The Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, Spatial Planning and Environment, drs. Rene Herdé, has presented a new policy document for the allocation of land and its use for housing construction. The new policy represents an important step in the modernization of housing policy, with the main goal of creating a fairer, more transparent, and more efficient system for the benefit of the people of Aruba.
The new policy was born as a response to the growing demand for housing, the scarcity of available land, and the need for clearer and more transparent procedures. Additionally, the government recognizes that a large portion of Aruban families face financial challenges in achieving homeownership, which requires a policy adapted to the current reality.
Minister Herdé emphasized that the government’s vision is based on five fundamental values: justice, transparency, housing for all, efficiency, and sustainability. “Every citizen deserves a fair opportunity to achieve a home that fits their needs. This policy puts the citizen at the center and creates clear rules that strengthen trust in the government,” the minister declared.
Among the main changes in the new policy is the introduction of a more flexible system for land use. In addition to individual homes, the policy will allow more room for residential projects, apartments, and other compact housing solutions to achieve more efficient use of the limited space Aruba has. This will contribute to an increase in housing and more modern and sustainable development.
The government is also extending the period to present financing documents after a pre-reservation. Instead of 30 days, applicants will have 60 days to complete the requirements, giving them a better chance to secure financing without losing their pre-reservation.
For land of 500 square meters or less, the new policy changes the construction criteria to focus on a minimum housing surface area of 60 square meters, instead of a fixed construction percentage. For larger plots, the maximum construction percentage of 30% is reduced to 20% to promote more green areas, a better residential environment, and more responsible land use.
As part of the reform, the government is also introducing measures to combat speculation and ensure that land is not used for business purposes. Government land is intended to provide a home to Aruban families and not for commerce or financial gain. For this reason, the policy includes limitations on the transfer of land and houses in certain situations, as well as restrictions on transfers to people who are not residents of Aruba.
According to Minister Herdé, this reform represents a fundamental change in the way Aruba will manage land allocation in the future. “We are putting an end to a system that does not always respond to current needs. With the new policy, we are creating more opportunities for families, more transparency in procedures, and more responsible use of land.”
The Government of Aruba invites the community to learn about the changes introduced in the policy document and reaffirms its commitment to continue working with all stakeholders to achieve an Aruba where more families can realize their dream of owning their own home.
