President Muizzu: Individual plots will be granted to those who relinquish joint ownership under the 'Binveriyaa' scheme

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that individuals who choose to relinquish land plots jointly awarded under the "Binveriyaa" housing scheme will be provided with separate, individual plots.

In his presidential address delivered on Thursday, President Muizzu stated that social development and security can only be guaranteed by providing a permanent solution to the housing crisis, which remains the nation's most pressing social challenge.

In this regard, the President stated that the Cabinet has approved and publicized the "Housing for All" policy, aimed at ensuring the right to housing for every Maldivian citizen. He further noted that this policy will facilitate affordable housing opportunities for all segments of society. This includes expanding real estate options for high-income families, providing middle-income families the opportunity to purchase affordable homes through bank mortgages, and constructing social housing for families unable to acquire property on their own.

President Muizzu announced that under the "Housing for All" policy, a new initiative titled "Family Housing" has been launched. He stated that the guidelines for the first phase of this program have been publicized, and applications are now open for the allocation of 15,000 land plots in Ras Malé, as well as 7,900 three-bedroom apartments in Hulhumalé and Villingili, specifically for residents of Malé.

While applications are currently open for the Family Housing Program, specifically designed for families without any shelter, the President announced that a new category will soon be introduced to ensure housing accessibility for all citizens. Under this upcoming category, individuals will be eligible to apply for land even if their spouse already owns property. Furthermore, the President stated that a separate category will be established for those who received land under the "Binveriyaa" scheme as joint owners. If all joint owners of a plot agree to relinquish their current shared land, the new policy will allow each individual to apply for their own separate plot of land.

The government has decided to introduce a special category for individuals who received plots under the 2022 'Binveriyaa' scheme as joint owners. Under this new arrangement, if all joint owners of a plot agree to relinquish their current allocation, each individual will be eligible to receive a separate plot of land. Out of the 15,000 plots to be issued, 1,000 plots have been specifically allocated for each of these two categories. Land reclamation for Ras Malé, where the 15,000 plots are to be issued, is currently proceeding at a rapid pace. The government aims to complete the reclamation of Ras Malé by the end of April this year.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

President Muizzu highlighted that the "Hiyaavehi Financing Scheme," launched to provide financial assistance in the housing sector, marks a significant milestone in housing development. He noted that a total of 2,256 applications have been submitted under the scheme for the 'Rahvehi', 'Saharu', and 'Fahi-Male' loan categories. The President further stated that the Ministry has so far approved and forwarded 821 applications to the bank. The total value of these approved loans amounts to MVR 989,617,640.17.

As President Muizzu continues to make new pledges to the public, his administration has surpassed the two-year mark without commencing physical work on any housing projects. The government has faced widespread criticism for its failure to initiate any housing-related developments throughout 2025. With the local council elections approaching, the foundation stones for five affordable housing projects, facilitated through the Bank of Maldives, were finally laid on January 27, 2026.