Government introduces measures to ease land costs for low-income families

Government is implementing concrete measures to ease the financial burden on low-income families and make access to residential land more affordable, stated the Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, during a press conference held today in Ebène.

Minister Mohamed indicated that there are currently 41,442 building site leases for residential purposes, including 19,442 relating to former Central Housing Authority housing units. He pointed out that the rental structure, which has remained unchanged since 2011, is being reviewed in light of changes in salaries and household incomes over the years.

Under the new policy, effective as from 01 July 2026, households with a monthly income of up to Rs 48,000 will make a one-off payment of Rs 60 for a 60-year lease. Those earning between Rs 48,001 and Rs 100,000 monthly will pay an annual rental of Rs 1,000, while households earning above Rs 100,000 will pay rental based on the actual value of the land as assessed by the Valuation Department.

He also highlighted Government’s policy of enabling lessees to become owners of the land they occupy. Of the 41,442 leased plots, 22,349 have already been sold at the symbolic price of Rs 2,000, while 11,432 lessees have yet to submit their applications. Government’s objective, he emphasised, is to facilitate access to secure and decent housing for low-income families.

The Minister moreover outlined efforts to resolve longstanding land issues concerning families residing in the regions of L’Escalier, La Sourdine and Camp Diable. He informed that Government has held discussions with representatives of ENL Land Limited regarding land formerly belonging to Savannah Sugar Estate and leased to Government for grazing purposes from 1963 to 2062.

According to him, hundreds of families have occupied plots of land and housing units in these areas since the aftermath of Cyclone Carol in the 1960s without formal lease agreements. Government is negotiating for the land to be transferred to the State for the symbolic sum of Re 1, with a view to regularising the occupation of the land and eventually facilitating the transfer of ownership to families who have been residing there for several decades.

Government, he added, is also engaged in discussions to secure formal recognition of a droit de passage to provide access to the public beach in the area, thereby ensuring that the coastline remains accessible to the public and visitors.

Minister Mohamed remarked that he will shortly undertake a site visit at Pointe d’Esny to identify areas where public access to the coastline has been obstructed. Clear signage will be installed at designated access points, while unauthorised obstructions along the pas géométriques will be removed.

He further stressed that access to the sea is a public right that must be respected and protected, while calling on members of the public to act responsibly and maintain discipline on public beaches.

11 August 2026

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Topics: Housing