Sale of Vinares apartments suspended

Nov 6, 2023, 4:46 AM
Vinares flats in Hulhumale'. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyaan/ Adhadhu

Vinares flats in Hulhumale'. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyaan/ Adhadhu

The sale of Vinares apartments has been suspended due to technical problems with Urbanco's online portal.

"This corporation has received a lot of complaints due to technical problems faced through the online portal at the time that the submission of application forms [to buy Vinares flats] was opened. Therefore, as this corporation has noted that there are matters that need to be further looked into in relation to the complaints, a decision has been made to halt the submission of forms to buy apartments through the online portal," reads a statement released by Urbanco.

A new date for the sale will be announced after the technical problems are resolved, the company said.

Some 123 Vinares flats that remained unsold for various reasons were put up for sale at 10 am on Sunday.

The flats were sold out in less than an hour after the online sale began, Urbanco said yesterday.

The unsold flats were put up for sale after the interest rate for long-term installment payments for the Vinares flats was reduced from nine percent to six percent.

A discount of 10 percent is offered for lump sum payments.

Contracted to the China Machinary Engineering Corporation (CMEC), the 10 towers built under the Vinares project each has 1,344 three-bedroom apartments.

A total of 1,413 forms were submitted when the flats were made available for purchase, out of which 723 applicants were deemed eligible.

The price of the apartments built under the project ranges between MVR 2.5 million to MVR 3 million.

After the downpayment is paid, buyers will have the option of making the payment over 20 or 25 years.

The monthly payment will be between MVR 16,000 to MVR 20,000.

The project was launched during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration.

But the foundation was not laid for most of the towers when the government changed. Most of the project was begun and completed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Priority should be sale of assets to generate immediate liquidity

Former President Mohamed Nasheed urged the Maldives to prioritize selling assets for immediate liquidity rather than long-term projects like the $20 billion Rasmalé development. He argued the UAE-backed waterfront deal will not provide the urgent cash flow needed to resolve the nation's current financial crisis.

Police seek charges against six men for assaulting officers

Maldives Police are seeking charges against six men for assaulting officers during a drug search in Maafushi. Five suspects remain in custody, while one was released by the court. Authorities have also appealed the release of a seventh individual involved in the August incident.

No tax concessions for UAE developer in Rasmale' project

The Maldives government awarded the $20 billion Rasmalé project to UAE developer Eagle Hills without tax concessions or exemptions. All business activities will follow national tax laws, with payments processed through local banks. The state expects over $11 billion in revenue from sales fees and commercial revenue sharing.

No details on size and value of land given to Dubai company

The Maldives government signed a $20 billion deal with Dubai’s Eagle Hills to develop a massive integrated zone in Rasmalé. While the project promises 54,000 jobs and housing, officials have withheld specific details regarding the land size, valuation, and lease terms. The area is expected to operate as a special economic township.

Rasmale' investor to build 5,000 housing units in Hulhumale'

The Maldivian government has partnered with UAE-based Eagle Hills to build 5,000 housing units in Hulhumalé using a contractor financing model. This agreement follows a massive $20 billion deal for the firm to develop Rasmalé. The project will feature luxury residences and a world-class marina without impacting existing housing plans.

AMFA concludes first Junior Lifeguard Program

The Australia Maldives Friendship Association successfully completed its first Junior Lifeguard Program pilot in Thulusdhoo and Fuvahmulah. The initiative trained youth in water safety and rescue skills to enhance maritime security. AMFA plans to expand the program across the Maldives by 2027 through partnerships with local councils.

Project to build international bowling arena in Hulhumale'

A private company has been awarded a MVR 20 million project to build the Maldives' first international-standard bowling arena in Hulhumale'. The two-story facility aims to host global competitions, though the direct award process lacks an official statement. This project is part of a broader plan to develop world-class sports infrastructure.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox