President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s government has inaugurated a nationwide housing initiative, ‘Housing for All’, pledging to secure permanent housing for thousands of citizens and to eliminate the instability of rental dependence. The programme was formally launched by Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, who described it as a decisive measure to end impoverished living conditions across the country.
The government announced plans to distribute 15,000 plots of land and to begin construction on 7,000 flats in the Malé area. Officials said the policy is designed to guarantee every Maldivian’s right to housing, fulfilling a central pledge of President Muizzu.
At the inauguration ceremony, Minister Muththalib characterised Housing for All as “more than just a slogan, but rather a promise of a sincere president.” He said the policy ensures that no family will be excluded and that citizens will no longer face eviction or sudden rent increases. He added that the natural aspiration of every Maldivian is to own private housing and to establish a dignified, stable life.
The minister acknowledged the sharp social divisions within Maldivian society, noting that while some families can afford luxury apartments, many others face severe financial constraints that prevent them from accessing financing. “The programme being announced tonight is specifically tailored for families who currently possess no housing whatsoever,” Minister Muththalib explained.
He continued, “For parties who are compelled to relocate frequently between rented accommodations. For families with young children who have not experienced the security inherent in private homeownership. For households whose entire hard-earned income is consumed by rent payments. Our fundamental responsibility is to prioritise families who do not possess any form of private housing.”
He stressed that many vulnerable families have yet to receive housing of any kind. The government’s policy, he said, is structured to meet the president’s commitments by enabling citizens to acquire homes through the real estate market. “Projects will be implemented under the Affordable Home Ownership Scheme to prioritise housing access for middle-class families who possess the financial capacity to qualify for mortgage financing through banks,” Minister Muththalib said.
The initiative is anchored in two principles: that every family should have the opportunity to obtain housing, and that housing must be made accessible and affordable. Priority is given to families without private housing, those forced to move frequently between rented accommodations, families with young children lacking permanent homes, and households whose income is consumed entirely by rent.
To address varied financial circumstances, the policy incorporates four categories. Families with the means to purchase property will be offered housing units and plots on commercial terms. Middle-class families will be supported through affordable housing projects. Those unable to purchase outright will be accommodated under the Rent-to-Own model, with 7,500 housing units designated for distribution through this scheme. For the most impoverished families who lack any dwelling, housing will be allocated based on government assessment of their circumstances.
“Conversely, for families lacking the necessary resources to secure bank financing, housing projects will be executed under the Rent-to-Own Model. The 7,500 housing units announced this evening are specifically designated for distribution under the aforementioned Rent-to-Own Model,” the minister added.
The government has outlined strict eligibility requirements and a points-based system for awarding plots and flats.
Applicants must be Maldivian citizens, at least 18 years old, and must not own a plot exceeding 400 square feet. Smaller plots must be surrendered under government regulations. Applicants eligible to inherit land must agree to relinquish it according to government rules. Restrictions apply to those who have sold, gifted, or relinquished plots or housing flats within the past five years, or who have previously benefited from schemes such as the Veshifahi Malé programme.
Residency categories divide applicants into two groups. Malé residents, those registered since birth, listed in the Malé register, or registered in a Malé house for more than five years, will be allocated plots from Greater Malé and Rasmalé. Residents from other islands who have continuously lived in Malé for 15 years will be allocated plots only from Rasmalé.
For flats, applicants must not have purchased or be paying for a flat from the real estate market. Those applying under the Affordable Home Ownership Model must qualify for housing finance and be first-time homeowners. Applicants under the Rent-to-Own Model must have a maximum monthly income not exceeding USD 3,890.47.
The points system considers factors such as length of Malé residency, property ownership status, household income, dependents with disabilities or elderly parents, applicant age, family status, and number of children. Inability to have children due to health reasons is also recognised. Detailed rules will be published in the government Gazette.
A critical provision bars married applicants from applying if either spouse has previously received a flat under any government housing scheme. Such couples are ineligible to submit applications under the new programmes.