King Mohammed VI presided over a significant working session focusing on the housing and urban planning sector at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the royal office.
During the session, Minister of National Territory Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri unveiled a new housing assistance program aligned with the King’s vision to enhance citizens’ access to quality housing.
Morocco’s housing sector has been improving, especially for low-income people, as a result of state-assisted programs which provide proper dwellings. A new initiative, running from 2024 to 2028, is taking a novel approach to home ownership support.
Direct financial assistance to participants is one of the program’s key features, with the goal of increasing their purchasing power.
Moroccans residing in Morocco or abroad who do not own property in the country and have not previously received housing assistance are eligible.
The amount of aid depends on the value of the property. Under the program, a home valued at 300,000 MAD or less (including tax) would mean a total of 100,000 MAD in support. Houses valued at between 300,000 MAD and 700,000 MAD would make the applicant eligible for only 70,000 MAD in aid.
In accordance with royal directives, the new program aims to increase housing accessibility for low-income and middle-class families, reduce the housing deficit, and expedite the “Slum-Free Cities” initiative.
If done right, the program should boost the supply of housing, stimulate the housing industry, and encourage private sector growth, particularly among SMEs, thereby creating more job opportunities.
All housing units included in the program will be constructed in accordance with current development plans and will meet stringent technical and quality standards.
Twelve regional urban planning and housing agencies will be established to support housing assistance and urban and regional planning improvements and take into consideration the unique characteristics of urban and rural areas.