Over 510 Applications Submitted in First 24 Hours of New Housing Policy

The Housing for All online portal received over 510 applications within its first 24 hours of operation, a volume that the Ministry of Housing described as 'unprecedented' and that temporarily overwhelmed the digital infrastructure supporting the system. The portal, which opened at midnight on March 19, 2026, experienced peak traffic of over 12,000 simultaneous users within the first hour, causing server timeouts that were resolved by mid-morning.

The surge in applications reflects the depth of the housing crisis gripping the capital. Malé, with a population of approximately 250,000 people compressed into just 6 square kilometres, is one of the most densely populated urban areas on Earth. Average monthly rents for a two-bedroom apartment have risen to MVR 18,000 — roughly 65% of the median household income — forcing many families into shared accommodation or substandard housing.

Analysis of the early applications revealed that 72% came from residents of Malé aged between 25 and 40, the demographic most acutely affected by the housing shortage. Over 40% of applicants reported currently sharing accommodation with extended family members, while 28% indicated they were spending more than half their income on rent. The Ministry noted that applicants from outer atolls currently residing in Malé for employment comprised approximately 35% of submissions.

Housing policy experts welcomed the strong response but cautioned that demand will vastly exceed the available supply of 15,000 plots and 7,900 flats. Dr. Aishath Muneeza of the Maldives National University estimated that Malé faces a housing deficit of at least 30,000 units, meaning even full delivery of the Housing for All programme would address only three-quarters of the shortfall. The allocation process, which prioritises families with children and those without existing property, is expected to begin in May 2026.