BlogVida práctica en Colombia

Mi Casa Ya Housing Subsidy 2026: The Reality of the Program and 4 Real Alternatives to Buy a Home

The Mi Casa Ya program is suspended for new registrations in 2026, but current options still exist. Learn about the new VIS limits and how to achieve your financial closing.

Conjunto residencial de vivienda de interés social en Colombia con balcones coloridos y parque verde bajo sol de la tarde

IDIOMA DEL ARTÍCULO

Showing original language

Buying a house in Colombia has always been the big dream, but in 2026 the rules of the game changed drastically. With the minimum wage adjustment to $1,750,905, housing prices went up, and the National Government's policies took a turn that left many buyers confused.

Quick Answer:

  • Mi Casa Ya is suspended: There are no new enrollments in 2026 due to budget cuts.
  • New caps: Social Interest Housing (VIS) now reaches up to $262,635,750 in main cities.
  • The new "Plan A": Compensation Funds are providing subsidies of up to $52,527,150.
  • No down payment: The National Savings Fund (FNA) will launch 100% loans in the second semester.

The Reality of Mi Casa Ya in 2026: No New Slots

I will be very direct: the Ministry of Housing officially suspended new applications for Mi Casa Ya in 2026. The nation's investment budget suffered a severe cut, and resources were redirected toward rural housing improvement and water infrastructure programs.

What does this mean for you? That if you see advertising on social media saying "sign up today for Mi Casa Ya", be careful with that, it is fake. Currently, only families who already had a "Pre-assignment Applicant – Complies" status from previous years retain their slot, and even then, they depend on the Government's cash availability. If you are just starting the process, you have to look toward the other alternatives that are actually funded.

The New VIS and VIP Caps for 2026

In Colombia, housing subsidies and prices for affordable housing are tied to the Current Legal Monthly Minimum Wage (SMMLV). Since it was set at $1,750,905 in 2026, the maximum prices you can be charged for an apartment off-plan were updated.

It is key that you demand that construction companies respect the de-indexing signed in recent decrees: the price of your VIS housing must remain fixed in pesos at the moment of signing the sales promise; it cannot continue rising with the minimum wage of the following years.

Pareja joven colombiana revisando los planos de un apartamento VIS en una sala de ventas con un asesor inmobiliario
Type of HousingCap in SMMLVMaximum Price (2026)
VIS (Main cities and agglomerations)150 SMMLV$262,635,750
VIS (Rest of municipalities)135 SMMLV$236,372,175
VIP (Priority Interest Housing)90 SMMLV$157,581,450

Alternative 1: The Compensation Fund Subsidy (Your "Plan A")

Since the National Government closed the tap, your best option today is your Family Compensation Fund (Comfama, Compensar, Comfenalco, etc.). This is the safest and fastest subsidy to manage in 2026.

The amounts you receive depend directly on how much your household income adds up to:

  • If you earn up to 2 SMMLV ($3,501,810): You receive a subsidy of 30 SMMLV, equivalent to $52,527,150 directly toward the down payment (June 2026, source: Metrocuadrado/Minvivienda).
  • If you earn between 2 and 4 SMMLV ($3,501,810 to $7,003,620): You receive 20 SMMLV, that is, $35,018,100.

The only non-negotiable requirement is that the company you work for has you registered and up to date, or that you pay your contributions as an independent worker.

Alternative 2: 100% Financing with the National Savings Fund (FNA)

One of the biggest headaches has always been gathering that 30% down payment required by traditional banks. The good news is that the National Savings Fund (FNA), according to its official statements from March 31 and April 16, 2026, already offers financing of up to 100% of the value of VIS/VIP housing in qualified cases, eliminating the down payment for those who meet the criteria. Watch out: approval depends on individual credit evaluation and affiliation with the FNA; it is not an automatic benefit for all workers.

To access this, you cannot show up empty-handed. You will be required to have an impeccable history in a Voluntary Contractual Savings (AVC) account or have your severance pay (cesantías) there. There is also the "Generación FNA" program aimed at young workers who want their first property before age 35.

