Over 58,000 Maldivians Apply for Land and Flats Under Housing Initiative

More than 58,000 people have applied for land plots and apartments under the government's 'Housing for All' (Boahiyaavahikan Enmenah) initiative, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development. The housing scheme, launched in January, saw an overwhelming response that necessitated several deadline extensions. While the application window was originally set to close on June 15, technical glitches with the digital portal forced a final extension into the early hours of June 16. Data from the ministry indicates a strong preference for apartments over land. A total of 35,930 individuals applied for flats, while 22,575 sought land plots. The 'Family Housing' (Aailee Boahiyaavahikan) segment of the program was the primary driver of this volume, attracting 45,644 applications. In contrast, the 'Goathigedhoru' program received 12,861 applications, the vast majority of which were requests for land plots. The initiative aims to distribute 15,000 plots across Greater Malé and Rasamalé, alongside 7,900 flats in the capital. Flat allotments are strategically divided: 4,000 for Malé residents, 1,500 for capital residents originally from other islands, and 2,400 for priority categories. Land allocation follows a similar structure, with 10,000 plots for Malé residents, 3,000 for those from other islands, and specific provisions for descendants excluded from estates and those relocating from narrow alleyways. To ensure a wider segment of the population could benefit, the ministry relaxed several eligibility guidelines. These changes now allow individuals to apply even if their spouse holds property and permit joint owners to relinquish shared plots to reapply individually. Additionally, the window was reopened specifically for applicants with disabilities. As the administration moves toward the allocation phase, physical development is already underway. The Bank of Maldives has begun foundational construction in Hulhumalé and Villimalé, and the government has started the procurement process to select developers for new affordable housing complexes.