Affordable Housing Expands in Quintana Roo Beyond Cancún

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The federal program Vivienda para el Bienestar (Housing for Well-being), initially launched in Cancún and set to continue in Chetumal, may soon extend to other areas of Quintana Roo, including Puerto Morelos and Akumal. The initiative targets families earning between one and two minimum wages, providing them with affordable housing solutions.

Expansion Plans Underway

Alberto Alonso Ovando, head of the Secretariat of Territorial, Urban, and Sustainable Development (Sedetus), confirmed the potential expansion. "The program is being redefined for Puerto Morelos, where the State Agency for Strategic Projects (Agepro) has reserved land. Instead of offering plots, we will provide 60-square-meter homes, as outlined by the program," he explained.

Ovando emphasized the program's significance, noting its rapid growth since President Claudia Sheinbaum initiated housing construction in Cancún. "There is considerable interest, but construction has only just begun. The first phase is expected to conclude by December or January," he added.

Increased Housing Targets

Originally, the program aimed to break ground on 4,000 homes this year. However, Ovando reported that 5,008 units are already underway in Cancún, with an additional 624 in Chetumal. "We plan to include Puerto Morelos and possibly Akumal, depending on demand," he stated.

The initiative operates through two channels: the National Workers' Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit) for formal workers with access to credit, and the National Housing Commission (Conavi) for informal workers. "This program is designed for families excluded from traditional housing systems due to insufficient income," Ovando clarified.

Eligibility and Priorities

Applicants must earn between one and two minimum wages; those earning three or owning another property are ineligible. Priority is given to vulnerable groups, including working mothers, Indigenous communities, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

In Puerto Morelos, the selection of construction firms remains pending, with multiple project proposals under review. Ovando assured that beneficiaries would face no additional costs. "The state has committed to covering all fees, permits, and taxes during construction and assignment," he affirmed.

The program represents a critical step toward addressing housing shortages for low-income families in Quintana Roo, with further expansions anticipated in the coming months.