Housing Rehabilitation Support Program: Steps to Benefit from the Grant for Home Upgrades
Many owners of older homes in Saudi Arabia face the challenge of housing deterioration over time and require substantial funds for restoration and upgrading. This is where the Housing Rehabilitation Support Program comes in. It is one of the government support programs provided by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing – formerly – in collaboration with the Real Estate Development Fund and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
The program aims to assist eligible families in restoring their old or damaged homes and upgrading them to ensure dignified and safe living conditions. Whether you need plumbing replacements, ceiling repairs, or the rehabilitation of bathrooms and kitchens, this support covers your needs.
Eligibility Requirements for Rehabilitation Support
- The applicant must be a Saudi national.
- The applicant must own the home or have the right to use it.
- The home must be at least 15 years old (in some cases).
- The home must genuinely require rehabilitation (to be verified through a technical report).
- The applicant must not have previously benefited from rehabilitation support for the same residence.
- The required spaces for rehabilitation must be available in accordance with the program’s regulations.
Amount of Support
The value of the support varies based on the condition of the home, its size, and the number of family members. Typically, the support ranges between 30,000 SAR and 100,000 SAR, and may be higher in special cases. The support is disbursed directly to the beneficiary or to the approved contractor after the rehabilitation plan is approved.
Application Steps
- Access the unified government support platform or the “Sakani” platform.
- Create a new account or log in using the Unified National Access account (Absher).
- Select the “Rehabilitation Support” service from the list of housing services.
- Fill in the required data: ID number, home address, size, and year of construction.
- Upload the required documents: title deed, technical report on the home’s condition, and a copy of the ID.
- Wait for the application to be reviewed by the competent authority (usually within 30 days).
- In case of approval, the beneficiary will be notified of the disbursement steps and how to contract with approved contractors.
Required Application Documents
- Title deed or certified proof of the right to use the property.
- A copy of the national ID (valid).
- An approved technical report from an engineering office detailing the home’s condition and rehabilitation requirements.
- A price quote from an approved contractor (in some cases).
- A bank account number (IBAN) in the applicant’s name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if the home is registered in my father’s name?
A: Yes, you can apply if you are the guardian of the home or a beneficiary of it, provided you submit proof of the relationship.
Q: Does the support cover the rehabilitation of homes damaged by disasters?
A: Yes, there is priority for emergency cases, such as homes damaged by floods or fires, and their applications are processed faster.
Q: How long does it take to process an application?
A: It typically takes from 15 to 45 days from the date the complete application is submitted.
Q: Can I appeal a rejection?
A: Yes, you can file an objection to the rejection decision through the same platform within 30 days of being notified.
Q: Is the support provided in cash or in kind?
A: The support is disbursed to the beneficiary or transferred directly to the approved contractor after the rehabilitation plan is approved.
Summary
The Housing Rehabilitation Support Program is an excellent opportunity for Saudi families to renovate their old homes without bearing significant financial burdens. All you need to do is ensure you meet the requirements, prepare the documents, and submit your application through the official platform. If you need assistance with any step, the technical support team is available 24/7.
