In a major move to address housing shortages and ensure equitable access to land and housing, the government has announced comprehensive guidelines for the allocation of land and flats to residents of Male’ city and people from other islands currently residing in the capital.
Under the new guidelines, land plots of 1,250 square feet of land will be made available, primarily designated for registered residents of Male’. Notably, residents from other islands will only be eligible for land allocation from Rasmale’.
To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have resided in Male’ for a minimum of one year by 14 January 2026—while natives of other islands must demonstrate 15 consecutive years of residence in Male’ by the same date.
A key restriction prohibits applicants, their spouses, or immediate inheritors from owning more than 400 square feet of land nationwide, with existing excess holdings required to be relinquished as per government directives. Additionally, beneficiaries are barred from selling or subdividing allocated land, flats, or properties post-distribution.
The housing scheme includes two primary models—affordable home ownership and rent-to-own. The affordable ownership model allows first-time homebuyers to purchase flats at subsidised rates, provided they secure financing from a recognised financial institution.
The rent-to-own option enables lower-income applicants—those with a gross monthly income under USD 3,891.1—to gradually acquire ownership through monthly payments, with title transfer occurring only after full payment. Priority in allocation will be given to vulnerable and key societal groups, including single parents, persons with disabilities, newlyweds, low-income families, taxi drivers, tourism workers, fishermen, judiciary staff, and those displaced due to natural disasters or lacking shelter.
The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure will oversee a points-based evaluation system to ensure transparency and fairness in distribution, with additional land categories subject to future ministerial determination.