Public input sought on white land development extensions

Logo of Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH)

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH) issued the technical regulations draft for determining the additional period for developing lands subject to the White Land and Vacant Properties Fee law for public consultation via the Istitlaa platform until Dec. 18.

The regulations aim to enhance the efficiency of fees on white lands, stimulate the real estate market, increase the supply of developed lands and housing units, achieve a balance between supply and demand, protect fair competition, and curb monopolistic practices, the ministry stated.

They also seek to provide a clear framework for granting additional periods for land development or construction, ensuring transparency and consistency in applying the White Land Fees system.

MOMAH indicated that granting an additional period requires submission of a request for an extension to the White Land Fees program for the invoice in question, provision of a valid document such as approval of the raw land plan, a construction permit, comprehensive development permit, final approval according to the updated pathways, off-plan project sale permit, or real estate contribution license.

The document must correspond to the year of the invoice for which the extension is requested or be issued earlier. In addition, a project timeline from an accredited engineering office is required if the requested extension exceeds six months, except for off-plan sales projects or real estate contributions.

The ministry added that the provisions apply to lands subject to the fee, whether the development involves infrastructure, infrastructure and superstructure, approval via one of the updated pathways, land development, or issuance of off-plan project sale permits or real estate contribution licenses.