Navigating the New Era: How the UAE’s Latest Property Rules & First-Time Buyer Schemes Benefit You
- Atash Hajyyev
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The UAE real estate market is experiencing one of its most structurally significant periods in recent years. Alongside record transaction activity, regulators have introduced initiatives designed to improve accessibility, transparency, and long-term market stability.
At RealOlymp, we believe informed investors make stronger decisions. Below are the key updates currently shaping the market.
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme: A Structured Path to Ownership
In July 2025, the Dubai Land Department (DLD), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), introduced the First-Time Home Buyer Programme.
What Is It?
A structured initiative designed to make property ownership more accessible to UAE residents purchasing their first freehold property in Dubai.
Key Features
Priority Access
Registered participants may receive early or priority access to selected off-plan launches from participating developers.
Preferential Pricing
Some participating developers may offer exclusive incentives or price considerations on eligible properties (generally valued up to AED 5 million), subject to project availability and developer terms.
Financial Flexibility
Participating banks may provide tailored mortgage products. In addition, buyers may be able to pay the 4% DLD registration fee in instalments through approved banking partners, rather than as a single upfront payment.
Eligibility Framework
There is no DLD-mandated minimum salary threshold for programme registration. However, mortgage approval remains subject to individual bank credit policies and Central Bank regulations.
Who May Be Eligible?
UAE residents aged 18 or above
Individuals who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai
Property value typically capped at AED 5 million under the programme structure
Registration is conducted through the Dubai REST platform, with final eligibility determined by DLD and participating entities.
Abu Dhabi Law No. 2 of 2025: Enhanced Governance & Oversight
In August 2025, the Government of Abu Dhabi enacted Law No. 2 of 2025, introducing updates to the emirate’s real estate regulatory framework.
While broader in scope than buyer protection alone, the law introduces several governance enhancements:
Key Regulatory Enhancements
Stronger Escrow Oversight
Developers are subject to tighter regulatory supervision regarding escrow account management, ensuring funds are allocated in accordance with approved project structures.
Owners’ Association Governance
The law strengthens the framework governing owners’ associations, providing clearer mechanisms for budget review, operational oversight, and community management.
Contractual Termination
ProceduresDevelopers must follow formal regulatory processes before terminating contracts due to non-payment, reinforcing procedural fairness.
Fee Transparency
The framework emphasizes clearer disclosure standards for service charges and related fees, reducing ambiguity around cost allocation.
Importantly, the law also expands regulatory supervision across brokerage, valuation, and related real estate activities — positioning Abu Dhabi’s market within a more formalized compliance environment.
Property Investment & Long-Term Residency
Real estate continues to play a significant role in UAE residency pathways, subject to federal immigration regulations.
Golden Visa (10-Year Residency)
Under current federal guidelines, investors holding property valued at AED 2 million or more may be eligible to apply for a 10-year residency visa, subject to:
Verified property valuation
Compliance with documentation requirements
Conditions applicable to mortgaged or jointly owned assets
Final approval is issued by the relevant federal immigration authority.
Other Investor Residency Categories
Shorter-term residency categories may be available under broader investment routes. However, property-based eligibility thresholds and visa duration depend on current immigration regulations and may vary by structure and applicant profile.
Investors are advised to verify visa conditions at the time of application, as residency rules are subject to regulatory updates.
Why This Matters for Buyers Today
The combined effect of:
Structured first-time buyer access in Dubai
Strengthened regulatory oversight in Abu Dhabi
Clearer alignment between property investment and residency signals continued institutional maturity in the UAE real estate market.
Rather than being purely speculative, the framework increasingly supports long-term residents, owner-occupiers, and structured investors.
How RealOlymp Supports You
Programme Eligibility Review
Guidance through First-Time Home Buyer Programme registration and qualification checks.
Qualified Property Identification
Curating properties that fall within programme parameters and align with your financial profile.
Regulatory Alignment
Ensuring contractual documentation, including the Unified Form F where applicable, reflects current compliance standards.
If you are considering transitioning from tenant to owner — or expanding your UAE property portfolio — understanding the regulatory framework is now more important than ever.
For tailored advisory support, contact the RealOlymp team to explore suitable opportunities aligned with current market conditions.
Stay connected with the RealOlymp blog for structured insights into the UAE’s evolving real estate landscape.
"Regulatory Sources: Information referenced from official publications issued by: Dubai Land Department, Department of Municipalities and Transport and UAE Government. "
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