Abu Dhabi Introduces Innovative Residential Land Exchange Service
Wednesday, 24 July 2024
A new residential land exchange program launched by the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) aims to improve social cohesion and family harmony among Emiratis. Through this effort, citizens can choose from a reserve of available lands controlled by the administration, or they can exchange their previously assigned residential land with other citizens.
Citizens must fulfill certain requirements in order to be eligible for this service: the residential land must be undivided, free of construction (apart from fence), and unrestricted by third parties, the law, or regulations. Apart from the absence of infrastructure services, the land shouldn’t encounter any other construction-related difficulties.
“ADHA launched the residential land exchange service to enhance our range of housing services and programs,” stressed ADHA Director General Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi. The goal of this program is to strengthen family bonds and encourage social cohesiveness among Emiratis. It is in line with ADHA’s objective to offer a variety of housing options within integrated communities that enhance residents’ general well-being.
Through the “Iskan Abu Dhabi” app, eligible citizens can apply for the land swap service. To finish the application process, both parties need to visit the “Iskan Abu Dhabi Centre” after submitting their information. Following approval, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre will manage all necessary procedures and any associated expenses in accordance with the guidelines established by the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi.
The authorization for the land exchange will be canceled, with possible criminal, civil, or administrative repercussions, if it is discovered that any party has received any financial advantages or compensation.
The grant of swapped residential land may only be utilized by the owner and their family for residential purposes. It is completely forbidden to rent, invest, transfer ownership, create real rights, or mortgage the land—with the exception of getting construction financing. The transferred land has not changed its status and cannot be turned from grant land to tradable land.
See the ADHA website for comprehensive rules and guidelines. In order to allow citizens to explore available lands and perform the entire land exchange online, the government is also working on digitizing the procedure.
