The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced new measures to improve access to affordable housing finance. The latest reforms, under the SECP expands initiative, allow more financial institutions to participate in the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program.
The changes were announced through SECP Circular No. 16 of 2026. The revised framework relaxes participation rules for Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) and Non-Banking Microfinance Companies (NBMFCs).
The SECP expands policy follows approval by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet. The decision was later ratified by the Federal Cabinet and officially notified by the Ministry of Housing and Works.
Under the updated rules, Housing Finance Companies and Investment Finance Companies can now provide housing loans of up to Rs10 million through the scheme.
At the same time, Non-Banking Microfinance Companies are permitted to offer loans of up to Rs5 million. Officials believe this will make affordable housing finance available to a larger number of Pakistanis.
According to the regulator, the SECP expands initiative is expected to benefit citizens who do not have access to traditional banking services. Many low-income families rely on non-banking financial institutions for financial support.
The SECP said these institutions have strong digital networks and a wider presence in remote areas. This will help extend housing finance services to people living outside major cities.
The regulator has also introduced a dedicated framework for Lending Non-Banking Finance Companies. These companies can now participate in the housing programme independently or in partnership with banks and other financial institutions.
The Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program is a government-backed initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers purchase or build their own homes.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants can receive housing finance of up to Rs10 million. The financing is offered at a fixed subsidized markup rate of 5 percent for the first 10 years.
Borrowers can repay the loan over a maximum period of 20 years. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 10 percent down payment, while participating financial institutions finance the remaining 90 percent.
The programme covers several housing options. Eligible applicants can purchase a ready-built house or apartment, build a home on an existing residential plot, or buy a plot and construct a house afterward.
Properties covered under the scheme include houses of up to 10 marlas, or 2,720 square feet. Apartments of up to 1,500 square feet also qualify for financing.
Applicants must be Pakistani citizens with a valid Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). They must also be first-time homebuyers and should not already own residential property.
The minimum monthly income requirement is Rs25,000 for the main applicant and Rs20,000 for co-applicants. Self-employed applicants must provide at least three years of business or professional income records.
Officials believe the inclusion of more non-banking financial institutions will significantly improve access to affordable housing across Pakistan. The SECP expands reforms are expected to support low- and middle-income families while increasing the overall reach of the Prime Minister Apna Ghar Program
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