More than 3,200 new Dubai homebuyers emerge within one year

The project kicked off operations in July 2025 and has already witnessed residential real estate sales soar past Dh5 billion.

More than 3,200 homebuyers have purchased their first homes in Dubai within the last year as a result of the First-Time Home Buyers Program introduced by the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

The initiative, which commenced in July 2025, has led to housing deals totalling more than Dh5 billion. It showcases just how influential it has been in the Dubai real estate market.

The programme aims to overcome obstacles for novice investors dealing with one of the most volatile real estate markets in the world by providing residents with a clear path to becoming homeowners. It appears that the programme has received a positive response from Dubai’s ever-growing residential community, with many acquiring their own homes in the United Arab Emirates.

As many as nine developers have been involved in supporting new homeowners in Dubai.

Representatives from both departments mentioned the programme’s effectiveness as proof of continued interest in residential property ownership in Dubai and referred to the numbers as an indicator of the emirate’s focus on inclusive growth.

The collaboration between the land authority and the organisation responsible for tourism and the economy is part of a broader trend towards creating a more sustainable image for Dubai, not just as a destination but also as a home for its residents.

It is high time to invest in property in Dubai

According to Zhou Yuan, Operations Director at Tomorrow World Real Estate Group, this is indeed the right time for people to enter the property-buying process, owing to the availability of programmes such as the First-Time Home Buyers Program.

If one waits too long, it could result in missing out on such tailored government assistance or paying more for entry due to Dubai’s growing size and appeal.

As Rohan Bhaskar, Managing Director of Meraki Group, pointed out, the current opportunity for investors and end-users alike lies in discovering quality projects in growth corridors ahead of the infrastructure developments that will follow.

Diversity in demographics

According to Bhaskar, today’s consumer profile is far more diverse compared to previous market cycles.

A significant portion comprises people who have lived in Dubai for many years as tenants and now find it more beneficial to own rather than rent. Alongside them are international buyers who have never invested in real estate before and are now considering Dubai, Bhaskar said.

There is also a growing trend of professionals, entrepreneurs, and families viewing Dubai not only as an investment opportunity but also as a place where they can build a life for themselves. This trend has shifted from speculative investment towards lifestyle-driven and wealth-generating ownership, Bhaskar added.

Zhou Yuan also pointed out that although the demographic profile of new buyers is highly diverse, the key driver behind this development remains the expatriate population.

“For a long time, many viewed Dubai merely as a transit point. However, changing market trends are now encouraging them to transition from tenants to homeowners by lowering entry barriers,” he said.

“Younger UAE nationals have also been purchasing homes in their own names thanks to domestic schemes, while many newly arrived expatriates working in the country are increasingly opting to buy homes directly instead of dealing with the hassles of renting,” he added.

Protection against rental volatility

As Yuan observed, there are essentially two major considerations: the individual’s own financial security and the broader economic vision of the emirate.

Yuan concluded by saying that purchasing property helps protect residents against the volatility of rental markets.

“If you take a step back, you can see why property ownership is so important for Dubai’s long-term growth,” he said.

“It is at the heart of keeping the city moving forward and ensuring that development continues on solid ground. Programmes developed by both the DLD and the DET are geared towards transforming Dubai into a city where the population is composed not only of workers, but also of individuals who are deeply invested in their surroundings.”