Land Release in Tunis: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

The municipality of Tunis has today opened applications for a new tranche of publicly released land parcels, targeting first-time buyers and local developers as part of a wider city renewal strategy. The latest land release covers over 23 hectares spread across two rapidly changing districts: El Menzah 9 and Ksar Said, with individual plots ranging from 250m² to 500m² each.

Access to buildable land inside Tunis has become intensely competitive over the last three years, as local housing shortages and commercial interest push prices ever upward. The current land release comes as residential unit prices in central Tunis have soared, jumping 19% since June 2024, according to figures from the Conseil National de l’Immobilier (CNI). Local agents point to Boumhal and Ariana as particular hotspots for price growth, with average apartment prices in Ariana Centre now topping 4,800 TND/m², up from 3,900 TND/m² just two years ago.

Eligibility and Priority Groups

This year’s scheme is overseen by Agence Foncière d’Habitation (AFH), the government’s land division, and is open to Tunisian citizens aged 25 to 60 who do not already own residential property in Greater Tunis. Special quotas—35% of the plots—are reserved for households with annual family income below 40,000 TND, while a further 10% are ringfenced for professional syndicates such as teachers, medical workers and small business owners registered with the Chambre de Commerce de Tunis. Priority will also be given to applicants willing to start construction within 18 months of transfer, part of city hall’s effort to minimise speculation and encourage real occupancy.

Applications will be reviewed in batches, with the first set of approvals for El Menzah 9 scheduled for September 16. Documents needed include a valid Tunisian ID, the latest income statement from the Recette des Finances, and proof of not owning residential property in the past five years. For syndicate applicants, a letter of attestation from their professional chamber is required. AFH’s offices on Rue Hédi Karray in Ariana will process walk-in consultations every Wednesday and Saturday morning through August. Full forms are downloadable at afh.nat.tn.

How the Land Parcels Will Be Allocated

More than 1,020 applications were received during the 2025 AFH land release pilot in Sidi Bou Said, where only 78 parcels were on offer. Officials are predicting higher competition this cycle, especially for the new Ksar Said lots near the Tunis Sports City project. AFH has set a base price for plots at 1,350 TND/m² for low-and middle-income categories—roughly a third below current private market prices in the area. Successful applicants will pay a 15% deposit upon contract signing, with the balance due within 10 months or via an interest-free municipal financing program for qualifying buyers.

According to AFH’s 2025 annual report, more than 1,700 families and small developers have benefited from public land releases across the capital since 2021. That figure is expected to rise to over 2,500 by mid-2027 if the city council’s targets are met. Meanwhile, analysts caution that demand will likely outstrip supply in the short term, particularly in high-access locations close to Route X and the administrative hub of Bab El Khadra.

Those interested should act quickly: applications for the current round close at 5 p.m. on August 7. Full details—including eligibility checklists, downloadable forms, and sample contracts—are available at AFH’s headquarters as well as local municipal halls in Le Bardo and La Marsa.

Selection results will be announced via the official AFH website and posted at district offices on September 15. Successful applicants will be invited to a land allocation draw at the Cité El Menzah cultural centre the following week. For more information, applicants can reach the AFH helpline at 71 753 909 or by email at info@afh.nat.tn.