The mandate of the minister responsible for housing is the encouragement of home ownership by persons of low to moderate incomes. To this end, the Department of Housing gives persons of low to moderate incomes the opportunity to apply and be considered for a government supplied house.
Eligibility
Bahamian citizens and residents who are 18 years of age or older.
Process
- The applicant must visit the local Department of Housing office in New Providence, Grand Bahama, or Abaco in person and bring along all supporting documents.
- If there are sufficient applicants on a family island, a request can be made through the Local Family Island Administrator’s Office to have an officer from the Department of Housing sent to the island to conduct the interview. In the event that there are not sufficient applicants, then the applicant must visit the Department of Housing in New Providence.
- During the interview, an officer from the Department of Housing will assess the applicant to determine eligibility for the Government Housing Programme.
- Note: The applicant cannot already own a government home, must not currently have a mortgage, and cannot have more than one government guaranteed loan.
- Once the applicant has met all requirements and has qualified for a government home, they are placed on a list and notified when a home becomes available.
- When a home becomes available, the Ministry of Housing contacts the applicant by phone to inform them of the availability and issues a letter of offer that states the location of the home.
- A letter will also be sent to an approved lending institution advising of the assignment.
- The applicant has the option of selecting a lender of their own choosing. However, if the lender is not a government-approved lender, then the loan will not be guaranteed by the government.
- An appointment is scheduled with an approved lender to process the applicant for a mortgage loan.
- Once loan approval is secured and the home is completed, an inspector, along with the homeowner, will conduct a final inspection and make notes of any defects requiring correction.
- The homeowner must sign an Inspection Verification form signifying that they are satisfied with the home before the keys are turned over.
Application Form(s)
Forms are completed by the Housing Officer during the interview.
Supporting Documents
- Proof of Bahamian Status (Passport / Certificate of Identity)
- Current National Insurance Card
- Verification of Income (not more than three months old)
- Recent Pay Slip
- A Job Letter
- Affidavit to verify income
Turn-around Time
This varies as homes are assigned based on availability.
Deadline Date
There is no deadline associated with this service.
Fee(s)
There are no fees associated with this service.
For More Information
Please contact any of the office locations listed below, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
New Providence
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal
3rd Floor, Edwin “Smiley” Bastian Building
Thompson Boulevard
PO Box N275
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-5816 or (242) 323-3333
Grand Bahama
Government Office Complex
The Mall Drive
PO Box F43774
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 352-3630 / (242) 352-3893
Fax: (242) 352–9244
Abaco
Dove Plaza
Marsh Harbour
Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 367-2157
Fax: (242) 367-2150