By Jamaica Homes News Desk | March 20, 2025
Kingston, Jamaica — In a strategic move to tackle urban decay and accelerate access to affordable housing, the National Housing Trust (NHT) is launching a Small Development Partnership Programme aimed at landowners with modest-sized residential plots. This initiative invites private landowners to collaborate directly with the NHT to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant housing solutions.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Andrew Holness during his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in Parliament on March 20.
“This initiative will see the NHT providing project funding, and the technical/construction expertise, while the landowner will offer their property as their equity for the development,” the Prime Minister explained.
This bold, community-centered approach is part of a broader strategy to revive areas experiencing urban blight, particularly where acquiring large tracts of land for housing has proven challenging.
A Win-Win for Landowners and Communities
Rather than let small parcels of land sit idle or deteriorate, this partnership model allows owners to leverage their property as equity, while the NHT covers construction costs, planning, and technical services. In return, housing units are built to meet national demand—specifically targeted at low-income and affordable housing seekers.
“This is targeted at houses for the low-income and affordable segment of the housing market; therefore, the selling price of the units must be under the price point set by the NHT,” Dr. Holness affirmed.
To qualify, participating lands must:
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Be zoned for residential use;
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Have legal title and clear ownership;
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Be connected or adjacent to basic infrastructure, including potable water, electricity, and sewage systems.
This initiative also supports the Government’s broader housing mission of delivering 43,000 new units islandwide, many of which must be constructed in urban and semi-urban zones where land availability is tight and informal settlements are widespread.
Reviving Jamaica's Urban Core
The programme speaks directly to Jamaica’s pressing need to rehabilitate inner-city communities and provide dignified housing alternatives in existing neighborhoods. Through infill development—constructing homes on unused plots within already established areas—the NHT hopes to stem the spread of informal settlements and inject life into underperforming real estate pockets.
It also reflects a shift toward collaborative, locally-driven housing solutions, putting everyday Jamaicans at the center of national development.
While detailed guidelines and application procedures are expected to be released shortly, landowners interested in the programme are encouraged to begin assessing their properties for zoning compliance and infrastructure readiness.
This innovative partnership could very well redefine how Jamaica tackles its housing crisis—one small plot at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is published by Jamaica Homes for informational purposes. The Small Development Partnership Programme is administered by the National Housing Trust (NHT), and full details, including eligibility and timelines, must be obtained directly from the NHT or official government sources. Jamaica Homes is not affiliated with the NHT and does not participate in or facilitate partnership agreements.