Property developers in Dubai are reporting a surge in interest from first-time home buyers, following the launch of a new government-backed initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible for UAE residents.
Since the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) announced the First-Time Home Buyer programme on July 2, developers have been receiving hundreds of daily enquiries. The initiative, launched in partnership with 13 major developers and five leading banks, offers UAE residents aged 18 and above priority access to off-plan units, preferential pricing on properties up to AED 5 million, and tailored mortgage products.
Among the participating developers are major names such as Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, Danube Properties, and Meraas. The banks involved include Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates Islamic, and Mashreq Bank.
Developers say the response has been overwhelming. Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of Danube Group, said the company receives between 500 to 700 queries daily, with nearly all coming directly from buyers rather than brokers. “This shows a clear shift towards end-user interest,” he noted.
Amira Sajwani, managing director at DAMAC Properties, said that within just two weeks of the programme’s launch, approximately 14,000 individuals had registered their interest, with the company averaging 1,000 enquiries per day. “This reflects not only the immediate impact of the initiative but also the growing confidence in Dubai’s real estate market,” she said.
Sajwani noted that around 70% of interested buyers are seeking homes priced below AED 1.5 million, indicating strong demand for affordable yet quality housing. More than half of the inquiries, she added, are from end-users rather than investors — a sign that many people are looking to establish long-term roots in the city.
“Dubai is no longer just seen as an investment hub; it’s increasingly viewed as a place to live, grow, and build a future,” she said.
To further support this trend, developers are offering additional incentives. Danube Properties has reserved 10% of its residential units for first-time buyers, introduced a one percent monthly payment plan, and allows buyers to pay only 60% of the property’s cost before handover. DAMAC is also providing exclusive access to select properties and streamlined financing options tailored to new buyers.
Industry leaders say the initiative is a step towards sustainable homeownership, helping young professionals and families access the market by reducing financial barriers. With demand rising and transactions expected to close in the coming months, the programme is poised to reshape Dubai’s residential property landscape.
