President Muizzu Announces Plan to Let Land Recipients Switch to Flats

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to revise housing policy to allow beneficiaries of previous landowner schemes to apply for flats under the “Housing for All” programme, provided they relinquish their land plots.

He made the announcement at his weekly press conference held today at the President’s Office.

The President said the change would apply to individuals who had previously received land plots in areas such as Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru Falhu, and Hulhumalé, following requests from recipients—particularly vulnerable individuals—who face challenges in constructing homes on their allocated land.

“Therefore, because it will take a very long time for these individuals to build or construct on these sites, many citizens are requesting whether an opportunity could be opened to give up their land plots and apply for the flats currently being built,” he said.

The president said the government had decided to allow such individuals to exchange their land plots in the Malé area for flats under the ongoing scheme.

Housing Delivery and Timelines

Speaking at the press conference,the president noted that building a home on a land plot can be a lengthy and difficult process, while flats offer a more immediate housing solution.

He said the government is working to complete ongoing housing projects, including 3,260 units financed through the Bank of Maldives. These developments are located across Hulhumalé Phases 1, 2 and 3, as well as Vilimalé, and are scheduled for completion by July 2028, with residents expected to begin moving in by mid-2028.

Looking ahead, President Muizzu said the administration aims to deliver around 8,000 flats under the current scheme within its five-year term, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.

“Through the scheme of applying for the flats that we have now opened, for those who are selected, my aim is that the government aims to provide these flats within this term, that is, about 8,000 flats under the scheme that is now open”

He added that the government will also continue efforts to complete land reclamation and handover of plots, ensuring that both flat applicants and land recipients benefit from the programme.

Previous Policy Changes

The government has introduced several revisions to housing policy in recent months. These include allowing recipients of one-room flats under earlier schemes to apply for larger units, permitting two-room flat owners to apply for three-room units if they have children under 18 of opposite genders, and enabling joint applicants from previous land schemes to apply individually.

Additional changes include the introduction of a category for people with disabilities and allowing spouses to apply for housing even if their partner already owns a flat.