Casablanca – Morocco’s direct housing assistance program has continued to expand, with the number of beneficiaries surpassing 105,000 since its launch, according to figures presented to the House of Councillors. The initiative, which is a key component of the country’s housing strategy for the 2024–2028 period, aims to improve access to homeownership for low- and middle-income households while supporting growth in the construction and real estate sectors.

Government data show that approximately 105,000 households and individuals have benefited from the initiative so far, out of more than 218,000 applications submitted nationwide. The figures point to sustained demand for housing support as Morocco seeks to address affordability challenges and expand access to decent housing across different regions of the country.

One of the most notable features of the program is its strong appeal among younger homebuyers. People under the age of 40 account for 52% of beneficiaries, making youth the largest demographic group supported by the initiative. Women represent between 40% and 47.5% of beneficiaries, according to official figures presented during recent parliamentary discussions, while Moroccans living abroad account for approximately 24% of total recipients.

The program has largely targeted households purchasing relatively affordable housing units. Authorities reported that 60% of beneficiaries acquired homes valued at less than approximately $30,900. In addition, a significant share of middle-income households received direct financial assistance of about $7,200, helping reduce the cost of homeownership and improve access to financing.

Officials have emphasized that the initiative is not limited to major urban centers. Housing support has been directed toward cities and provinces that previously experienced shortages in social housing programs, contributing to a more balanced territorial distribution of assistance. Fez emerged as the leading beneficiary area, followed by Berrechid, Meknes, Greater Casablanca, Kenitra, El Jadida, Benslimane, Settat, Mediouna, and Oujda-Angad.

Recent legislative changes have also expanded access to the program. Through provisions included in the 2026 Finance Law, eligibility was extended to co-owners of jointly held properties, opening the scheme to additional categories of citizens who were previously unable to qualify for support.

Beyond direct assistance to homebuyers, the government highlighted the broader economic impact of the housing strategy. Officials estimate that the total value of homes purchased under the program has exceeded approximately $4.45 billion. State support associated with these transactions reached about $886.6 million, representing roughly 20% of the overall investment generated through the initiative.

Authorities argue that the program has contributed to strengthening economic activity by stimulating demand in the construction and real estate sectors. Indicators linked to building materials sales, housing loans, and financing for property developers have reportedly shown positive trends since the launch of the scheme.

At the same time, Morocco continues to pursue broader efforts aimed at improving housing conditions and addressing informal settlements. According to government figures, 62 cities and urban centers have now been officially declared free of slums, contributing to improved living conditions for approximately 384,818 households.

The pace of interventions in informal housing areas has accelerated considerably in recent years. Annual operations have increased from around 6,200 households per year to more than 18,000 households. During the current government term alone, living conditions have been improved for more than 81,000 families.

Authorities have set a target of eliminating slum housing nationwide by 2028. To support this objective, the government has adopted a revised intervention strategy that places greater emphasis on sustainable rehousing solutions rather than relying solely on relocation measures. Officials say the approach aims to provide longer-term social and urban integration for affected families.

Progress has also been reported in specific regions. In the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, particularly within the Skhirate-Témara prefecture, authorities have addressed the housing needs of more than 23,000 families out of a total target population exceeding 33,000 households.

The government’s housing agenda additionally includes measures to address deteriorating and unsafe buildings. National surveys have identified 53,728 structures requiring assessment, while approximately 28,000 buildings have already undergone specialized technical inspections. Reports concerning buildings deemed to require urgent intervention have been transmitted to local authorities for follow-up action.

Urban renewal remains another major component of Morocco’s housing policy. Government officials describe these programs as essential for rehabilitating aging neighborhoods, improving access to adequate housing, integrating peripheral districts into the urban fabric, and addressing social and economic disparities. Urban regeneration projects are also intended to limit social exclusion, improve infrastructure, and support more sustainable urban development.

With more than 105,000 beneficiaries already recorded and demand continuing to grow, the direct housing assistance program has become one of Morocco’s most significant social and economic initiatives. Combined with slum-eradication efforts, building rehabilitation programs, and urban renewal projects, it reflects a broader strategy aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities, improving living standards, and supporting long-term urban development throughout the country.