Owners of small plots allowed to transfer land under new policy
Under the current regulations, applicants who own or inherit land below 400 square feet are required to forfeit the land to the state.
The government has decided to revise housing regulations to allow individuals who own or inherit land plots smaller than 400 square feet to transfer such property to a family member when applying for government housing schemes.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision at a press conference held at the President’s Office on Sunday. He said the revised policy is expected to be gazetted within the next two days.
Under the current regulations, applicants who own or inherit land below 400 square feet are required to forfeit the land to the state. The amendment will allow such land to be transferred to a spouse, children, or siblings.
“This revision will also apply to those who were required to surrender their land under the ‘Binveriya’ scheme,” the President said.
He added that property will only be returned to the state when an individual vacates a social housing flat to take up another housing opportunity. In such cases, the flat must be handed back to the government.
The President said the change was introduced as many individuals have invested in small plots or taken loans for their development.
The administration has also revised regulations to allow individuals to apply for housing schemes even if their spouse owns property.
In a related development, a change has been introduced to the ‘Binveriya’ scheme. If all applicants who jointly received a plot agree to relinquish it, each individual will be eligible to receive a separate plot.
