Housing Subsidies in Chile

The Chilean government provides a comprehensive system of housing subsidies (subsidios habitacionales) designed to help families achieve homeownership. These programs cover a wide range of income levels, from the most vulnerable households to middle-income families who need a financial boost to purchase their first home.

Two government bodies oversee these programs. MINVU (Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, sets national housing policy, designs subsidy programs, and publishes the rules governing each one. SERVIU (Servicio de Vivienda y Urbanizacion), the Housing and Urbanization Service, operates at the regional level and is responsible for processing applications, managing construction projects, and distributing funds. In the Aysen Region, SERVIU Aysen is the office that handles all subsidy-related procedures locally.

All subsidy amounts in Chile are expressed in UF (Unidad de Fomento), an inflation-adjusted unit of account. This means the real value of a subsidy is preserved regardless of inflation. One UF is approximately CLP 38,000 (roughly USD 40), though the exact value changes daily. You can check the current UF value at the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII).

DS1: Subsidy for middle-income families (Subsidio para Sectores Medios)

Decreto Supremo 1 (DS1) is the main subsidy program for middle-income families. It is designed for applicants who can complement the state contribution with personal savings and a mortgage loan (credito hipotecario). DS1 is divided into three tiers (tramos), each targeting a different price range and offering a different subsidy amount. Source: MINVU Subsidios Habitacionales.

Tier 1 (Tramo 1)

Maximum property value: up to 1,100 UF
Subsidy amount: up to 500 UF
Minimum savings: 40 UF (in a housing savings account)
Target: Families with lower-middle incomes who need significant state support

This tier provides the most generous subsidy within DS1. The combination of a 500 UF subsidy plus 40 UF in savings means the applicant needs a mortgage for the remaining balance. For a property valued at 1,100 UF, the mortgage would cover approximately 560 UF.

Tier 2 (Tramo 2)

Maximum property value: up to 1,600 UF
Subsidy amount: up to 300 UF
Minimum savings: 60 UF
Target: Families with moderate incomes seeking a mid-range property

With a 300 UF subsidy and 60 UF in savings, the mortgage covers a larger portion of the purchase. For a 1,600 UF property, the loan amount would be approximately 1,240 UF.

Tier 3 (Tramo 3)

Maximum property value: up to 2,200 UF
Subsidy amount: up to 100 UF
Minimum savings: 80 UF
Target: Families with higher-middle incomes purchasing more expensive properties

This tier offers a smaller subsidy but allows access to higher-value homes. It is intended for families who have strong savings capacity and can qualify for a larger mortgage.

General DS1 requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be registered in the Social Household Registry (Registro Social de Hogares)
Have a housing savings account (cuenta de ahorro para la vivienda) with the required minimum balance
Not currently own a home (or meet specific exceptions, such as overcrowding)
Not have received a previous housing subsidy from the state

DS49: Solidarity Housing Fund (Fondo Solidario de Eleccion de Vivienda)

Decreto Supremo 49 (DS49) targets the most vulnerable families in Chile, specifically those in the bottom 40% of the Social Household Registry. Unlike DS1, DS49 does not require applicants to take out a mortgage. The subsidy covers virtually the entire cost of the home. Source: MINVU Subsidios Habitacionales.

Key features

Maximum property value: up to 950 UF
Subsidy amount: covers nearly the full value of the property (the state contribution can reach over 900 UF depending on the modality)
Minimum savings: 10 UF
Vulnerability requirement: the household must be in the bottom 40% according to the Social Household Registry (Registro Social de Hogares)

Modalities

DS49 offers several ways to use the subsidy:

Construction on own land (Construccion en Sitio Propio): If you already own a plot, the subsidy funds the construction of a new home on that land. This is common in rural areas of the Aysen Region where families may inherit land.
Purchase of a new home (Adquisicion de Vivienda Construida): The subsidy is used to buy a newly built home from a developer or construction company registered with SERVIU.
Purchase of a used home (Compra de Vivienda Usada): Available in some application cycles, this allows the subsidy to be applied toward an existing home that meets MINVU habitability standards.
Collective projects (Proyecto Habitacional): Organized groups of families can apply together through a social organization (Entidad Patrocinante), which manages the construction project on their behalf.

Why DS49 matters for the Aysen Region

Given the lower average incomes in the Aysen Region compared to Santiago and other metropolitan areas, DS49 is one of the most relevant programs for local families. The “construction on own land” modality is especially useful in rural communities along the Carretera Austral and in smaller towns where families already hold title to a plot of land.

DS19: Rental subsidy (Subsidio de Arriendo)

Decreto Supremo 19 (DS19) provides a monthly contribution toward rent payments. It is designed as a transitional solution for families who are not yet ready to purchase a home but need housing assistance. Source: MINVU.

