Free Democratic Movement's Housing Policy

Objective:
This policy provides a structured roadmap for revitalizing Bermuda’s housing sector,
supporting accessible housing across income levels, and promoting secure paths to
homeownership. Through legislative updates, financial incentives, streamlined approval
processes, and comprehensive transparency measures, it seeks to restore confidence in
the rental market, reduce economic pressures, and expand housing options for all
residents. By removing barriers to development, implementing a self-managed
approval framework, and establishing a housing registry to track and inform
housing availability, we ensure every Bermudian has the opportunity to
achieve housing stability and equity
Immediate Actions (0-1 years)

Revise Tenant and Landlord Legislation)
Repeal the outdated Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Act 1978 and replace it
with a refreshed, consolidated Landlord and Tenant Act. This update will phase out
restrictive rent control measures, establishing best practices modeled after England's
Consumer Rights Act 2015. Rent adjustments will be limited to once per contract term,
ensuring fair agreements that protect tenants while increasing landlords' confidence
to offer more properties for long-term rental.
Flexible Zoning for Residential Expansion

To address Bermuda’s housing shortage, zoning regulations will be adjusted to allow
commercial, industrial, and institutional zones to be converted into mixed-use areas,
specifically targeting underutilized and vacant buildings. This initiative aims to expand
the availability of housing by optimizing the use of existing structures, broadening
housing options for residents across income levels through private sector partnerships.
Offer Long-Term Leases for Government-Owned Properties

Provide long-term leases for government-owned properties that have fallen into disrepair,
conditional on their use for residential purposes. This will allow these properties to be
updated and maintained at no cost to taxpayers, while increasing the
affordable housing stock.
1
Implement Island-Wide Tax Incentives for Development
Introduce duty cuts on building materials and other tax incentives across the island to
reduce construction costs, encouraging private developers to invest in new projects. By
lowering development costs, we can expand the housing supply more affordably
and swiftly.
Property Tax Waivers for Affordable Rentals

Waive land tax for landlords with long term rental apartments that fall below an Annual
Rental Value (ARV) of $22,800. This measure aims to promote the availability of affordable
rental units by incentivizing landlords to offer lower-cost rental housing options.
Short to Medium-Term Goals (1-3 years)

Streamlined Development Approval Process
Implement a self-managed approval framework with necessary checks and balances,
allowing minor renovations or developers with a proven track record to move projects
forward independently, supported by automated compliance checks and random audits.
Additionally, consultations will be initiated to update, amend, and consolidate the
Development and Planning Act 1974, Building Authority Act 1962, and related
construction and development laws to create an efficient, accessible
regulatory environment.
Fund Rental Assistance Programs

Allocate 20% of Corporate Income Tax revenue to strengthen our social safety net, with
dedicated funding for housing initiatives and financial assistance for our most vulnerable.
This commitment echoes a guiding principle: “Let the hungry be fed, the naked clothed, the
sick nourished; the aged protected, and the infants cared for.” By establishing this foundation,
we aim to promote long-term housing stability and build a holistic support system that
fosters stable families and community well-being.
Introduce Rent-to-Own Programs for Long-Term BHC Tenants

Allow Bermuda Housing Corporation and Bermuda Land Management Corporation tenants
with stable rental histories to participate in rent-to-own programs. This initiative will offer a
clear path to homeownership, enabling tenants to build equity over time.
2
Create a Housing Registry
Develop a comprehensive housing registry to track and share data on housing availability,
rental durations, and properties that are vacant, derelict, or under renovation. This registry
will serve as a valuable resource for Bermudians, policymakers, and developers, enabling
informed decision-making and identifying opportunities for housing development across
the entire housing sector.
Reassess Short-Term Rental Legislation

Reevaluate the Vacation Rental Act 2018 with a view to repeal it. This act has functioned
largely as a tax measure, raising costs for working class landlords.
Long Term Goals (4-6 Years)

Additional Land Tax Reductions Based on Market Conditions
Based on comprehensive housing market data, provide further land tax reductions to
continue easing pressure on the housing market and promote affordability for residents
and landlords alike.
Increase Homeownership Opportunities Through Government-Owned Properties
Put select government-owned properties out to tender or for sale, prioritizing residential
development. This approach will open more homeownership opportunities to Bermudians
while encouraging private sector involvement in addressing the housing needs
of the community.
Annual Policy Review and Public Feedback

Implement an annual review process with public consultations and regular reporting to
Parliament on key housing metrics, including trends from the housing registry, rental
assistance outcomes, and the effectiveness of policy measures. This structured
accountability approach will ensure that housing policies remain adaptable to
Bermuda’s evolving needs, fostering transparency, public trust, and active community
engagement
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Objective:

Immediate Actions (0-1 years)

Flexible Zoning for Residential Expansion

Offer Long-Term Leases for Government-Owned Properties

Property Tax Waivers for Affordable Rentals

Short to Medium-Term Goals (1-3 years)

Fund Rental Assistance Programs

Introduce Rent-to-Own Programs for Long-Term BHC Tenants

Reassess Short-Term Rental Legislation

Long Term Goals (4-6 Years)

Annual Policy Review and Public Feedback

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