Syria Plans 2 Million Homes by 2035 to Tackle Housing Shortage
The National
Syria aims to build or rehabilitate 2 million homes by 2035, driven by government and private investment to meet rising housing demand amid population returns.
Syria's Ambitious Housing Plan to Bridge Shortage by 2035
Syria has unveiled an extensive strategy to address a growing housing deficit by constructing or restoring two million homes by the year 2035. This initiative is set to boost the country’s economy while tackling a critical shortage of residential units.
Imad Al-Masri, Syria’s assistant minister of public works and housing, disclosed that the housing developments will be funded through a blend of government funds, private capital, new partnerships, and foreign investments. The government will provide land via the General Housing Establishment. Meanwhile, private investors will take charge of project development and the necessary infrastructure to scale up housing availability.
Tackling Housing Shortage and Reviving Projects
The housing shortage in Syria is pressing, with an estimated deficit of 1.9 million units by 2025. This number is predicted to increase to 2.5 million units by 2030 if housing supply does not keep up with demand. Al-Masri highlighted that the government’s approach includes completing stalled projects and accelerating the delivery of already constructed units, particularly in regions like Damascus countryside, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, Aleppo, and Deir Ezzor.
Syria's housing stock stands at approximately 4.25 million units, but over 1.3 million units have suffered damage due to over a decade of conflict. The government’s multi-pronged strategy targets reducing the shortage by finishing existing projects, repairing damaged homes, reconstructing destroyed properties, and adding new housing units.
Renewed Investment and Market Opportunities
Following Syria’s removal from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, new investment flows have increased, triggering local and regional interest in the real estate market. Notably, UAE-based developer Arada is planning a $7 billion mixed-use project over a decade in western Damascus. This development will include 11,000 homes, composed of apartments, villas, townhouses, branded residences, 500 hotel rooms, and 1,000 serviced apartments. Additionally, it will feature schools, a hospital, office spaces, and retail outlets.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Arada's group CEO, emphasized the strong demand for quality housing from both local residents and Syrians abroad who seek investment or holiday homes in their homeland.
Moreover, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, has revealed intentions to invest up to $18 billion in Syria. His plans include projects on the Syrian coast valued between $5 billion and $7 billion and developments around Damascus estimated at up to $11 billion.
Housing Demand Driven by Population Returns
The housing shortage is intensified by the return of Syrians displaced by conflict. Between December 2024 and April 2026, approximately 1.7 million Syrians returned to Syria after political changes nearly two years ago, according to UNHCR. Another 1.97 million internally displaced persons have also returned to their places of residence, with the unavailability of adequate housing cited as the primary barrier to return.
Implications for Dubai Real Estate Agents
While Syria’s housing market is evolving under unique post-conflict conditions, the influx of foreign and private investment mirrors demand dynamics seen in the Dubai property market. For real estate agents, this underscores the significance of recognizing regional trends where reconstruction and investment cycles can rapidly create new opportunities. Agents should monitor how regional partnerships and foreign capital influence housing developments, potentially expanding investment prospects beyond traditional markets.
Based on reporting from The National. Summary and analysis by Propilot AI.
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