+
JICA Signs US$150 mn Loan Agreement with IIFL Home Finance
Real Estate

JICA Signs US$150 mn Loan Agreement with IIFL Home Finance

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan agreement with IIFL Home Finance (IIHFL), committing US$150 mn to expand affordable housing finance for women from Economically Weaker Sections and Low-Income Groups in India. The project is intended to improve living standards, financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment.

The financing will be implemented through a co-financing arrangement involving the Asian Development Bank and private financial institutions, including MUFG Bank. It will provide long-term funding for home acquisition by low-income women, supporting the Government of India’s Housing for All initiative and its focus on urban households.

India’s rapid urbanisation has increased demand for housing, while the country faces an urban housing shortage of more than 10 mn units. Housing demand is projected to rise by a further 22 mn units by 2030, and about 95 per cent of the existing shortage is concentrated among low-income households, making affordable housing a significant socio-economic priority.

Women currently account for only about 30 per cent of housing finance users in India, highlighting limited access to formal lending and homeownership opportunities. The JICA-supported initiative will seek to widen access by directing financing towards women borrowers in the EWS and LIG categories.

JICA, in collaboration with the Japan Housing Finance Agency and other partners, also plans to provide training for Indian housing finance regulators and IIHFL staff. The programme will cover Japanese experience in housing policy, affordable housing and decarbonised building practices, while sharing expertise on developing housing finance systems and encouraging private-sector participation. The partnership is intended to support the broader development of India’s housing finance market through knowledge exchange and increased lending access.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan agreement with IIFL Home Finance (IIHFL), committing US$150 mn to expand affordable housing finance for women from Economically Weaker Sections and Low-Income Groups in India. The project is intended to improve living standards, financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. The financing will be implemented through a co-financing arrangement involving the Asian Development Bank and private financial institutions, including MUFG Bank. It will provide long-term funding for home acquisition by low-income women, supporting the Government of India’s Housing for All initiative and its focus on urban households. India’s rapid urbanisation has increased demand for housing, while the country faces an urban housing shortage of more than 10 mn units. Housing demand is projected to rise by a further 22 mn units by 2030, and about 95 per cent of the existing shortage is concentrated among low-income households, making affordable housing a significant socio-economic priority. Women currently account for only about 30 per cent of housing finance users in India, highlighting limited access to formal lending and homeownership opportunities. The JICA-supported initiative will seek to widen access by directing financing towards women borrowers in the EWS and LIG categories. JICA, in collaboration with the Japan Housing Finance Agency and other partners, also plans to provide training for Indian housing finance regulators and IIHFL staff. The programme will cover Japanese experience in housing policy, affordable housing and decarbonised building practices, while sharing expertise on developing housing finance systems and encouraging private-sector participation. The partnership is intended to support the broader development of India’s housing finance market through knowledge exchange and increased lending access.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Ajyal Holding Acquires 25% Stake in Sterling Ark

Sterling Ark, an independent integrated real estate advisory and project delivery firm, has announced a strategic alliance with Abu Dhabi-headquartered Ajyal Holding. Under the agreement, Ajyal Holding has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Sterling Ark.The alliance is expected to provide Sterling Ark with a broader platform to pursue opportunities and expand its presence across the region. Ajyal Holding operates across real estate, contracting, fit-out, building materials and technology, among other sectors.Sterling Ark provides end-to-end advisory and project delivery capabilities across real e..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

YEIDA Allots Land for Five Projects Worth Rs 4.69 bn

A significant step towards converting industrial investment proposals into on-ground projects was taken at the inauguration of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2026. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah presented Letters of Allotment to representatives of five companies investing in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region.The five projects have been allotted a total of 71,190 sq m of land and involve a proposed investment of Rs 4.69 bn, with the potential to generate 4,625 employment opportunities.C&R Textiles Private Limited has bee..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hindustan Zinc Restores 1,105 Hectares of Land

Hindustan Zinc Limited has restored 1,105 hectares of land as part of its efforts to integrate ecological restoration with responsible mining. The rehabilitated area, equivalent to more than 1,500 football fields, covers mining and operational landscapes restored through reclamation, plantation, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable land-use practices.The initiatives form part of Hindustan Zinc’s Sustainability Goals 2030 and its broader focus on creating long-term ecological value alongside business growth.Amarendu Prakash, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, said: “The future of mining will increasi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code