On March 18, 2025, Engineer Sharif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, announced significant progress on the "Housing for All Egyptians 5" initiative, aimed at supporting low- and middle-income citizens seeking housing options. After the social housing fund and real estate financing support completed sorting through applications, they are now preparing to update applicants on their status.
Starting from this Tuesday, the citizens who applied for housing under this initiative will receive text messages (SMS) sent to the phone numbers they registered via the electronic site. These messages will inform them whether their applications have been approved or denied, along with the next steps they must take. "Government will send SMS notifications to inform applicants of their application status," El-Sherbiny stated, underscoring the government's commitment to transparency and communication with citizens.
Adding to this, Mai Abdel-Hamid, the CEO of the social housing fund, shared more insights about the process. "The social housing fund will allow complaints and suggestions to improve service for applicants," she mentioned during the announcement. This initiative is part of the government's broader effort to assist first-time buyers and those seeking affordable housing solutions.
From March 23 to April 24, 2025, the housing authority will open the door for grievances from applicants who were not found eligible under the initial review. This dedicated month-long period invites individuals to submit necessary documents to correct their application status. The filing of complaints aims to enable these individuals to remain engaged with the initiative and access affordable housing options.
El-Sherbiny remarked on the scale of the efforts involved, noting the vast interest from the public. A staggering 762,000 people purchased the conditions booklet, with 589,000 already having paid their booking fees. The registered electronic applications numbered 571,000, pointing to substantial public interest and demand for this housing initiative.
For those who have already made initial payments but missed the electronic registration deadline, the social housing fund is offering grace. Abdel-Hamid confirmed, "During the campaign, we will reach out with SMS to these applicants, allowing them to register on the electronic site and upload required documents during the same one-month grievance period." This effectively ensures all applicants are accounted for and considered fairly.
The evaluation process for applications is set to rely heavily on the criterion of priority, which will be assessed according to the number of eligible citizens and the available units across different cities. The fair evaluation system is aimed at ensuring those who meet the requirements are prioritized appropriately based on established guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Housing.
To facilitate additional engagement and provide support, communication channels have been established. Citizens can learn more through various digital platforms, including the social housing fund's official pages on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Phone support is also available through dedicated hotline numbers such as 5999, 5777, and 1188 from any mobile phone, or 090071117 from landlines. There are also physical customer service centers throughout various housing agencies where individuals can seek assistance.
The public outcry for affordable housing has continued to be at the forefront of many Egyptian citizens' priorities. Through initiatives like "Housing for All Egyptians 5," the government aims to address these growing concerns and facilitate homeownership for all economic segments. The swift processing of applications signifies acknowledgment of the urgency and the commitment to improving housing conditions nationwide.
Meanwhile, several regions designated for the project have been confirmed as ready for development. Cities mentioned include Abou Tisht, Edfu, and Kom Ombo, where community facilities and housing units will be made accessible to the applicants soon. It is expected the process will indicate the government’s dedication to modern infrastructure and community living.
Housing remains one of the most pressing issues across Egypt, and with initiatives targeting accessibility, openness, and responsiveness, citizens are hopefully seeing their dreams of owning property within reach. By embracing technological tools and desired transparency, the Housing Ministry is setting the groundwork for empowering citizens to navigate the complex world of housing rights and opportunities.
