Buying your first home in Dubai is one of the most exciting and rewarding steps you can take — but it’s also one of the most complex. Between saving for a down payment, understanding how mortgage in Dubai pre-approval works, and navigating new government programs, first-time buyers face a unique journey.
This guide is tailored specifically for you — the first-time home buyer in Dubai. We’ll break down what you need to know in 2025, spotlight the UAE’s new First-Time Home Buyer facility, and help you avoid common pitfalls along the way.
Why 2025 Is a Great Year to Buy Your First Home in Dubai
Dubai’s real estate market has shown remarkable strength in Q2 2025.Dubai recorded 53,118 property transactions in Q2 2025, with a total value of AED 184 billion — making it the strongest quarter ever recorded in the emirate’s real estate history.
- Apartments accounted for AED 81.6B (+18.7% YoY)
- Villas jumped to AED 66.5B (+38% YoY)
- Plot sales surged to AED 32.2B (+49% YoY)
At the same time, mortgage activity is rising steadily. Increasing rental costs and new government-backed initiatives are pushing many residents to take the leap into homeownership. And for first-time buyers, the timing couldn’t be better — especially with the launch of Dubai’s new First-Time Home Buyer Program.
The New Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Program (2025)
In a bid to make property ownership more accessible, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched an exclusive initiative for residents purchasing their first home.
Here’s a breakdown of what it means for you:
Who qualifies?
- You must be a UAE resident (of any nationality)
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must not own or have previously owned any property in Dubai
- The property must be valued under AED 5 million
What are the benefits?
- Early access to newly launched developments from major developers
- Discounted property prices or value-added incentives (e.g. waived fees, furnishings)
- Lower down payments and developer-backed payment plans
- Interest-free installment option for the 4% DLD registration fee (using select credit cards)
- Priority mortgage processing and competitive rates from participating banks (including Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, and more)
How to apply?
- Visit the DLD First-Time Buyer Portal
- Register with your Emirates ID
- If eligible, you’ll receive a QR code confirming your participation
- Present the QR code to developers or banks to access offers and benefits
First-Time Buyer Budgeting: What You Really Need
One of the biggest surprises for first-time buyers is just how much cash is needed upfront — beyond the down payment.
Here’s what to expect:
| Cost Component | Typical Amount |
| Down payment | 20–25% of the property price (first home) |
| DLD Registration Fee | 4% of property price |
| Agency Commission | ~2% |
| Valuation/Bank Fees | ~1–1.5% (some waived for first-time buyers) |
| NOC & Trustee Fees | AED 4,000–8,000 (varies) |
Even for a property priced at AED 1 million, you may need AED 280,000–300,000 in total cash to cover all costs.
But here’s the good news: through the First-Time Buyer Program, some of these fees can be spread into installments or discounted entirely by developers or partner banks.
Why Mortgage in Dubai Pre-Approval Matters — Especially for First-Time Buyers
Before you even view a property, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage in Dubai. It’s one of the most important steps in the buying journey.
What is it?
A mortgage pre-approval is a letter from the bank confirming how much they are willing to lend you based on your income, debts, and credit profile.
Why is it crucial?
- Know your budget before you shop
- Gain credibility with sellers and agents
- Reserve a mortgage rate (some lenders lock the rate)
- Accelerate closing once you find a property
Documents you’ll typically need:
- Passport + Emirates ID
- Salary certificate or business license (if self-employed)
- Last 6 months’ bank statements
- Credit report from Al Etihad Credit Bureau
- Proof of down payment funds
Expert Bridge can help you get pre-approved through one of our partner banks — quickly and free of charge.
Explore our mortgage solutions →
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Should Avoid
Buying your first property can be overwhelming. Avoid these common errors to make the process smoother:
House hunting before pre-approval
Without knowing your loan limit, you could waste time on homes you can’t afford — or miss out on one you can.
Ignoring total costs
You’ll need more than just the down payment. Always factor in fees and taxes.
Overborrowing
Stick to a monthly payment you’re comfortable with, not the maximum the bank approves.
Skipping professional advice
An experienced real estate agent and mortgage advisor can save you thousands — and headaches.
Not registering for first-time buyer benefits
That DLD QR code could save you up to 10% of your purchase cost — don’t skip it!
How Expert Bridge Supports First-Time Buyers
At Expert Bridge, we specialize in helping first-time buyers navigate the Dubai property market with confidence.
Here’s how we can help:
- Free mortgage in Dubai pre-approval with top UAE banks
- Exclusive access to developer discounts for first-time buyers
- Personalized property matching based on your goals and budget
- Full support through every step — from viewing to handover
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
Dubai is more accessible than ever for first-time homeowners — and you don’t have to do it alone. Let Expert Bridge guide you through the process, connect you with the right lenders, and help you unlock exclusive benefits under Dubai’s new government initiative.
Contact us today and let’s turn your first home dream into a smart investment reality.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the minimum down payment for first-time buyers in Dubai?
For UAE residents, the minimum down payment is 20% for Emiratis and 25% for expats for properties valued under AED 5 million. The percentage increases for more expensive properties. You’ll also need to cover fees (6–7% of the purchase price), which are not covered by your mortgage.
Q2: Can I get a mortgage as a first-time expat buyer?
Yes. As an expat with a valid UAE residency visa, you can apply for a mortgage loan in Dubai. The bank will assess your income, credit score, and debt ratio to determine your eligibility. First-time buyers can also benefit from special rates through Dubai’s new buyer program.
Q3: How long does mortgage pre-approval take?
Pre-approval typically takes between 2 to 7 business days if your documents are in order. It’s valid for 60–90 days and helps you know your budget, act faster, and negotiate more confidently.
Q4: What is the Dubai First-Time Buyer QR code?
Once you register with the Dubai Land Department as a first-time buyer, you’ll receive a QR code that confirms your eligibility for exclusive developer deals, lower down payments, and fee installment plans.
Q5: Can I use the first-time buyer program for off-plan properties?
Yes. Many developers offer first access to new off-plan launches, and banks often bundle special payment plans for qualified first-time buyers. Just ensure the property value is below AED 5 million and you meet the program criteria.