Emiratis can choose a house online under streamlined Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme system

The smart system, which will be in place by next year, will now allow people to select their home online.

DUBAI // The Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme has introduced a more streamlined operation to lessen delays.

A smart system, which will be in place by next year, will also allow people to select their home online.

Before they could only choose an area and the programme would choose the house.

Applications are approved on a points system in which a family that has more points receives a grant or loan earlier, but this usually takes more than two years and is being phased out.

The amount of housing assistance now varies depending on income.

If an Emirati’s average income is less or equal to Dh3,000, the beneficiary receives Dh800,000 in financial assistance. Those who earn Dh4,000 or less receive Dh700,000.

Emiratis who make Dh4,000 to Dh5,000 will receive Dh600,000, while those who earn more than Dh5,000 will receive Dh500,000.

Houses will also vary in size according to the number of family members.

But some people will not have to wait for longer than two years, such as those who do not have a home or whose houses are too old and dangerous to live in.

Visit www.szhp.gov.ae for more information.