Sheinbaum Launches Program to Construct 1 Million Homes

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the Housing and Regularization Program, which aims to construct 1 million homes and grant 1 million deeds during her administration. The initiative targets vulnerable populations, including female heads of households, youth, indigenous communities, and senior citizens.

Sheinbaum explained that of the 1 million new homes, 500,000 will be built by the National Workers' Housing Fund (INFONAVIT) for eligible beneficiaries, while the National Housing Commission (CONAVI) will construct another 500,000 for non-eligible beneficiaries, financed by the Welfare Financial Institution (FINABIEN).

According to President Sheinbaum, the objective is to provide low-cost housing for Mexican families, particularly the youth, ensuring access to adequate housing. She emphasized that this program aims to guarantee the right to housing. She said that during the so-called “neoliberal” governments, housing projects focused more on real estate development than on addressing the needs of the population.

Sheinbaum referenced past administrations, specifically those of Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderón, stating that INFONAVIT constructed homes far from urban centers, leading to an estimated 600,000 abandoned properties. She noted that this program focuses on housing units close to workplaces, services, and public transportation, aiming to provide homes for those who need them most.

Minister of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development, Edna Vega, noted that the program involves a federal investment of MX$600 billion (US$30.8 billion) to build 325,000 homes in the south of the country, 239,400 in the center, 228,800 in the central-north area, and 206,800 in the north. Additionally, 450,000 improvement and expansion projects are planned in high-marginality areas, expected to create 6.1 million direct jobs and 9.2 million indirect jobs.

In 2025, the government plans to build 165,000 new homes, improve 100,000 homes in the eastern area of the State of Mexico, and regularize over 120,000 deeds. Octavio Romero, Director General, INFONAVIT, stated the fund will invest MX$288 billion for the construction of 500,000 low-cost social housing units, alongside 250,000 improvement credits with a budget of MX$20 billion.

Romero further explained that, as instructed by the President, INFONAVIT will establish a construction company to reduce costs and increase housing capacity. Rodrigo Chávez, Director General, CONAVI, stated that CONAVI will build 500,000 homes with all necessary services, investing MX$285 billion and improving 300,000 homes with MX$15 billion.

Chávez noted that subsidized financing will be available to low-income non-beneficiaries at a 0% interest rate, with repayment terms of up to 30 years. A census will be conducted door-to-door, and requests will be processed through national servers, the federal government reported.

Among the 500,000 housing actions, 100,000 will be allocated to a new rental housing program for youth aged 18 to 30, offering affordable rentals that do not exceed 30% of their income. Rocío Mejía, Director General, FINABIEN, will oversee the disbursement of funds for non-eligible housing, facilitated through 1,700 branches.

José Alfonso Iracheta Carroll, Director General, National Institute of Sustainable Land (INSUS), indicated that INSUS will handle 700,000 deed regularizations, while the Housing Fund of the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (FOVISSSTE) will manage 100,000 deeds, with INFONAVIT responsible for the remaining 200,000.