Housing Minister Says Rent-to-Own Will Help Families Without Mortgages Own Homes

Government to Introduce ‘Rent-to-Own’ Housing Programme for Families Without Mortgages

The government plans to roll out a rent-to-own housing programme aimed at helping families who are unable to qualify for traditional mortgages take their first step toward homeownership.

Works and Housing Minister Maria Browne announced the initiative during the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) manifesto launch at the American University of Antigua Conference Centre, describing it as a key measure to expand access to housing.

“We are introducing a rent-to-own housing programme so that our hardworking families who may not yet qualify for a mortgage can still take their first step toward homeownership,” Browne said.

Under the proposed model, tenants would pay affordable rent while gradually building equity in their homes.

“They will rent affordably, they will build equity, and they will own their future,” Browne said.

The programme is part of a broader housing strategy that the government says is focused on increasing access to property ownership and improving living standards, particularly for lower- and middle-income earners.

Browne said the initiative reflects the administration’s position that housing should be accessible to all.

“Housing is not a privilege, it is a right. It is a foundation of dignity, a platform for opportunity and a pathway to generational wealth,” she said.

She added that the rent-to-own plan complements other measures, including new housing developments, land distribution initiatives and support for vulnerable households.

“We are expanding access to land… and strengthening support for those in need,” Browne said, noting that efforts are also underway to provide repair assistance and improve housing conditions for vulnerable families.

The announcement comes as the government continues to promote its “Renaissance” agenda, which places housing at the centre of its development strategy ahead of the April 30 general election.

Browne said the goal is to create pathways to ownership for families who might otherwise be locked out of the housing market.

“This is what empowerment feels like,” she said.

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