New Dubai schemes open wider routes for buyers, renters and residency

Dubai has broadened entry points for first-time buyers, renters and those seeking residency via property, with industry figures highlighting the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, Flexi Rent and changes to property-linked visas. Launched in July 2025, the First-Time Home Buyer Programme targets residents aged 18 and above who have never owned a freehold home in Dubai, offering priority on selected properties, developer and bank incentives and tailored financing. Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said more than 3,200 residents bought homes through the scheme in less than a year with transactions exceeding Dh5 billion. By June 2026 almost 45,000 people had registered and nine additional developers raised participating firms to 22. An earlier six-month snapshot cited by Zacky Sajjad, Director Business Development and Client Relations at Cavendish Maxwell, recorded more than 41,000 registrations, over 2,000 first-home purchases and purchases exceeding Dh3.25 billion, with nearly 50% of buyers having lived in Dubai for more than five years. Bayut noted Taskeen removed the previous Dh750,000 minimum property value for sole owners seeking a two-year investor residency visa, while joint owners must hold a minimum Dh400,000 share. Harry Martin, Head of Off-plan and Capital Markets at betterhomes, pointed to the Golden Visa—10-year residency for a Dh2 million investment—and expanded freehold zones. Flexi Rent permits monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payment schedules. Dubai’s Smart Rental Index, introduced in 2025, and lending rules allowing expatriate owner-occupiers up to 80% finance for homes valued at Dh5 million or less are also shaping choices, while Abu Dhabi temporarily cut permitted rental rises from 5% to 0% in June 2026 amid ADREC data showing new lease prices up about 15% year on year and 23% in investment zones.