several serious buyers to be in advanced discussions and expects several transactions to close in the coming months.
By combining these benefits, the initiative removes traditional barriers to property ownership, making it easier than ever for residents to step onto the property ladder. Danube Properties, for example, has announced a 10% allocation of its residential units for first-time buyers, a one percent monthly payment plan, and an easy payment plan requiring just 60% before handover.
In conclusion, first-time buyers in Dubai can benefit from a combination of price discounts, flexible and interest-free payment options, priority property selection among top developers, and favorable mortgage terms from key UAE banks, all designed to facilitate affordable entry into Dubai’s real estate market.
- The First-Time Home Buyer Programme in Dubai has sparked interest from potential investors in various sectors, with many seeking real-estate opportunities.
- The programme's incentives, such as discounts and flexible payment plans, have caught the attention of those interested in business investments.
- The surge in first-time buyers in Dubai's real-estate market has also attracted finance institutions, offering improved mortgage access and preferential interest rates.
- The health of Dubai's economy, as evidenced by this successful programme, is a significant news item for both local and international investors, signifying a promising outlook for the finance, real-estate, and sports sectors.
