The government has revealed the monthly rent of housing units issued under the Hiya Social Housing Scheme will be capped at USD 485.
The latest updates on the Hiya housing scheme were disclosed by Minister of National Planning Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam at a virtual press conference held on April 7. During the press conference, Minister Aslam revealed the process of issuing Hiya flats to the respective recipients would commence on April 8, with the draws to determine the specific flats allocated to recipients. He said once the draws are complete, the ministry would then proceed to draw up agreements with the respective owners and hand over the flats.
The housing minister stated recipients of the flats have the option of entering their units without paying the down payment. The minister revealed the highest monthly rent for each unit would be USD 485, for recipients who choose the option to not pay a down payment. He stated that the rent had been subsidised by the government, to ease the financial burden on lower-income families.
Speaking further, the housing minister gave details about the option for recipients in some categories of the scheme to opt for housing under more financially appropriate schemes carried out by the government. He noted this option allows for more lower-income families with a greater need for low-cost housing to take up the units.
Minister Aslam went on to give details about the specific housing programmes planned and currently carried out by the government dedicated to the residents of Malé City. He revealed that applications under the programme would open in May.