Housing demand surges in Bahrain as applications near 47,000

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Housing demand in Bahrain is surging, with applications nearing 47,000 and carrying an estimated value of BD10.8 billion, according to figures from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

The pressure continues to build. In 2025 alone, around 17,190 new applications were filed, highlighting the steady rise in demand. The data was released in response to a parliamentary query by MP Jalal Mahfoodh.

To keep pace, the government has ramped up spending, allocating up to BD900 million annually between 2023 and 2025 to accelerate housing projects and cut waiting times.

Officials say 23 housing projects have been rolled out in recent years, delivering thousands of homes to citizens. At the same time, support schemes remain in place, offering housing loans, subsidised financing, and public-private partnership initiatives such as “Tas’heel” and “Mazaya”. Efforts are also underway to expand affordable housing through private sector collaboration, with major developments progressing in areas like East Sitra and Salman City as part of broader plans to build integrated urban communities.

Auto-renewal plan to ease housing finance delays

A new regulatory step is set to ease pressure on housing applicants, with expired housing finance eligibility certificates to be automatically extended by three months.

The measure covers all certificates that expired in March and April this year, with beneficiaries not required to take any action or visit service centres.

The ministry said the move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted processing of applications, allowing citizens continued access to housing finance services even after their certificates have lapsed.