NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Housing and Land Reform Minister Keith Bell has unveiled plans for a pipeline of more than 900 residential lots, outlining what he described as one of the government’s most significant housing expansion efforts as it seeks to boost homeownership, stimulate construction activity and unlock greater economic value through land ownership.
Contributing to the 2026/27 Budget Debate, Bell said the Department of Housing has identified a projected yield of more than 900 lots through future housing and subdivision developments across the country.
“The future pipeline is also strong. Altogether, the Department has identified a projected yield of more than nine hundred (900) lots in future housing and subdivision developments. This represents one of the most significant housing pipelines currently being advanced by the Government.”
The announcement comes as the government continues to expand housing developments in New Providence, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and San Salvador, while advancing plans for additional projects in eastern New Providence and Exuma.
Bell said the administration is increasingly utilizing public-private partnerships to accelerate housing delivery and expand the supply of homes available to Bahamian families.
“Alongside traditional Government construction, we are utilising public-private partnerships to accelerate delivery and increase housing supply.”
He added: “This model allows housing construction to proceed more quickly without requiring Government to fund every unit directly upfront. It accelerates delivery, increases supply and enables more Bahamian families to access home ownership.”
The minister argued that housing should be viewed as an economic development strategy as much as a social initiative, noting that construction activity generates employment and business opportunities throughout the economy.
Bell also highlighted the performance of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, which he said has provided more than $109 million in financing since October 2021.
“Since October 2021, the Corporation has financed government-built homes, vacant residential lots, private home construction and private home purchases with an aggregate lending value exceeding one hundred and nine million dollars ($109 million). More than seven hundred (700) Bahamian families have been assisted through these programmes.”
The government is also expanding its Rent-to-Own programme, which is intended to assist families who can afford monthly housing payments but face challenges meeting traditional mortgage qualification requirements. The programme is currently operating in New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and San Salvador.
In addition, Bell outlined ongoing land reform efforts aimed at resolving title issues and improving access to financing for landowners. He said the government has enacted new land registration legislation, established the Office of the Registrar of Lands and continues to advance title regularisation initiatives across several communities.
Bell said the broader objective is to create greater opportunities for Bahamians to own homes and land while using housing development as a catalyst for economic growth and wealth creation.
