How to Buy Property in the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme

Buying your own house is never easy and the UAE government tries to make the process easier for its residents. It launched the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme to provide affordable housing for citizens interested in buying an apartment or a villa. Read on and learn how to apply to the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme and how to complete the application form correctly.

• About the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
• Who is Eligible for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
• How to Apply for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
• How To Apply for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme Online
• Required Documents for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme
• New Strategies for Financing Housing for UAE Citizens
• Other Housing Programmes in the UAE

About the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme

The Sheikh Zayed Housing Program (SZHP) was launched in 1999. It aims to support citizens who want to buy or build a house. The state provides grants and interest-free loans for 25 years. Grants can be used for maintenance or to expand your house according to state standards.

The Sheikh Zayed Programme is aimed at low-income citizens and subsidies are distributed among the poorer segments of society. The government gives priority to widows, orphans and the elderly.

The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme offers the following types of assistance:

• Financial loan to buy a property in certain residential complexes or to be used to improve your current living conditions.
  
• Housing assistance. You can either move into one of the state housing estates or get a non-refundable financial grant.
  
• Utility assistance is provided in the form of a loan to cover rental and utility costs (gas, electricity, water supply, etc.).

The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme can help you to

• buy a property that will suit your family;
  
• build a house or finish constructing it;
  
• pay off a previously obtained home loan (available only if no more than three years have passed since your first installment);
  
• expand your property.

Who is Eligible for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme

Only UAE citizens can apply for the programme. As an applicant you must

• be a citizen of the UAE;
• be the sole breadwinner in the family;
• not have sufficient income to buy or complete the construction of a property;
• not have received housing aid from the government previously;
• not be able to rent property suitable for you and your family;
• not have owned a suitable property since 1999.

However, female citizens must meet a different set of requirements. The following categories of women can apply for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme:

• widows with children;
• divorced women with children, supported by their father who cannot afford to buy a property;
• single women over 30 years old;
• women without parents or a guardian;
• women married to a non-UAE citizen who cannot provide housing for his family.

Last but not least, an applicant's income must be under 15,000 AED to receive financial aid under the housing programme.

How to Apply for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme

You can submit the application form for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme in person at one of the country’s post offices. You can also apply for it online by visiting the programme's website.

Here you can

• apply for housing assistance;
• cancel your previous application for housing assistance;
• update your data;
• send a request to reconsider a decision on housing assistance;
• request to reduce a loan payment or postpone it.

If the application is approved, the citizen receives a temporary card via email before a permanent card is issued. The card contains the applicant's ID and an application number to simplify the registration process.

How To Apply for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme Online

The first step is to register for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme on its official website. Click on "Applicants" and type in the Family Number and the Town Number. The system will send a one-time password (OTP) to your mobile phone. You should enter it to complete the registration.

Required Documents for the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme

• Copies of your passport, ID and family book;
• Documentation to confirm your income: a salary certificate or a bank statement;
• A title deed for a property;
• Commercial licenses certificate from UAE authorities.

Widow applicants must also provide

• a certificate of non-marriage;
• a pension certificate (if they are receiving pension for their late husband);
• proof of receiving financial aid;
• an inheritance certificate.

Divorced women should additionally provide

•  a certificate of non-marriage from the local court or confirmation of receiving financial support after the divorce,
• confirmation from a court that you have custody of your children.

New Strategies for Financing Housing for UAE Citizens

In mid-2022, the UAE government adopted a new policy on housing loans for the country's citizens. The country’s banks are required to collaborate with the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme to finance the loans. The banks are fully responsible for providing loans, while the housing programme covers the interest rate for UAE citizens.

Other Housing Programmes in the UAE

There are a few other government institutions that offer housing assistance for Emirati citizens.

Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) 

Established in 2012, the ADHA also provides housing. It supervises residential housing projects and runs the housing loan programme. The ADHA launched the Bayti initiative to construct several dozens of residential complexes.

Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment (MBRHE)

The MBRHE was founded in 2007 in Dubai. It provides affordable housing for the emirate's residents and deals with other issues, such as extensions to property and loan approvals. The MBRHE contributes to the development of the national economy, collaborates with public and private-sector institutions and carries out different investment projects.

In a Nutshell

The UAE government supports citizens who require assistance to obtain residential properties. Many emirates have housing programmes and initiatives that help widows, citizens with low incomes and other disadvantaged groups.

Cover photo: pxhere.com