Manama: The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, has announced the commencement of online applications for the Tamooh (Ambitions) programme starting next Thursday. This initiative follows directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, aimed at lowering the maximum monthly instalments for Mazaya programme beneficiaries by enhancing governmental financial support and diversifying housing options to meet citizens' needs.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Minister Al Rumaihi expressed her gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for ongoing support in the social housing sector and to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for directives designed to expand housing programmes and options for citizens. This expansion is seen as a contribution to social stability by providing suitable housing for Bahraini families.
Citizens interested in the Tamooh programme can submit applications through the government e-portal or the ministry's website. The programme offers beneficiaries of Tas'heel and Tas'heel+ financing, and previous beneficiaries of ownership apartment financing, an additional government-subsidised financing of BHD 20,000 to upgrade to a larger property.
Tamooh, introduced during the Innovation Summit in the Social Housing Sector in April, allows beneficiaries of Tas'heel and Tas'heel+ financing to seek additional subsidised financing of BHD 20,000 after ten years from their main financing, should they wish to upgrade their property. Eligibility criteria include Bahraini nationality, an age limit of 60 years at application, a monthly income between BHD 600 and BHD 1,200, and no prior benefit from home renovation financing. Monthly instalments are capped at 25% of the beneficiary's income by participating banks.
Minister Al Rumaihi also addressed previous beneficiaries of the ownership apartment purchase service, stating they too can apply for Tamooh if they meet the criteria. Applications can be submitted electronically through the government e-portal or the ministry's website.
Additionally, the minister announced the implementation of a decision to reduce the maximum monthly deductions for Mazaya programme financing, reducing the amount by BHD 100 to BHD 427. This adjustment, in coordination with financing banks, is supported by an additional government budget, raising the total government support for the Mazaya programme to approximately BHD 825 million over the repayment period. This new mechanism will be phased in starting with the November instalment.
The ministry is particularly attentive to citizens whose monthly income has been affected by early retirement or other unforeseen circumstances, adjusting deduction values to ensure living stability for beneficiaries.
In related developments, the Housing Minister unveiled three new digital services on the Baity (My House) real estate platform, enhancing service delivery. These services include a digital application tracking feature, a digital property valuation service, and an electronic property booking service in collaboration with the Housing Bank.
These advancements are part of ongoing efforts by the ministry and Eskan Bank to enhance the platform since its launch last year, introducing features that improve access to housing services and expand financing options for citizens, facilitating easier and more flexible housing choices.