Nearly 200 state-owned apartments have been allocated to Monegasque citizens in the latest housing round, but the National Council warns that demand still exceeds supply by 40%.
Since the start of the National Housing Plan in 2019, an initiative spearheaded by Prince Albert II with the goal of better addressing the housing needs of Monegasques—many of whom have struggled to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of owning or renting a property in the Principality—the Commission for the Allocation of State Housing has allocated 1,173 homes to Monaco citizens.
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During the last meeting of the Commission for the Allocation of State Housing, held on 27th February at the Ministry of State under the leadership of Pierre-André Chiappori, Monaco’s Minister of Finance and Economy, 194 state-owned apartments were allocated to Monegasques and their families who had submitted requests for housing between September and October 2024. The properties are located in developments across the Principality, notably in Block B of the Héméra Residence, following last year’s distribution of units in Block C, as well as several apartments that were recently renovated and made available once again in other buildings.
This may seem like quick work, but the National Council has been fast to criticise these results by pointing to the fact that 40% of the requests remain unmet and unanswered.
“This positive assessment is the result of the National Council’s determination to meet the legitimate housing needs of our compatriots,” reads a statement from the National Council. “Nevertheless, with a satisfaction rate of 60%, 40% of requests remain unsatisfactory, which the National Council deplores.”
National Council President Thomas Brezzo has taken an even bigger swipe at the tally, saying, “The housing of Monegasques is a vital part of the National Council’s DNA. The government must not—and should not—consider this major issue for Monegasques as an adjustable variable, particularly in budgetary matters.”
Meanwhile, in an official communiqué, the government has stated, “The Princely Government remains fully committed to this essential policy, continuing its investments and mobilising the necessary resources to provide new housing opportunities for Monegasques in the years ahead. In this context, the government is stepping up initiatives to enhance the living environment of state housing residents. In addition to constructing new buildings and accelerating the renovation of existing apartments, it regularly updates the Standard State Apartment Programme based on resident needs and feedback.”
To “better support residents in their daily lives”, the government has published a practical guide which addresses a series of questions related to the occupation and maintenance of state-owned properties. It is available online and can be accessed here.
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