This past weekend, thousands of families from Bogotá flocked to the first housing fair of the year, ‘Mi Casa en Bogotá,’ held on February 22-23, 2025. Organized by the district’s Habitat Secretariat, the event gathered key players from the construction sector to showcase residential projects and streamline access to homeownership. According to local officials, this fair stands as one of the largest housing events in Latin America.
Seventeen construction companies participated, offering Social Interest Housing (VIS) projects across ten locations within the capital. Attendees received guidance from financial institutions to learn about mortgage options, allowing them to kickstart their home-buying processes on site.
Approximately 40,000 families pre-registered for free to attend the fair, underlining the high demand for housing opportunities. Local government officials emphasized the significance of such events to connect citizens with housing options and financing pathways, providing them the chance to fulfill their dream of owning their residence.
During the event, Bogotá's Mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, highlighted the availability of various subsidies to assist families, including specialized programs such as ‘Oferta Preferente’ and ‘Reactiva tu Compra.’ The Habitat Secretariat plans to distribute around 24,000 subsidies throughout 2025, aimed at easing the purchase of homes for Bogotá families.
For those unable to register for this inaugural event, the Habitat Secretariat has yet to announce additional dates for similar housing fairs. Interested individuals and families can sign up for future events through the online form provided on the secretariat's website. Upon registration, participants receive confirmation emails outlining the event details.
To qualify for the fair, attendees must be at least 18 years of age, meet the ‘Mi Casa Ya’ program requirements, and have incomes not exceeding double the current legal minimum wage.
On the fair’s opening day, Mayor Galán conveyed the growing impact of the subsidy program, stating, “We have delivered our 6,000th housing subsidy to Ms. Magda. This is a significant step in the most ambitious housing policy Bogotá has ever had, demonstrating our commitment to provide housing solutions to more residents.”
The district government aims to allocate as many as 24,000 housing subsidies this year, accessible to families fulfilling program criteria through various options like ‘Reduce Your Payment’ and ‘Improve Your Home.’ It’s important to note these subsidies differ from national housing initiatives like ‘Mi Casa Ya.’
Eligibility for the ‘Oferta Preferente’ subsidy indicates stipulations: homes must be categorized as VIS or VIP, and the subsidy is only applicable to projects pre-approved by the Habitat Secretariat.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply directly at future housing fairs or call the Habitat Secretariat offices for assistance. Queries can be directed to the local offices at Carrera 13 # 52 – 13 or by calling (601) 3581600.
The enthusiasm surrounding the ‘Mi Casa en Bogotá’ housing fair reflects the pressing housing needs of the capital’s residents. By bringing various housing stakeholders together, this initiative not only facilitates the process of home buying but also fosters community engagement and resilience among Bogotá's families striving for secure living conditions.
Given the successes and community involvement witnessed at this event, it’s clear the city’s approach to tackling housing challenges is gaining traction, paving the way for more similar events and subsidies aimed at making home ownership accessible for many. The efforts of those involved, from local government officials to participating builders, signify a collaborative move toward addressing Bogotá's housing shortage.