President Announces Housing Policy Change to Include One-Room Flat Beneficiaries

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to amend the housing scheme to allow beneficiaries of one-room flats from previous housing projects to apply for the newly announced scheme.

Speaking to residents of Henveiru during a meeting at Kalaafaanu School yesterday evening, President Muizzu acknowledged concerns about eligibility rules. He noted that the current scheme, which opens for applications on 4 January 2026, excludes those who previously received one-room flats. He said the policy would be revised so they may apply for three-room units if they agree to relinquish their existing flats.

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“Previously, people who had received one-room flats under the government’s housing scheme couldn’t proceed the way we had already announced. But it’s been a long time since the occupants have been living in these flats. While they have been living there, their children have been growing, and their families have been expanding, but because they have that one room, they cannot apply [for additional housing],” he said.

The one-room flats referred to were developed under projects run by state-owned companies such as STELCO and MPL, initiated during President Yameen’s administration and handed over under President Solih. These units were originally intended as social housing, but were later excluded from that category and either sold or allocated to company staff.

Under Article 11(a)(iv) of the Flat Allocation Policy for Malé Residents, anyone who has previously received housing from the government, a state-owned company, or a cooperative society is not eligible for the current scheme. Holders of the one-room units fall under this restriction.

President Muizzu said the policy will be amended to allow such beneficiaries to apply for the new three-room flats. He added that the government is also exploring adjustments to the requirement of five years’ residency in Malé to broaden access as well.