President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a significant reorientation of national housing policy on Monday, confirming that Maldivian citizens previously allocated land under the "Binveriyaa" and other state initiatives will be permitted to trade their undeveloped plots for residential flats.
The policy shift is intended to mitigate the financial and logistical hurdles of private home construction for the nation’s most vulnerable households. This executive decision is a direct response to public sentiment gathered during recent civic engagements, representing an evolution of state policy driven by constituent feedback.
President Muizzu detailed the formidable developmental challenges facing families who received land in newly reclaimed areas, such as Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, and Giraavarufalhu, where the capital investment required for development is often prohibitive. The administration identifies the provision of completed flats in the Greater Malé region as a critical lifeline for those lacking the liquidity to oversee a construction project from its inception.
"Constructing a residence requires substantial financial investment and demands a considerable amount of time," President Muizzu stated. "Consequently, citizens have been inquiring whether they might surrender those undeveloped plots in order to apply for completed flats. The government is therefore moving to provide this alternative. Efforts are currently underway to integrate this new scheme into our digital portal, and the application process will be launched within two to three weeks."
The initiative stipulates that flats will be issued only upon the formal surrender of previously allocated land. A separate mechanism allows joint allottees who collectively forfeit a plot to submit individual applications for land or residential flats instead.