Alternative 3: Regional and District Subsidies

Mayors' offices and governorships have had to step in to save the construction sector. If you live in one of the main cities, you have local subsidies that you can apply for independently from the nation.

In Bogotá, the "Oferta Preferente" program can give you up to 30 SMMLV ($52,527,150) if you meet the District's requirements. There is also "Reactiva tu Compra" with up to 12 SMMLV ($21,010,860) for buyers who already had an advanced deal. In Medellín, ISVIMED keeps the "Compra tu Casa" program active with contributions close to $15,000,000. Cartagena has "Mi Casa Va" (providing up to 22 SMMLV for incomes under 2 SMMLV) and the Atlántico region continues to push "Mi Casa Bacana".

Although this article focuses on local subsidies for Colombians, if you are a foreign resident or looking to buy without subsidies, the rules of the game change a bit. You can check our guide to buying an apartment in Colombia as a foreigner.

How to Achieve Financial Closure in 2026

"Financial closure" is simply showing the construction company that you have a way to pay for 100% of the apartment (adding up your savings, the subsidy, and the bank loan). According to active announcements on Colombia Move (June 2026), the housing section has 87 active properties and more than 15,000 monthly views, which confirms that the real estate market is still active and opportunities exist if you know where to look.

I would skip traditional banks if your income is low and go straight to the FNA or financial cooperatives that better understand the VIS profile. To start building your savings, it is key to choose one of the best savings accounts in Colombia that offers good profitability. Also, don't forget that being a homeowner brings hidden expenses: in addition to the bank installment, living in a gated community implies paying the monthly maintenance fee and the annual property tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mi Casa Ya program active for new enrollments in 2026?

No. The Ministry of Housing suspended new Mi Casa Ya enrollments in 2026 due to cuts to the national investment budget (source: Minvivienda, June 2026). Only assignments for households that already had valid pre-assignments from previous years are maintained, subject to resource availability.

❓ How much is the housing subsidy from the Compensation Funds in 2026?

Compensation funds provide between 20 and 30 SMMLV depending on household income. Households with up to 2 minimum wages ($3,501,810) receive 30 SMMLV ($52,527,150 in 2026); those earning between 2 and 4 SMMLV ($3,501,810 to $7,003,620) receive 20 SMMLV ($35,018,100). Values calculated using the 2026 SMMLV of $1,750,905.

❓ What is the maximum price for a VIS home in Colombia during 2026?

In 2026, the cap for Social Interest Housing (VIS) is 150 SMMLV, which is equivalent to $262,635,750 in the main metropolitan areas. In smaller municipalities, the cap is 135 SMMLV ($236,372,175). Values effective with the 2026 SMMLV.

❓ How does the 100% credit without a down payment work at the FNA in 2026?

As of March 2026, the FNA now offers financing of up to 100% in qualified cases, with no down payment. This applies to first-time VIS/VIP housing for those affiliated with the FNA (source: fna.gov.co, announcements from March 31 and April 16, 2026). A Voluntary Contractual Savings (AVC) history or active severance payments are required, and approval depends on individual credit evaluation; it is not an automatic benefit.

❓ Can housing subsidies be combined or stacked in 2026?

Legally, yes: stacking allows you to receive up to 50 SMMLV ($87,545,250, 2026 figure) by combining the compensation fund subsidy with the National Government subsidy. In practice, the option is currently limited to those who already had national pre-allocations approved, as Mi Casa Ya is not accepting new applications.

❓ What are the basic requirements to access any housing subsidy in 2026?

To access any housing subsidy in 2026, you must meet four basic conditions. You must not own a home in Colombia; have a household income of less than 4 SMMLV ($7,003,620); not have previously received and used a housing subsidy; and have a mortgage loan or housing leasing pre-approved by a financial institution (source: MinVivienda, May 2025).

Get new Colombia guides by email

No spam. Just useful guides on Colombia — housing, work, community, and the marketplace.

Comments

Loading comments...

Checking sign-in status...

Keep reading

More useful guides around this topic.

All guides