PM Apna Ghar Program Expanded as SECP Allows Non-Banking Institutions to Offer Home Loans

• Islamabad: SECP Expands PM Apna Ghar Program to Improve Access to Affordable Housing Finance

Pakistan’s affordable housing initiative has received a major boost after the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) broadened the scope of the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program. According to Beyond Time News, the latest policy allows eligible non-banking financial institutions to participate in the government-backed housing finance scheme, giving more Pakistanis access to subsidized home loans.

The decision follows approvals by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, endorsement by the Federal Cabinet, and a formal notification from the Ministry of Housing and Works. Officials believe the move will make housing finance available to a wider segment of the population, particularly people who have limited access to traditional banking services.

Non-Banking Financial Institutions Join the Housing Finance Scheme

Under SECP Circular No. 16 of 2026, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), Investment Finance Companies, and Non-Banking Microfinance Companies (NBMFCs) can now provide financing under the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program.

The updated framework allows:

• Housing Finance Companies and Investment Finance Companies to offer home loans of up to Rs10 million.
• Non-Banking Microfinance Companies to provide loans of up to Rs5 million.

The SECP has also introduced a dedicated regulatory framework that enables Lending Non-Banking Finance Companies to participate either independently or in partnership with banks and other financial institutions.

Program Aims to Reach More Families Across Pakistan

According to Beyond Time News, the inclusion of non-banking financial institutions is expected to improve access to affordable housing finance, especially for people who do not maintain conventional bank accounts.

Many non-banking financial companies operate through digital platforms and extensive outreach networks. As a result, they can serve communities in rural and remote areas where access to banking services may be limited.

Officials expect this broader participation to increase the availability of housing finance for low- and middle-income households throughout the country.

Key Features of the PM Apna Ghar Program

The Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program is designed to help first-time homebuyers purchase or build a home through subsidized financing.

Under the current scheme:

• Eligible applicants can obtain financing of up to Rs10 million.
• Borrowers pay a fixed 5% subsidized markup for the first 10 years.
• The maximum financing period is 20 years.
• Applicants must make a minimum 10% down payment, while participating financial institutions can finance up to 90% of the property’s value.

PM Shehbaz Orders Faster Loan Approvals and Simpler Procedures Under Apna Ghar Housing Scheme

The program covers several housing needs, including:

• Purchasing a ready-built house.
• Buying an apartment.
• Constructing a home on an already owned residential plot.
• Purchasing a plot followed by residential construction.

Eligible properties include houses of up to 10 marlas (2,720 square feet) and apartments of up to 1,500 square feet.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is intended for first-time homeowners who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be Pakistani citizens with a valid CNIC.
• Be first-time homebuyers.
• Not already own a residential property.

The financial eligibility criteria include:

• A minimum monthly income of Rs25,000 for the primary applicant.
• A minimum monthly income of Rs20,000 for co-applicants.

Self-employed individuals are also eligible but must provide at least three years of business or professional income records to support their applications.

Why the Expansion Matters

Access to affordable housing finance remains one of the biggest challenges for many Pakistani families. Conventional banking services are not always accessible, particularly in underserved areas or for individuals with limited banking histories.

By allowing regulated non-banking financial institutions to participate, the government aims to expand financing options and improve financial inclusion. The move could also encourage greater competition among lenders, potentially improving customer service and increasing the availability of housing loans.

The expansion aligns with broader efforts to promote homeownership and address Pakistan’s growing demand for affordable housing.

Looking Ahead

The inclusion of non-banking financial institutions marks an important step in expanding the reach of the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program. As more lenders join the initiative, eligible families may find it easier to secure financing for purchasing or building a home.

The success of the expanded program will likely depend on effective implementation, public awareness, and continued collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, and the housing sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PM Apna Ghar Program?

The Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program is a government-backed housing finance initiative that helps eligible first-time homebuyers purchase or build homes through subsidized loans.

What changes has the SECP introduced?

The SECP now allows eligible non-banking financial institutions, including Housing Finance Companies and Non-Banking Microfinance Companies, to provide financing under the program.

How much financing is available?

Housing Finance Companies and Investment Finance Companies can offer loans of up to Rs10 million, while Non-Banking Microfinance Companies can provide loans of up to Rs5 million.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

Applicants must be Pakistani citizens with a valid CNIC, be first-time homebuyers, not own residential property, and meet the program’s income requirements.

What types of properties are covered?

The program supports the purchase of houses or apartments, construction on owned plots, and the purchase of residential plots followed by home construction, subject to the scheme’s size limits.

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