A Legal Framework and Government Support to Facilitate Entry into the Real Estate Market
IntroductionAs part of Dubai’s vision to promote family and social stability and encourage a culture of homeownership, the Government of Dubai has launched the “First-Time Property Ownership Program” — a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering individuals to purchase their first home in the emirate through a range of exclusive benefits and facilitative measures. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s policy to increase homeownership rates and contributes directly to the goals of sustainable development and the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033.
This article outlines the legal framework of the program, the eligibility criteria, the financial and legal advantages offered, and the application process in accordance with the latest regulations and executive decisions.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The program is grounded in the provisions of Law No. (7) of 2013 on real estate registration in the Emirate of Dubai, particularly in its efforts to simplify ownership procedures for both UAE nationals and expatriate residents. It is also supported by the circulars and executive decisions issued by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) — most notably, the 2024 regulatory decisions which enhanced the “first home” concept by introducing tax exemptions and reduced fees.
The program also adheres to the provisions of Federal Law No. (5) of 1985 on Civil Transactions (UAE Civil Code), ensuring that all real estate contracts entered into by beneficiaries are legally sound and enforceable.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
According to the Dubai Land Department, eligibility criteria include:
- The applicant must be either a UAE citizen or a valid UAE resident.
- The property must be intended for personal residential use and must be the applicant’s first residential property in Dubai.
- The applicant must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
- The applicant must demonstrate financial capability, either through income documentation or a pre-approval letter from a licensed financial institution in the UAE.
Key Legal and Financial Benefits of the Program
The “First-Time Property Ownership” program offers a variety of legal, financial, and procedural incentives, including:
✅ Partial exemption of registration fees — up to 50% reduction from the statutory fees stipulated in Law No. 21 of 2006 on real estate charges.
✅ Eased access to mortgage financing from licensed banks and mortgage providers under competitive terms and preferential interest rates.
✅ Legal and technical advisory support from government entities to ensure all contracts are reviewed and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
✅ Priority access to select residential projects approved by the Dubai Land Department.
Application Process and Steps to Benefit
The Dubai Land Department has defined a clear application mechanism as follows:
1️⃣ Online registration via the official DLD website, with submission of required documents (passport/residency visa, salary certificate or bank statement, and a declaration of non-ownership).
2️⃣ Review by a designated committee to verify eligibility and compliance with program requirements.
3️⃣ Issuance of an eligibility certificate (valid for a limited duration).
4️⃣ Selection of a suitable property from the list of qualified projects, followed by signing the sales agreement upon verification of ownership documents and financing arrangements.
5️⃣ Completion of registration with the DLD to access all approved program benefits.
Conclusion
The “First-Time Property Ownership Program in Dubai” represents a landmark step in supporting eligible residents and stimulating residential real estate investment in a legally secure and socially responsible manner. It is a compelling example of the successful integration of government policy and legal regulation to drive sustainable urban development and improve quality of life.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with our specialized legal advisors to ensure their rights are fully protected and all procedures are compliant with Dubai’s applicable real estate laws and regulations.