Key features

Monthly subsidy: a fixed monthly amount contributed directly toward the tenant’s rent
Duration: up to 8 years, providing medium-term stability
Eligibility: the applicant must not currently own a home and must meet the vulnerability criteria in the Social Household Registry
Approved properties: the rental unit must meet minimum habitability standards and be registered in the program

How it works

Once approved, the subsidy is paid directly to the landlord or through a designated mechanism. The tenant pays the difference between the total rent and the subsidy amount. Families receiving DS19 can simultaneously save toward a future homeownership subsidy (DS1 or DS49), making it a useful stepping stone.

The Social Household Registry (RSH) is a national database that classifies households by their socioeconomic vulnerability. Virtually every housing subsidy program in Chile requires applicants to be registered in the RSH. Source: Registro Social de Hogares.

How it works

The RSH assigns each household a vulnerability percentage (percentil de vulnerabilidad) based on income, assets, household composition, employment status, and other factors
A lower percentage means higher vulnerability (e.g., being in the 30th percentile means the household is among the 30% most vulnerable)
The classification is used by MINVU and SERVIU to determine eligibility for different subsidy programs and to prioritize applicants when demand exceeds available subsidies

How to register

Visit your local municipality (municipalidad) in person. In the Aysen Region, every town has a municipal office that handles RSH registration.
Bring identification documents (cedula de identidad) for all household members.
A social worker may conduct a home visit to verify the information provided.
The registration is free and can be updated at any time if your household circumstances change (new members, income changes, etc.).
You can also check and update your information online at registrosocial.gob.cl.

It is important to keep your RSH information current. An outdated record may result in an incorrect vulnerability classification, which could affect your subsidy eligibility.

Housing savings account (Cuenta de Ahorro para la Vivienda)

A housing savings account (also called a libreta de ahorro para la vivienda) is a mandatory prerequisite for most subsidy programs. It serves two purposes: demonstrating your savings capacity and accumulating the minimum required deposit. Source: BancoEstado.

Where to open one

BancoEstado: The most common choice, with branches throughout the Aysen Region including Coyhaique, Puerto Aysen, and smaller towns. BancoEstado offers the widest rural coverage.
Other banks: Banco de Chile, Scotiabank, BCI, and other commercial banks also offer housing savings accounts, though their branch networks in the Aysen Region are more limited.

Minimum savings requirements

Program	Minimum savings
DS1, Tier 1	40 UF
DS1, Tier 2	60 UF
DS1, Tier 3	80 UF
DS49	10 UF

Key considerations

The savings must be accumulated before the application deadline. Start saving well in advance of the next SERVIU call.
Regular deposits (even small ones) demonstrate consistent savings behavior, which can improve your application score in some programs.
The account balance is verified by SERVIU at the time of application. Funds deposited after the application deadline do not count.
Housing savings accounts earn a modest interest rate and are protected by the state deposit guarantee for eligible amounts.

Step-by-step application process

Applying for a housing subsidy in Chile involves several stages. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process. Source: MINVU.

Visit your local municipality to register your household in the RSH. Bring identification for all household members. If you are already registered, verify that your information is up to date at registrosocial.gob.cl. This step can be completed at any time and should be done well before you plan to apply.

Step 2: Open a housing savings account and accumulate savings

Open a cuenta de ahorro para la vivienda at BancoEstado or another bank. Begin making regular deposits. The amount you need depends on your target program (10 UF for DS49, 40 to 80 UF for DS1). Remember that consistent saving over time, rather than a single large deposit, strengthens your application.

Step 3: Wait for a SERVIU application call (llamado)

SERVIU opens application periods (llamados) at specific times during the year. These calls are announced on the MINVU website, through SERVIU regional offices, and in local media. Each call specifies which programs are available, the number of subsidies offered, and the application deadline.

Step 4: Submit your application

During the open call period, submit your application through the MINVU online platform or at the SERVIU Aysen office in Coyhaique. You will need:

Your RUT (Chilean ID number)
Proof of your housing savings account balance
Social Household Registry confirmation
Any additional documents specified in the call (such as proof of land ownership for DS49 “construction on own land”)

Step 5: Wait for results and use the subsidy

After the application period closes, SERVIU evaluates and scores all applications. Results are published on the MINVU website and communicated directly to applicants. If selected, you receive a subsidy certificate (certificado de subsidio) that is valid for a specific period (typically 21 months for DS1 and 12 to 24 months for DS49). During this validity period, you must find or build a qualifying property and complete the purchase or construction.

