The Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure has officially opened applications for the first housing scheme under the incumbent government’s ambitious "Housing for All" policy, marking a significant step in addressing the nation's housing shortage.
Announced last November, the scheme will allocate a total of 15,000 plots of land and 7,900 flats, with the application process being conducted entirely online through the government’s dedicated housing portal.
Prospective applicants are urged to note the critical deadlines—-submissions for land plots must be completed by 4 March, while the deadline for flat applications is 17 April. The comprehensive regulations, eligibility criteria, and marking system for the allocations have been published by the Ministry to ensure a transparent process.
The allocations are designed to cater to a broad cross-section of society. In the Greater Male' area and Rasmale', 15,000 plots will be distributed, with 10,000 reserved for residents of Male’, 3,000 for non-residents, and 500 designated for predeceased heirs.
A further 1,500 plots are allocated for those relocating from the city's narrow lanes. For flats, 4,000 units in the Male' area are designated for city residents, 1,500 for individuals from other islands, and 2,400 for special priority categories, which this year include taxi drivers and workers in the fishing and tourism industries. A key feature allows previous recipients of one or two-bedroom flats to apply for three-bedroom units based on specific conditions related to family size.
A primary requirement for city applicants is proof of residence in Male' for a continuous 15-year period up to 14 January 2026, with documentation required for any interruptions due to special circumstances. The allocation will prioritise an applicant's income and current living conditions.
At a launch event, the Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib insisted that this administration is committed to fulfilling its promises where predecessors have not.
"Since 2008, no government has completed projects and handed over flats to the people. This government will change that," he said, assuring that the application process will be completed and properties handed over within the current presidential term.
The "Housing for All" scheme is supported by major land reclamation projects, including developments in Hulhumale', the massive Rasmale' project, and the Gulhi Falhu and Giraavaru Falhu initiatives, which together are creating over 1,600 hectares of new land to meet the nation's current and future housing needs.