“How to Buy Your First Property in the UAE as an Expat – 2025 Step-by-Step Guide”
Thinking of buying your first home in Dubai or the UAE as an expat? This guide breaks down Dubai’s new First-Time Home Buyer Program, eligibility, benefits, hidden costs, and the exact steps to own a property—without falling into common traps. Written by a real buyer, not a broker.
INSIGHTS
7/9/20253 min read
How to Buy Property in the UAE as an Expat in 2025 – A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers
Written from a real buyer's perspective – no fluff, no pitch.
Why Now? Dubai's New First-Time Buyer Program Explained
Dubai recently introduced a new First-Time Home Buyer Program to help both locals and expats get on the property ladder. Backed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Department of Economy & Tourism, this initiative is focused on making property ownership more accessible—specifically for properties priced up to AED 5 million. Right now, this program applies only to Dubai.
What makes it appealing? You get early access to properties, better pricing from developers, the ability to split your DLD registration fees into zero-interest installments, and more flexible mortgage options from select banks.
You can read more about it directly from the Dubai Land Department.
Who Can Apply?
If you're living in the UAE and you've never owned a freehold property in Dubai, you're likely eligible. That includes expats and residents who may have owned leasehold units or properties in other emirates or countries. You need to be at least 18 and the property you’re buying should be within the AED 5 million threshold.
What Are the Benefits?
Once you're approved, you’ll get a special QR code that unlocks several perks. These include priority access to off-plan and ready units, better pricing from certain developers, and the option to pay your 4% DLD fee in interest-free monthly installments. Additionally, you’ll benefit from streamlined mortgage approvals with competitive rates through banks like Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and Dubai Islamic Bank.
Here’s a news article from Khaleej Times that breaks it down nicely.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Start by registering on the Dubai REST app or on DLD’s official website. You'll need to input your Emirates ID and confirm that you’ve never owned a freehold property in Dubai before.
After that, you'll receive a QR code. Think of this as your golden ticket—it allows you to access the program's benefits when dealing with developers or banks.
The next step is getting a mortgage pre-approval. This is where you approach one of the participating banks and submit your documents—passport, Emirates ID, salary certificate, and recent bank statements. Once pre-approved, you’ll have a clearer budget.
Then comes the fun part—choosing a property. You can pick from the inventory shared by approved developers. Once you've made your choice, you’ll sign an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) and pay the deposit, usually around 10 to 20%.
Finally, you’ll register the property with the DLD, settle the fee (either all at once or in 0% installments), and receive your title deed. If the property is off-plan, you’ll get an Oqood certificate instead.
Where Can You Buy?
If you're focusing on Dubai, communities like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Dubai South, Wadi Al Safa 3,5 (including DLRC, Majan, Liwan), and Al Furjan offer budget-friendly options. For mid-range properties, Arjan and Dubai Hills are growing fast and offer good value.
Want a small but centrally located unit? Try Business Bay or Dubai Marina.
Outside Dubai, you won’t get the same program perks, but some areas still deserve a look. In Sharjah, places like Aljada and Tilal City are now freehold and open to more than just GCC nationals. Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah offer affordable prices and decent rental potential. Just note that Dubai’s First-Time Buyer Program benefits won’t apply outside the emirate.
A Few Things to Watch Out For
While this program is a good start, don’t let it rush your decision. Look out for ongoing service charges—they can easily reach AED 10 to 20 per square foot annually. Stick with verified listings and avoid anyone without a license. Always have contracts reviewed by someone who understands UAE real estate law. And when it comes to mortgages, double-check the fine print—especially whether your rate is fixed or variable.
Why I'm Writing This on SettleNest
I’m not a broker. I’m just someone who recently went through this maze myself. I built SettleNest.com to help others who are confused or overwhelmed by the market—especially with how hard it is to find verified listings and real advice.
Here, I share practical tips, property guides, area comparisons, and honest research—all from a real buyer’s point of view.
Final Thoughts
This new initiative is a great opportunity for first-time buyers—especially if you're an expat who always thought buying in Dubai was out of reach. With the right research, the right financing, and a clear understanding of what’s real vs what’s just sales fluff, owning your first home here is possible.
If you're ready to explore:
If I can help in any way, feel free to reach out. This site exists because buyers deserve more than just listings—they deserve clarity.
Note: Info is based on updates as of July 2025. Always double-check with DLD or your legal advisor before making decisions.