“Housing for All” declared open; applications nowhere to be found on gov’t portal
The government aims to distribute 7,900 flats under this project. Further, a total of 15,000 land plots, each measuring 1,250 square feet, are to be allocated across two distinct categories.
An aerial view of Malé City | Hotelier Maldives | Hotelier Maldives
Despite the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Urban Development officially opening applications for flats and land plots in the Greater Malé Region (GMR) under the government's "Housing for All" policy, citizens have begun expressing frustration as the "Hiyaavehi Portal" lacks the necessary option to submit applications.
The government announced the opening of these opportunities on Sunday. Under this housing policy, every Maldivian citizen over the age of 18 is eligible to apply for the project via the "Hiyaavehi Portal."
Initially, the application process was scheduled to begin last Thursday. However, the deadline was abruptly postponed to Sunday.
Although the government asserts that the opportunity is now open, the portal currently provides no means to apply, as the specific option for these new schemes is missing. This technical oversight has drawn significant public criticism, with many questioning the government's readiness despite the official announcement.
As of now, the only active schemes visible on the portal for the year 2026 are the Th. Vilufushi Housing Scheme, the G.Dh. Thinadhoo Row House Scheme, and the B. Thulhaadhoo Housing Scheme. All other listed schemes have already expired, and the newly announced projects are nowhere to be found on the platform.
According to the housing ministry, the deadline for flat applications is set for 11:59pm on April 17, while the deadline for land plot applications is 11:59pm on March 4.
The regulations governing the allocation of flats and land under the "Housing for All" policy were published in the government gazette late at night on 30 December 2025. A subsequent announcement by the ministry stated that the application window would remain open from January 15 to April 14, with all submissions required through the Hiyaavehi Portal.
Under the established criteria, both native residents of Malé and those who have resided in the capital for at least 15 years are eligible to apply for flats.
The government aims to distribute 7,900 flats under this project. Further, a total of 15,000 land plots, each measuring 1,250 square feet, are to be allocated across two distinct categories.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to ensure housing security for every citizen over the age of 18 during his term. The president had previously declared 2025 as a year dedicated to housing, repeatedly announcing that numerous projects would commence. However, the year concluded with a significant portion of the housing budget remaining unutilized.
