Over 500 derelict properties in St. John’s are now targeted for redevelopment, government officials announced. Moreover, Cabinet approved a CHAPA land exchange programme to expand affordable housing immediately.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant explained that CHAPA will approach property owners to negotiate voluntary arrangements. He added, “The framework allows CHAPA to acquire privately owned lands and redevelop them into affordable homes and serviced lots.”

Recent assessments by the Social Transformation Urban Development Ministry identified these 500 properties. Therefore, authorities will first contact owners to determine willingness to participate.

Owners can choose between a land swap, outright sale, or construction credits toward a CHAPA home. Additionally, participants may receive tax incentives, including land transfer reductions or waivers. Merchant noted, “Persons will sell land at fair, independent, appraised values, while credits and incentives encourage participation.”

The programme also addresses the limited availability of Crown lands for housing. Since government land is scarce, redevelopment provides a practical solution to the housing shortage.

Furthermore, the initiative incorporates community spaces. Authorities plan to reserve 10 to 15 percent of developed lands for parks, green areas, and vending spaces.

The plan will launch in three phases, beginning with a pilot. Phase One involves acquiring 25 parcels in select constituencies. Phase Two will scale based on participation and infrastructure readiness, while Phase Three will institutionalise the programme within CHAPA.

Officials have not yet revealed which constituencies will participate in the pilot. However, they aim to target communities with clear redevelopment needs and support families wishing to remain in their current neighborhoods.

Several agencies will coordinate the programme, including the Survey and Mapping Division, Development Control Authority, Ministry of Housing and Works, and Ministry of Finance. Merchant promised that further updates will be shared soon.

Ultimately, CHAPA’s redevelopment aims to deliver affordable homes, enhance urban spaces, and strengthen community infrastructure across St. John’s. With this programme, families can access housing options while benefiting from improved community amenities.

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