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 takes applications from persons of low to moderate incomes interested in obtaining subsidised housing through government guaranteed loans.  


Eligibility 

Bahamian citizens and permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older.

Process 
  1. 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.  
  2. 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.
  3. During the interview, an officer from the Department of Housing will assess the applicant to determine eligibility for the Government Housing Programme.
  4. Note: The applicant cannot already own a government home, must not currently have a mortgage, and cannot have more than one government guaranteed loan.  
  5. 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.
  6. When a home becomes available the Ministry of Housing contacts the applicant by phone to inform of the availability and issues a letter of offer which states the location of the home.  
  7. A letter will also be sent to an approved lending institution advising of the assignment.
  8. The applicant has the option of selecting a lender of his / her own choosing.  However, if the lender is not a government approved lender, then the Loan will not be guaranteed by the government.
  9. An appointment is scheduled with an approved lender to process the applicant for a mortgage loan.  
  10. Once loan approval is secured and the home is completed, an inspector, along with the home owner will conduct a final inspection and make notes of any defects requiring correction.
  11. The home owner must sign an Inspection Verification form signifying that (s)he is satisfied with the home before the keys are turned over.

 

Application Form(s) 

The application form is completed by the Housing Officer during the Interview.

Supporting Documents 
  • Proof of Bahamian citizenship (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 
There is no deadline associated with this service.
Related Fee(s) 

There are no fees associated with this service.

For more information please contact 

Any of the offices listed below between the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

New Providence
Department of Housing
Charlotte House
Corner of Charlotte and Shirley Streets
PO Box N275
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 302-5816 or 323-3333
Fax.242) 328-4244

Grand Bahama
Government Office Complex
The Mall Drive
PO Box F43774
Freeport Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 352-3630 / 3893
Fax.(242) 352-9244

Abaco
Officer In Charge
Department of Housing
Dove Plaza
Marsh Harbour
Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 367-2157
Fax.(242) 367-2150

 
Related Services
Agency Contact Info
 
Housing, Department of
Charlotte House, Charlotte Street
P.O. Box N275
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
deptofhousing@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: 242-323-3333/4, 242-302-5816
Fax: 242-323-3737 or 242-323-6133
© 2011 The Official Website of the Government of The Bahamas.
All rights reserved.