3,651 housing applications submitted; 10,000 in draft stage

A total of 3,651 applications have been submitted for flats and land under the government’s first housing project, while a further 10,000 remain in draft form, housing minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib has said.

Speaking on the Raajje Miadhu programme, the minister said the scheme launched on 18 January had generated strong demand, particularly for flats.

He attributed the high interest to the inclusion of three-bedroom flats under the scheme, which prioritizes applicants who do not own housing.

“The scheme is structured for the state to provide three-bedroom flats. People without housing need accommodation immediately. If they receive land, they must first develop it,” he said.

Muththalib said the number of applications is expected to increase as deadlines approach. Applications must be submitted through the government’s Boahiyaavahikan portal, and he urged applicants to complete the required documentation.

The minister said priority would be given to those without housing. However, if the number of applicants is lower than the number of units or plots available, eligibility criteria could be relaxed.

“For example, even if a person’s spouse has housing, we can expand eligibility if there are remaining units. We are not trying to restrict opportunities. We are trying to provide housing to those who need it first,” he said.

The deadline for flat applications is 17 April at 11:59pm, while applications for land plots close on 4 March at 11:59pm.

Under the regulations, Malé residents and individuals who have lived in Malé for at least 15 years are eligible to apply for both flats and land.

The government has allocated 7,900 flats under the project, along with 15,000 land plots measuring 1,250 square feet each.