Salvadoran authorities have recovered 10,000 homes that had been illegally occupied by criminal organizations.

The government of El Salvador has recovered 10,000 homes that were under the control of criminal organizations, allowing for their legalization and access for Salvadoran families. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Housing) The recovery of 10,000 homes previously controlled by criminal organizations represents a significant advancement in Salvadoran housing policy, aligned with efforts to improve public safety. Housing Minister Michelle Sol explained that these properties, once recovered, are gradually integrated into formal housing projects, enabling Salvadoran families to access credit and property titles under legal conditions. She further explained that this recovery and regularization process has involved granting property titles to over 9,000 of the recovered homes. Approximately 900 of these remain pending acquisition or completion of mitigation work, as many are located in high-risk areas, while others were "in a state of disrepair." According to figures presented by Sol during the AM interview, the recovered homes represent approximately $130 million in credit for acquisition and renovation, allowing these properties, previously used for criminal activities, to become decent homes for families who regularly pay their monthly installments. The practice of real estate usurpation by criminal organizations had led to these properties being rented informally, with prices ranging from $100 to $300 per month, with the income directly benefiting these organizations. Sol warned that this economic activity had a direct impact on families, limiting their access to safe housing and contributing to overcrowding, especially in the years leading up to the strengthening of the security policy. More than 9,000 recovered homes have been titled, while 900 are still awaiting acquisition or completion of mitigation work due to their location in high-risk areas. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Housing) In the context of legalization and real estate recovery, the Housing Minister discussed the case of Argoz, considered one of the largest real estate fraud cases in the country. This process has resulted in the release of 77,524 land parcels that had been used by the company as collateral while being marketed through fraudulent mechanisms. Sol detailed that the recovery of these parcels has allowed affected families to obtain their property titles after completing the necessary procedures. The process has been complex due to the numerous legal irregularities that occurred over the years. Therefore, authorities are seeking a new reform in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office to resolve pending cases and ensure the final transfer of property to those who have fulfilled their payment obligations. The Ministry of Housing is also developing resettlement programs for families displaced by natural disasters or extreme vulnerability. The Minister of Housing highlighted the progress of projects such as the resettlement of 180 families from Río Mar and Chilama, who were affected by repeated flooding in Surf City. These families will have access to apartments valued at $53,000, built in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism. Another example is the Diez de Mayo housing project in Ahuachapán, designed for 84 families in vulnerable situations. The homes, built on municipal land, include basic services and two bedrooms, reducing construction costs through collaboration with local governments and the private sector. The modernization of procedures and permits has boosted the construction sector, which now represents more than 16% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Figures released by Sol indicate that, by the end of this year, the Salvadoran Construction Industry Chamber (Casalco) projects investments of $3.5 billion, 75% of which is allocated to housing. In addition, the transfer of ownership of used homes has generated $450 million in credit for families seeking to improve their housing situation. More than 50% of the housing credits come from FONAVIPO and the Social Housing Fund, and are granted to female heads of households to strengthen their assets. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Housing) Housing cooperatives represent a replicated model of international experiences such as Uruguay and Italy, and are supported by Italian cooperation funding. Recently, units were delivered to 64 families organized in cooperatives in the historic center of San Salvador, a project with an investment of $3.8 million, of which $3.6 million comes from Italian funds and the rest from the Salvadoran government. Sol emphasized that this type of solution integrates not only housing, but also technical assistance, economic empowerment, and common services such as playgrounds, courts, and green areas. The installments vary depending on family income, with subsidies that can cover up to 70% of the actual cost.