In the face of shifting economic landscapes and increasing pressure on household purchasing power, the “Location-Accession 2026” program (Rent-to-Own) has emerged as the most anticipated strategic solution in Tunisia’s housing history. Launched under the initiative of the President of the Republic, Kais Saied, this project is not merely another building plan; it is a structural revolution designed to empower citizens to achieve homeownership through flexible payment mechanisms, bypassing the burden of traditional bank loans and high interest rates.
The Housing Crisis in Tunisia: Facts and Figures
Understanding the importance of the Location-Accession 2026 program requires looking at the current real estate market reality. On June 3, 2026, Anis Gharbi, Director of the real estate platform “Mubawab,” stated in an interview with the National Radio that the market is facing unprecedented pressure:
- Rising Prices: The average price of real estate increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024.
- Surging Rents: Rental costs rose by 7.5% during the same period, placing a massive burden on families.
- Key Drivers: This crisis is fueled by high demand in major cities, a scarcity of serviced land, rising inflation, the imposition of VAT on housing, and increased interest rates on home loans.
Gharbi noted that many Tunisians are now forced to sacrifice their desired home features to fit their budgets, leading to a trend of smaller apartment sizes. He emphasized the urgent need to expand urban planning and provide infrastructure in new districts to relieve this pressure.
What is the “Location-Accession” System? A New Philosophy for Ownership
In a statement to Mosaïque FM on June 4, 2026, the Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zouari, described the program as a “bridge to ownership”:
- Mechanism: The system provides housing through an upgraded rental model, where monthly payments are counted as part of the property’s purchase price.
- Transfer of Title: Once the tenant completes the specified payments, ownership is transferred directly to them, ending the rental relationship and establishing them as full property owners.
Operational Launch: Mornaguia as a Pioneer Model
On June 4, 2026, Minister Zouari inaugurated the construction of the first social housing units in the Mornaguia region (Manouba Governorate), marking the official start of this national program:
- Capacity: The project includes 162 social housing units (S+1, S+2, and S+3).
- Timeline: Construction is set to span 570 days under the supervision of the SNIT (Société Nationale Immobilière de Tunisie).
- Quality: The apartments range from 75 to 100 square meters, built to high quality standards with all necessary infrastructure.
The 5,000-Home Plan and 2026-2027 Timeline
The Ministry, in collaboration with SNIT and SPROLS, aims to build 5,000 housing units for employees:
- Deployment: The program covers all governorates, with new work sites launching almost every month.
- Delivery: Construction is expected to conclude by late 2027, marking the start of delivery to beneficiaries.
- Transparency: All selection criteria are managed by a cross-sector committee (Equipment, Finance, Social Affairs).
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Selection is based on a rigorous, transparent process focusing on:
- Level of income (SMIG).
- Family size and social status.
- Priority is given to public and private sector employees who do not own a home.
- Final lists are compiled only after all conditions are met and appeals are reviewed.
Comparison: Location-Accession 2026 vs. Traditional Bank Loan
| Feature | Location-Accession 2026 | Traditional Bank Loan |
| Down Payment | Modest/Facilitated | High (20%+) |
| Interest Rates | Social/Reduced | High (Market rates) |
| Accessibility | Social criteria | Strict bank guarantees |
| Title | After payment completion | Long-term mortgage |
The Digital Registration Platform
The Ministry is developing a dedicated registration platform, scheduled to be operational by late 2026:
- Pilot Phase: A testing phase will take place in October 2026.
- Public Access: The portal will open to the public in late 2026 to finalize lists and provide project details.
Social Impact: Stability for the Tunisian Family
The Location-Accession program represents a profound socio-economic shift:
- Emotional Stability: Provides permanent housing, offering families social security away from rental market volatility.
- Social Justice: Enables middle and low-income classes to access high-quality homes.
- Sustainable Investment: Monthly payments become a financial asset rather than lost consumption expenses.
❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the program limited to the capital?
No, it is a national project covering all Tunisian governorates, starting with the Mornaguia pilot
Who can register for the program?
Priority is given to public and private sector employees who meet social and income requirements
When will the platform be open for registration?
The platform is scheduled to open to the general public in late 2026