More than 50,000 applications have been submitted for land plots and flats under the administration’s 'Housing for All' (Boahiyaavahikan Enmenah) initiative, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development announced.
The inaugural housing scheme, introduced in January, initially carried deadlines of 4 March for plots and 17 April for flats. Following multiple extensions, the final window was scheduled to close at 11:59 p.m. on 15 June, but technical difficulties with the digital housing portal necessitated an extension until 2:00 a.m. on 16 June.
The initiative ultimately attracted 58,505 applications, reflecting a predominant demand for flats, ministry data shows. A breakdown reveals that 35,930 individuals applied for flats, while 22,575 sought plots. Under the overarching policy, the specific 'Family Housing' (Aailee Boahiyaavahikan) programme received 45,644 applications, comprising 35,818 requests for flats and 9,826 for plots. The separate 'Goathigedhoru' housing programme garnered 12,861 applications, encompassing 112 submissions for flats alongside 12,749 for land plots.
The initiative distributes 15,000 plots across Greater Malé and Rasamalé, alongside 7,900 Malé flats, divided by demographics. Flat allotments include 4,000 for Malé residents, 1,500 for capital residents from other islands, and 2,400 for priority categories. Land allocations grant 10,000 plots to Malé residents, 3,000 to residents from other islands, 500 to specific lineal descendants excluded from estate distribution, and 1,500 for citizens relocating from narrow alleyways or exchanging parcels. Previous beneficiaries can upgrade to three-bedroom apartments based on family size.
To broaden accessibility, the ministry amended guidelines: individuals can apply if a spouse holds property, joint owners can relinquish shared plots to reapply individually, and updated eligibility criteria reopened the application window for disabled applicants. Meanwhile, the Bank of Maldives has commenced foundational construction in Hulhumalé and Villimalé, and the administration has initiated procurement to identify developers for affordable housing complexes.