Government and Central Bank Promote Forum to Boost the National Housing Market
The Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment and the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), organized the Timor-Leste Housing Market Development Forum on March 6, 2025, at the Ministry of Finance's Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium.
The aim of this event was to promote reflection on the development of the housing sector and identify solutions to existing challenges, in order to guarantee access to decent housing for all Timorese citizens. 
The Forum was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who, representing Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, highlighted the IX Constitutional Government's commitment to economic development and improving the living conditions of the population. “Decent housing is a fundamental right and a pillar for the country's sustainable development. The government is committed to creating the conditions for all citizens to have access to adequate, safe and comfortable housing, thus guaranteeing the dignity of families,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. 
The Minister for Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão de Sousa, said that the main objective of this forum was to bring together representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss the challenges of housing development and, at the same time, to define priorities to support the creation of conditions that allow citizens to live in safe and dignified places. “This is the real goal of all citizens,” emphasized the Minister. 
In his speech, the Governor of the Central Bank, Hélder Lopes, stressed the fundamental importance of the mortgage market for the development of the housing sector. “Housing is an essential need for every family. . . It provides security, stability and dignity for our people. At the same time, a strong housing sector drives economic growth, allowing us to create jobs, stimulate the construction industry and expand financial services. . The mortgage market plays an important role in making home ownership affordable, allowing families to invest in their future while contributing to national development,” said the Governor. 
David Freedman, IFC representative in East Timor, highlighted housing as a fundamental human right, recognized both by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by the Constitution of East Timor. He added the importance of developing a sustainable and inclusive housing market, arguing that adequate housing not only improves people's living conditions, but also contributes to the country's economic and social stability.
During the Forum, the difficulties that still persist in Timor-Leste's real estate market were addressed, including limited access to affordable financing, regulatory and legal barriers, the underdevelopment of the financial sector and the need for greater macroeconomic stability.
Government and Central Bank reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable, inclusive and resilient mortgage financing system. . By guaranteeing access to affordable property, it's not just about building homes, it's about strengthening communities, consolidating a stable financial sector and building a better future for Timor-Leste.
