Housing Funding Faces Cuts, Raising Concerns for Young Lebanese
The Lebanese Syndicate of Real Estate Brokers and Consultants has expressed concern over a planned reduction in funding for housing loans through the Public Corporation for Housing under the 2027 draft state budget.
Funding is expected to be capped at around $20 million, compared with the $100 million the corporation had requested to relaunch its housing loan program.
In a statement, the syndicate said reactivating housing loans was a long-awaited and necessary step, but warned that such a significant reduction in funding would limit its impact and reduce access for young people and Lebanese families.
It noted that homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for a large segment of the population due to declining purchasing power, limited access to financing, and rising construction and rental costs.
The syndicate stressed that housing finance represents an investment in social stability and in enabling young people to remain in Lebanon and start families there. It warned that reduced funding would further delay housing projects, increase pressure on households and weaken an entire generation’s ability to plan for the future.
The impact, it added, would extend beyond direct beneficiaries of housing loans to the real estate, construction and contracting sectors, as well as building materials, related industries, services and professions.
“Home financing drives real demand, encourages investment, creates jobs and stimulates economic activity, while also generating additional revenues for the state,” the syndicate said.
It argued that limiting the program’s funding would weaken one of the key tools available to stimulate the economy, stressing that the real estate sector needs financing that enables citizens to purchase homes and turns housing needs into productive economic activity.
The syndicate called on the government to reconsider the proposed cut and urged Parliament, particularly its Finance and Budget Committee, to increase the allocation before the budget is finally approved. It said this would allow more young people and families to benefit from the program under clear and fair eligibility criteria.
The syndicate also stressed that increased funding must be accompanied by an effective and transparent implementation mechanism to ensure that loans reach those who need them most, prioritize first-time homebuyers and guarantee the sustainability of the program.
“Lebanon needs a clear housing policy that places young people, social stability and economic recovery at the heart of its priorities,” the syndicate said. “We hope Parliament will correct this course and provide the housing sector with the funding it deserves, as a key pillar for keeping Lebanese citizens in their country and revitalizing its economy.”
