Requirements for Mi Casa Ya 2026: who can access the housing subsidy

Last updated: June 2026

A couple recently wrote to us with their loan already approved by the bank, their sights set on a social housing apartment, and a single question running through their minds: Will I really qualify for the Mi Casa Ya program this year? It's the question we hear most often, and the answer has two sides. That's why we want to start by being clear with you.

The Mi Casa Ya requirements The requirements remain the same: being classified in the Sisbén IV system between groups A1 and D20, not owning any property in the country, not having previously received a family housing subsidy, and having an already approved mortgage or housing lease. If you meet these four criteria, on paper you are eligible. What changed in 2026 are not the rules, but the quotas: the program's budget for the 2022-2026 period is exhausted, and for now, there are no open applications for new households. Below, we explain what can be done about this.

What are the requirements for Mi Casa Ya today?

The Ministry of Housing maintains four fundamental conditions for accessing the subsidy. We'll review them one by one because every word counts when applying:

• Classification in Sisbén IV between A1 and D20. All members of the household must be registered in the Sisbén system within that range. If you don't know which group you fall into, it's best to check before proceeding with any other paperwork.
• Not owning a home. No member of the household may be listed as the owner of a house or apartment in the national territory.
• Not having been a beneficiary before. You cannot have received a family housing subsidy or interest rate coverage in the past (home improvement or rental programs are the exception).
• Credit approved. You need a current mortgage or housing lease approval letter from a financial institution.

The subsidy only applies to new social housing. And one detail that many families overlook: the Sisbén classification is not a minor procedure; it even determines the amount you are entitled to. If you want to understand how this system works, we wrote a separate guide about it. Sisbén groups for subsidies.

How much is the subsidy based on your Sisbén group?

The amount is not fixed for everyone. It depends on the group your household was placed in:

• Households classified among A1 and C8: down payment subsidy equivalent to 30 current legal monthly minimum wages (SMMLV).
• Households between C9 and D20: subsidy equivalent to 20 SMMLV.

That money doesn't go directly into your pocket. It's deducted from your down payment, which lowers the amount you have to finance with the bank. That's why the order matters so much: first the loan is approved, then the subsidy comes in to ease the down payment.

Will Mi Casa Ya be open in 2026?

Here comes the part we'd rather not write, but we owe you honesty. According to official information from the Ministry of Housing, the program did not open mass registrations for new households during 2026. The budget allocated for the 2022-2026 period was exhausted: the 2025 period ended with all slots assigned, and only a very small number of pre-assignments remained available for 2026.

That doesn't mean the program disappeared. Families who already have their subsidy assigned retain their rights, and those who achieved a pre-assignment They hold your spot for up to 24 months. But if your household hasn't been selected yet, there's no open window waiting for you today. It's hard to read it so bluntly, and we know it. That's why what follows isn't meant as consolation: these are real pathways that are actually working this year.

What alternatives do you have if there are no openings this year?

The good news is that Mi Casa Ya was never the only option. If the national program is closed to new homes, these options remain available in 2026:

• Family compensation funds. If you're affiliated with a social security fund (such as Comfama, Comfenalco, Compensar, Colsubsidio, and others), you can apply for their housing subsidies, which are still available. Each fund has its own application dates and amounts, so it's worth checking directly with yours.
• Concurrent subsidies. When the national program is available, it can be combined with the program offered by the family compensation fund. By combining both programs, a household can receive up to 50 times the monthly minimum wage for the down payment, regardless of their Sisbén classification.
• District and departmental programs. Several municipalities and regional governments offer their own housing subsidies. They aren't always widely publicized, but they exist and are renewed through local calls for applications.

Before you dismiss your dream of owning your own home, also check if you qualify for other government assistance programs that can free up some of your family budget. We explain this in our guide to Citizen's Income requirements.

How to verify official information before applying?

With a topic as sensitive as housing, we don't want you to make decisions based on secondhand information. The number of available slots, the amounts in minimum monthly wages, and the dates change, and the only reliable source is the Ministry of Housing. Always consult the official website of the Ministry of Housing. Family Subsidy for New Housing and the detail of Mi Casa Ya pre-assignment model Before starting any procedure, check the website. If information you saw on social media isn't listed there, be suspicious.

General requirements of Mi Casa Ya at a glance

Mi Casa Ya is a subsidy program for purchasing new social housing, and its requirements have been adjusted over time, especially regarding eligibility based on the Sisbén group and the availability of available slots. Use this table as a general guide and confirm the current conditions and application period directly with the Ministry of Housing (Minvivienda) before applying.

Requirement	What does this generally entail?
Not being the owner	The household must not own its own home.
Not having received the subsidy before	The benefit applies only once per household.
Classification in the Sisbén	Being in the group required by the program
Approved credit or lease	Having financing available for the new home
New social housing	The property must meet the program's value limit.

General guidelines. The required Sisbén group, limits, and quotas are defined by Minvivienda.

Common mistakes with Mi Casa Ya

• Assuming there is always room: The allocation depends on the year's resources; there may be limited or closed slots.
• Search for used housing: The subsidy applies to new social housing, not used housing.
• Not checking your Sisbén group: A group other than the one required may disqualify you; check your current classification.

Frequently asked questions about the requirements of Mi Casa Ya

Can I apply for Mi Casa Ya if I already have an approved loan but there are no available slots?

Having your loan approved fulfills one of the key requirements, but the allocation depends on available slots and budget. There are no open enrollment periods for new households in 2026, so the recommendation is to check with the relevant compensation funds in the meantime and keep your approval letter valid.

Which Sisbén group do I need for Mi Casa Ya?

Your household must be classified between groups A1 and D20 of the Sisbén IV. Between A1 and C8 the subsidy is 30 SMMLV; between C9 and D20, 20 SMMLV.

Does the subsidy apply to buying a used home?

No. The Mi Casa Ya program only applies to new social housing. For used housing, you need to look at other options, such as some subsidies offered by family compensation funds.

If I have already received a housing subsidy before, can I apply again?

Not for the purchase option. Having been a beneficiary of a family housing subsidy disqualifies you, unless the previous support was for home improvement or renting.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to state aid and subsidies in Colombia, where we organize all the programs in one place.

How Hepacom accompanies you

At the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation, we believe that access to decent housing shouldn't depend on guessing where to find the right information. That's our mission: to ensure that low-income families aren't denied their rights due to a lack of guidance. When a program like Mi Casa Ya closes its application slots, we know how devastating that news is for a family that was already saving up for the down payment.

That's why we don't just leave you with the bad news. We help you understand which Sisbén group you fall into, what real alternatives you have based on your situation, and where to go so you don't waste time on processes that won't get you anywhere. Find more guides on subsidies and rights in our blog, and learn about all our work for decent housing in the Hepacom homepage.

Notice: This content is for informational and guidance purposes only. It does not replace official information from the Ministry of Housing nor does it guarantee subsidy allocation. Amounts, quotas, and dates may change; always verify through official channels before making decisions.