Rise in government house sales raises concerns over misuse and speculation
While these transactions are legal, authorities are closely monitoring the trend due to potential misuse of state-provided housing and the risk of speculative flipping.
Data from the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice shows 508 government-owned houses and 400-square-meter plots have been sold by citizens receiving housing care since the beginning of 2025, up to November 18, totaling 146.24 million dinars.
While these transactions are legal, authorities are closely monitoring the trend due to potential misuse of state-provided housing and the risk of speculative flipping.
Al-Mutlaa City, still under construction, recorded the highest number of sales with 173 transactions valued at 55.8 million dinars, representing 29.8% of total sales, raising questions about the integrity of the housing distribution system.
Other areas showing high activity included Sabah Al-Ahmad City (120 transactions, 31.25 million dinars), Al-Wafra (69 deals, 13.63 million), and Jaber Al-Ahmad City (62 deals, 14.93 million).
Meanwhile, transactions in Northwest Sulaibikhat, South Khaitan, and Al-Khairan were comparatively limited.
Compared to 2024, when 428 transactions totaling 134.13 million dinars were recorded, the number of sales has increased sharply, signaling a potential pattern of premature resale of government-provided housing.
In Al-Mutlaa City alone, sales jumped from 106 transactions worth 33.88 million dinars in 2024 to 173 transactions this year, an increase of 67 deals.
Authorities also note that in areas like Khaitan, Al-Mutlaa, and South Abdullah Al-Mubarak, around 630 citizens have not yet received building permits, raising concerns that some sales may involve properties not yet officially handed over, which could constitute violations of housing regulations.
Officials emphasize that while selling government housing is legally permitted, the rapid turnover, particularly in newly constructed areas, could facilitate fraudulent activities, market manipulation, or misuse of state resources, warranting closer oversight and potential investigations.
