The Government has invited proposals from contractors to develop 2,100 housing units across 13 islands under a public-private partnership (PPP) programme aimed at expanding housing opportunities outside the Greater Malé region.

Only companies that are fully Maldivian-owned will be eligible to submit proposals for the projects.

The development forms part of the National Affordable Homeownership Programme, which aims to provide affordable housing, support planned development across the islands, improve living standards, and strengthen the capacity of the domestic construction sector.

The projects will be implemented through a contractor-financed build-and-sell model using the engineering, procurement, and construction method. Developers will be responsible for securing financing, preparing the designs, and completing all construction work.

The Government will provide the required land free of charge. Developers must complete the projects and hand over the units within two years of receiving the land.

All units will be three-bedroom apartments. The developments must also include parking facilities and commercial spaces on the ground floor.

The programme includes 100 units in Haa Alifu Hoarafushi, 100 in Raa Ungoofaaru, 50 in Baa Thulhaadhoo, 300 in Lhaviyani Naifaru, 100 in Meemu Muli, 100 in Dhaalu Meedhoo, and 200 in Laamu Gan.

The remaining developments comprise 300 units each in Thinadhoo City, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City's Hithadhoo, 200 units in Addu City's Feydhoo, and 25 units each in Addu City's Maradhoo Feydhoo and Maradhoo.

Developers may submit bids for more than one project.

At least 60 per cent of the units under each project package must be sold as social housing. These apartments must have a minimum floor area of 900 square feet and cannot be sold for more than MVR 1.5 million each.

Developers may sell the remaining 40 per cent at market rates. Each apartment must be provided with a free motorcycle parking space, while car parking spaces may be sold separately.

The Government has announced several incentives to encourage participation in the programme. First-time homebuyers purchasing either social housing or market-rate units will be exempt from GST.

Developers will also receive duty exemptions when importing materials and machinery required for the projects.

Once 20 per cent of a project has been completed, developers may mortgage the development and sales rights to secure financing, subject to approval from the ministry.

The ministry said selected developers must be financially sustainable and capable of delivering high-quality residential projects that align with national housing policies and the needs of local communities.

Requests for clarification must be submitted in writing to [email protected] before 1:00 pm on 4 August.

Technical and financial proposals must be submitted electronically before 1:00 pm on 17 August.