IT is one of the main mechanisms of the social development major project. The new housing assistance system was eagerly awaited, especially after the old social housing program came to an end. Today, the new system is up and running. The registration platform for the direct housing assistance program was launched on January 2. Spread over 5 years, the new scheme is expected to mobilize more than 9.5 billion Dirhams (US$ 950 million) per year. In concrete terms, direct grants of 100,000 dirhams (US$ 10,000) will be awarded for the purchase of a home with a selling price less than or equal to 300,000 dirhams (US$ 30,000) including tax, and 70,000 dirhams (US$ 7,000) for homes with a selling price between 300,000 (US$ 30,000) and 700,000 dirhams (US$ 70,000) including tax.
42% do not intend to sign up
While most of those surveyed are aware of the new program, only 32% intend to sign up. Of these, 23% said they would «certainly» sign up, while 9% said they would «probably» do so. Conversely, 42% «probably» won’t. Of those questioned, 25% were undecided. Per gender, the rates are fairly similar. 23% of both men and women said they would «definitely» sign up for the new scheme. The differences are most apparent among those who «probably» do not intend to apply for public housing assistance. This rate is 46% for men and 37% for women.
This platform enables people wishing to benefit from this support to register online and track their applications. It also facilitates data sharing between the partners involved. The program is being rolled out in partnership with the Order of Notaries, in order to secure real estate transactions and grant direct assistance, with rates capped at 2,500 dirhams for citizens wishing to acquire a home costing less than 300,000 dirhams. Initial feedback from the ministry in charge of the project indicates that the scheme is proving popular. This seems to confirm the results of the recent L’Economiste-Sunergia survey. Respondents were asked if they were aware that a housing assistance scheme would come into force this January? The majority answered yes. Indeed, 84% of Moroccans are aware that a new housing assistance system has been introduced. Rates are virtually the same for both genders. However, per age group, it is mainly young people over 24, generally first-time buyers, who are the most informed. 91% of people aged 25-34 and 35-44 are aware of the new scheme. The same applies to 90% of 55-64 year-olds and 84% of 45-54 year-olds. Those who are not aware of the program are mainly young people aged 18 to 24, 31% of whom are unaware of its existence. Per region, the rates are fairly similar, ranging from 81% in the North and East to 86% in the Center of the country. The same applies to rural and urban areas, with 83% and 84% respectively. Per socio-professional category, D and E are the least informed. 23% of people in this category are unaware of the new housing assistance program. People in CSP C are the most aware of the existence of this scheme.
MAM
