In a significant development for housing in Egypt, the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities announced on April 15, 2025, the launch of the largest social housing project in its history, comprising 400,000 residential units. This ambitious initiative aims to address the growing demand for affordable housing across various income levels.
Engineer May Abdel Hamid, the executive director of the Social Housing Fund and Real Estate Finance Support, emphasized the scale of this project during a media briefing. She noted that approximately 265,000 of these units will be offered through the Housing and Development Bank (HDB), focusing on middle-income and above-middle-income families, as well as some luxury options. "This project represents a transformative step in our efforts to provide suitable housing for all Egyptians," she stated.
The project will be rolled out in five phases, starting with the first phase, which includes 35,088 units in several new cities such as the Tenth of Ramadan, Sadat, New Burj Al Arab, New Beni Suef, New Minya, New Assiut, New Nasser, New Sohag, West Qena, and New Taiba. The remaining phases are set to continue until April 2026, with additional units planned for various governorates.
Specific dates for the subsequent phases have already been set: the second phase will include 59,510 units, launching on July 15, 2025; the third phase will offer 59,687 units starting October 15, 2025; the fourth phase will comprise 58,312 units launching on January 15, 2026; and the final phase will see 48,656 units available from April 1, 2026.
To participate in this housing initiative, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be Egyptian nationals aged between 21 and 50, and they should not have previously owned a state-supported housing unit. Additionally, the income cap is set at 9,000 Egyptian pounds per month for single applicants and 12,000 pounds for families. The Ministry of Housing has made it clear that these units are intended for personal use only and cannot be utilized for commercial or investment purposes.
Prices for the housing units will vary depending on the location and size, starting at approximately 300,000 Egyptian pounds. Prospective buyers will need to pay a reservation fee ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 pounds, depending on the category of the unit. The remaining amount can be financed over a period of up to 20 years through a subsidized mortgage scheme.
The reservation process has been streamlined for convenience. Interested individuals can visit the official website at www.hdb-reservation.com to create an account, pay the reservation fee, and submit necessary documents such as national ID cards, income certificates, and marriage certificates.
In a related announcement, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Husseini, a weather expert, has warned residents of Riyadh about an impending cold wave expected to hit the region starting April 12, 2025. He urged citizens to take necessary precautions as temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, potentially reaching as low as 6 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Dr. Al-Husseini indicated that this cold wave will bring about notable climatic fluctuations across the Kingdom, with varying intensities of cold expected in different cities. He noted, "Residents should prepare for a strong wave of cold that could lead to health issues like colds and flu, especially among vulnerable populations." He stressed the importance of staying warm and taking preventive measures during this period.
Moreover, he mentioned the likelihood of rain in certain areas, although the overall forecast suggests a dry spell lasting up to five consecutive days, which could impact agricultural regions that depend on seasonal rainfall.
As the government rolls out its housing initiative, the dual announcements highlight the pressing needs of the population—affordable housing solutions and preparedness for severe weather conditions. The Ministry of Housing's project aims to alleviate housing shortages while addressing the immediate concerns of health and safety as temperatures plummet.
In conclusion, the simultaneous announcements from the Ministry of Housing and weather experts underscore the complexities facing Egyptian citizens today. As the government aims to provide shelter for many, individuals must also be vigilant about the changing climate and its potential impacts on their daily lives.
