Peru Will Require Homeowners to Live in Subsidized Housing

Peru’s Ministry of Housing is proposing a new regulation requiring recipients of state housing subsidies to live in the properties for at least five years. The draft regulation of the Social Interest Housing Law aims to prevent people from buying subsidized homes solely to rent them out as investment properties. Beneficiaries who rent their homes, move out, or otherwise violate the terms of the subsidy may lose access to future state support.

The new rules also establish a National Housing Registry where all Social Interest Housing projects must be registered to receive state benefits. The regulation specifies a minimum size of 35 square meters for new builds, with exceptions allowing for 25 square meter homes if they meet habitability and safety standards.

Previously, while transferring ownership was restricted for five years, renting subsidized homes wasn’t explicitly prohibited. The proposed regulation seeks to ensure public funds are used to provide housing for owner-occupiers, not rental income. The Ministry is currently seeking public feedback on the draft.