The government of Antigua and Barbuda has facilitated the construction of more than 4,000 subsidised homes over the past decade, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said, describing the effort as part of a broader transformation in the country’s housing sector.
Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne said the figure reflects only homes built with direct government support, noting that overall construction activity has been significantly higher. “As much as I would have said during the launch that over 4,000 homes were built… I mean that’s a fraction of the total homes that were built during the last 12 years,” he said.
He added that the country has experienced what he termed a “housing explosion” or “revolution,” with many citizens also constructing homes independently, alongside those supported through state programmes.
Browne outlined the level of government assistance provided, stating that subsidies on state-built homes typically range between EC$100,000 and EC$150,000 per unit. He said this effectively transfers equity to homeowners, allowing them to purchase properties below market value.
“When you purchase a home, for example, for $300,000 from the government… and the value is about $450,000, right there we’re transferring $150,000 in wealth to the individual,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister also pointed to land policies aimed at improving access to home ownership, noting that government land remains available at reduced rates. He said these initiatives are designed to make housing more affordable while supporting wealth creation among citizens.
He argued that the housing programme forms part of a wider strategy to improve living standards, particularly for lower- and middle-income households, through duty waivers, concessional financing and targeted subsidies.
The expansion of housing, Browne said, is intended not only to address demand but also to stimulate economic activity, with construction remaining a key driver of growth across the country.
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