Since I am married and not living in my own house, it is an essential need to own a little house which hosts me, my wife and any coming kids (In Sha Allah). Earlier this year I applied to the ministry of housing for a loan to buy a house. I was novice back then and did not realise the amount granted is not even close to buy apartment! 2 months after applying, my name was published in the local newspapers as one of the people who have been granted such loans. I was overjoyed (Although it is a loan and an expense I have to pay from my income on a monthly basis for the coming 25-30 years). Now the problem is that when I went to the ministry of housing in the Diplomatic Area, they informed me that they will notify me via an SMS or an official letter sent to me by post on the next action to be taken.

 

I waited and waited and waited ……. 5 months gone, nothing appeared. I waited for 5 months because I know that such a period is very short to any governmental body. When we talk about lateness and delays in ministries, we are talking about 3 years+!

 

Now I decided to take an action and call the ministry of housing to get some update. But how fool you are Mr. T. because who is the stupid bastard that is going to answer your calls? But Mr. T. kept calling, anything to burn time at work (nasty isn’t it?). Anyways, after trying for many many times that I lost counting, somebody answered!! (horaaaay)

 

T.: Hi, is this the ministry of housing?

Housing Guy: Yes….

T.: I have been granted a purchasing loan and I want to …. (The housing guy interrupts me here)

 

HG: Have you found a house?

T.: Sorry, say again? A house?

HG: Yes, A house.

T.: Yes I have some choices and I’ve….. (HG interrupts again).

HG: No, No. No, No (in a very rude accent), I mean a formal offer.

T.: No, because with a formal offer I would be sure that I have the funds to pay for it. I am waiting for you guys in the ministry of housing to supply me with the funds required to be able to make a down payment.

HG: You have to pay the down payment first so that we know you are serious and want to buys the house.

T.: But sir, I am depending on you to be the source of the down payment. As soon as I get the loan you will start getting your monthly instalments. Isn’t that enough as a guarantee?

HG: No this is not how it is. Find a house, make an initial payment (usually 10~20% of the original total price) then come to us with the relevant documents.

T.: hmmmm (puzzled). Thank you sir

HG: ……. (Hangs up without any comment!)

T.: ********** Weirdo.

 

I am so lost and confused. I am in a situation that I have to be independent and find a house. Whenever my wife brings the topic I feel like I am letting her down and could not fulfil her dreams.

 

I went to the many banks that offer mortgage loans, but to my bad luck, all of them demanded that I make a down payment similar to what the ministry of housing demanded. Even if I was granted the amount it would not be sufficient to cover the cost of the house or would deduct most of my petty salary. How the hell I would get at least (and I stress on at least) 90,000 (In words Ninety Thousand Bahraini Dinars) to buy a damn small house to shelter my family.

 

I am now feeling that all the doors are closed to possess a house. I feel like I have tried every possible solution. I wish I could go back to the 1970s, where it was easier for people to obtain lands and build houses.

 

Any solutions dear bloggers?

 

Regards,

T.

 

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