Syria to build two million homes by 2035 to plug housing shortage

Syria has announced ambitious plans to construct or restore two million homes by 2035, aiming to tackle the country's severe housing shortages and stimulate economic growth. The government intends to fund these developments through a combination of government investment, private capital, new partnerships, and foreign investment, according to Imad Al-Masri, Syria’s assistant minister of public works and housing. The Syrian government will supply land, while private developers will handle construction and infrastructure.

In addition to building new homes, Syria is also focused on reviving stalled projects and accelerating the delivery of completed units in various regions, including Damascus countryside, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, Aleppo, and Deir Ezzor. The housing shortage currently stands at 1.9 million units in 2025 and is projected to increase to 2.5 million units by 2030 if supply does not keep up with demand.

Mr. Al-Masri revealed that the government is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address the issue, which includes completing existing and stalled projects, repairing homes, rebuilding damaged housing, and adding new units.

Syria's existing housing stock is estimated at around 4.25 million units, with approximately 1.32 million units having sustained varying degrees of damage due to the ongoing conflict for over a decade. The recent influx of foreign investment into Syria's property sector, led by regional developers such as UAE-based Arada and Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar, has further fueled demand for "good-quality homes."

Arada plans to develop a $7 billion mixed-use real estate project in Syria over the next decade, featuring 11,000 homes, including apartments, villas, townhouses, branded residences, 500 hotel rooms, and 1,000 serviced apartments. The development will also include schools, a hospital, offices, and retail units.

Foreign investors like Alabbar are also planning to invest up to $18 billion in Syria, with projects ranging from $5 billion to $7 billion on the Syrian coast and up to $11 billion in Damascus and its surroundings. Over 1.7 million Syrians have returned to the country between December 2024 and April 2026 following the overthrow of the Assad regime, but a lack of housing remains a significant obstacle for many returnees.