Housing subsidies in Colombia 2026

There are 4.8 million households in Colombia that do not live in decent housing. That's 25.6% of all households in the country, according to DANE and Camacol. And the question we receive most often via WhatsApp is the same: "Does any housing still exist?" housing subsidy to which I can apply?". The short answer is yes, although the landscape changed quite a bit in 2026.

We'll explain it to you without the fine print: what's over, what's still in place, who each thing applies to, and what to do if your family doesn't qualify or needs more than the State can provide.

What happened to housing subsidies in 2026?

The big change is that the "Mi Casa Ya" program has suspended the allocation of new subsidies. If you were waiting for this support to buy a new home, that program is not currently accepting new applications, and you should be aware of this before making any calculations with your salary.

But "Mi Casa Ya" wasn't the only one. housing subsidy of the country. There are two routes that are still fully operational and that many people aren't aware of. Let's take a look at them.

The family housing subsidy is still available (via compensation funds)

The Family Housing Subsidy has not been suspended: it is managed through the family compensation funds. If you or someone in your household is affiliated with a fund through their work, there is a direct channel to apply, and it's worth asking even if you think you don't qualify.

The exact amounts, limits, and requirements are defined by each fund and current regulations, so we're not going to give you a figure in pesos that could change tomorrow. The honest thing to say is: confirm the official details directly with your compensation fund and with the Ministry of Housing, which is where the up-to-date information is.

Home improvement: the subsidy that almost no one asks for

Here's the fact that changes the conversation. The 751% housing deficit in Colombia is qualitative: it's not that there's a lack of houses, it's that the houses that already exist are in poor condition. Dirt floors, leaky roofs, a broken bathroom, unfinished walls.

For this reason, the Ministry of Housing maintains Home Improvement programs, which, instead of giving you money to buy a home, help you fix what you already have. If your problem isn't not having a roof over your head, but rather having a roof that's falling down, this is probably the right path for you. See our full explanation of the housing deficit in Colombia to understand why this type of need is so common and so underserved.

who are these subsidies generally applicable to?

Generally speaking, this support is intended for low-income households that do not own their own home or live in a home that needs improvements. Priority is usually given to vulnerable families, and the burden is enormous in rural areas: the rural housing deficit reaches 58.61%, compared to 16.51% in urban areas.

Each program has its own eligibility requirements, location criteria, and family composition requirements. Therefore, rather than guessing if you "fit," the practical approach is to apply and let the organization evaluate your case. If you want to know what standards you should expect, read on. What is decent housing?It helps you understand what you're really asking for.

What if your family doesn't qualify or needs more?

This is the part the system fails to address. Many families don't qualify, aren't affiliated with any health insurance plan, or receive support that doesn't cover all the work they need. That's where you can't just sit around waiting.

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation (Hepacom), we work precisely to fill that gap. We support vulnerable families in building and improving decent housing, with a national reach from Itagüí, Antioquia. We don't replace the government; we complement it when official aid doesn't arrive or isn't enough. You can see what we're doing on our [website/social media/etc.]. projects.

We believe that a family shouldn't have to wait years for paperwork while living on a dirt floor. That's why we bring together donors and volunteers who make every project possible.

Housing subsidies in Colombia: where to apply for each one

There are several housing subsidies available, and they are processed through different agencies, which often leads to confusion. This table lists the most frequently asked questions, the households they are intended for, and where each one is processed, so you know which agency to contact. Requirements and amounts change with each application period, so confirm the current information with the relevant agency.

Overview of subsidies. Requirements and amounts depend on each call for applications; check the current information with the indicated entity.

Common mistakes when applying for a housing subsidy

• Knocking on the wrong door: Each subsidy is managed by a different entity; going to the wrong one delays the whole process.
• Ignoring the improvement subsidy: It is one of the least requested services, even though many families already have a house and only need to fix it up.
• Not checking the compatibility between subsidies: Some benefits cannot be combined; it's advisable to confirm this before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has my house completely disappeared?

Not exactly: what was suspended was the allocation of new subsidies. Therefore, it's advisable to look at other available options such as the Family Housing Subsidy through compensation funds and the Ministry's Housing Improvement programs.

Can I apply for a subsidy if I already own a house but it's in poor condition?

Yes, and often that's the best option. For existing homes that need repairs, there are Home Improvement programs, designed specifically to address the qualitative aspect of the housing deficit.

Where can I confirm the exact amounts and requirements?

Directly with the Ministry of Housing and, in the case of the Family Subsidy, with your family compensation fund. These sources have the most up-to-date information; we avoid giving you figures that change from year to year.

Does Hepacom provide government subsidies?

No. We are a foundation, not a state entity. What we do is support and carry out decent housing projects for families that the system cannot reach, with the support of donors and volunteers.

If your family or someone you know lives in a house that needs improvement and you don't know where to start, contact us via WhatsApp at +57 300 143 7951. We'll give you guidance with no obligation and, if it's within our reach, we'll include you in a project.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to decent housing in Colombia, where we bring together how to access housing and how to help another family have their own.