Extreme zone bonus (Subsidio de Zona Extrema)

The Aysen Region is classified as an extreme zone (zona extrema) due to its geographic isolation, harsh climate, and higher cost of living. This classification entitles applicants to additional subsidy amounts on top of the base subsidy from programs like DS1 and DS49. Source: MINVU.

What it provides

Additional UF: An extra amount added to the base subsidy, which can be significant. The extreme zone bonus can add between 100 and 300 UF or more to the standard subsidy, depending on the program and the specific location within the region.
Higher property value ceilings: In some programs, the maximum property value allowed is higher in extreme zones than in the rest of the country, reflecting the elevated construction costs in Patagonia.
Priority scoring: Applicants from extreme zones may receive additional points during the selection process, improving their chances of being selected when demand exceeds supply.

Why it exists

Construction costs in the Aysen Region are substantially higher than the national average. Materials must be transported long distances, the building season is shorter due to weather, and specialized labor is less available. The extreme zone bonus compensates for these higher costs, ensuring that subsidies remain effective for actually obtaining housing in the region.

How to access it

The extreme zone bonus is applied automatically when you apply for a subsidy from within the Aysen Region. You do not need to submit a separate application. SERVIU Aysen processes the bonus as part of your standard subsidy application.

Home improvement programs: DS255 (Programa de Proteccion del Patrimonio Familiar)

Not all housing subsidies are for purchasing a new home. Decreto Supremo 255 (DS255) funds improvements to existing homes that families already own. This program is administered through SERVIU and is available throughout Chile, including the Aysen Region. Source: MINVU.

Types of improvements covered

Structural repairs: Roof replacement, foundation repairs, wall reinforcement. These are especially relevant in the Aysen Region where harsh winters, heavy rainfall, and strong winds can cause accelerated deterioration.
Thermal improvements (Mejoramiento Termico): Insulation, double-glazed windows, improved heating systems. Given the extreme cold in Patagonian winters, this category is heavily used in the Aysen Region.
Expansions (Ampliacion): Adding rooms or expanding living space for overcrowded households.
Basic sanitation: Connecting to water and sewage systems, or improving existing installations.

How to apply

DS255 applications follow a similar process to other subsidies. Homeowners must be registered in the Social Household Registry and meet vulnerability criteria. Applications are submitted during SERVIU calls, and the work is carried out by contractors registered with SERVIU. The homeowner does not receive cash directly; instead, the subsidy pays the contractor upon completion of the approved work.

Application timeline and cycles

Understanding how SERVIU application cycles (llamados) work is essential for planning your subsidy application.

How calls are structured

Frequency: SERVIU typically opens one to three calls per year for each major program, though the schedule varies. Some years may have additional extraordinary calls.
Announcement: Calls are announced on the MINVU website, SERVIU regional social media pages, and through local municipalities. SERVIU Aysen also posts announcements at their Coyhaique office.
Application window: Each call has a specific opening and closing date. Application windows typically last 30 to 60 days.
Evaluation period: After the window closes, SERVIU takes several weeks to several months to evaluate applications and publish results.

Scoring and selection

When demand exceeds the number of available subsidies, applicants are ranked using a scoring system (puntaje). Factors that can increase your score include:

Higher vulnerability (lower RSH percentile)
Larger household size
Having elderly or disabled household members
Longer savings history
Living in a priority zone (such as an extreme zone)
Being part of an organized group application (for DS49)

Planning ahead

Because application windows are limited and competitive, it is wise to prepare well in advance. Have your RSH registration up to date, your savings account funded above the minimum, and all documents ready before a call is announced. Missing a deadline means waiting for the next cycle, which could be months away.

Aysen Region considerations

Buying or building a home with a subsidy in the Aysen Region involves factors that differ from central Chile. Keep these in mind as you plan.

Climate and construction timelines

The Aysen Region experiences long, cold winters with heavy rain and snow, particularly in interior areas near Coyhaique and the Carretera Austral. The effective construction season runs roughly from October through April. Projects started late in the season may need to pause over winter, extending total completion times. If you receive a subsidy for construction, factor in at least 12 to 18 months for the building process.

Higher costs, higher subsidies

Construction materials in the Aysen Region cost more than in Santiago or Valparaiso due to transportation and logistics. However, the extreme zone bonus (described above) is designed to offset this difference. When budgeting, base your estimates on local costs rather than national averages.

Limited contractor availability

The pool of SERVIU-registered contractors (Entidades Patrocinantes and construction companies) is smaller in the Aysen Region than in larger metropolitan areas. During periods of high subsidy activity, contractors may be fully booked. Starting your search for a contractor or organized group early improves your options.

Local SERVIU office

SERVIU Aysen is located in Coyhaique and provides in-person assistance with all subsidy programs. Staff can help you understand which program fits your situation, review your documents before submission, and track the status of your application. Visiting the office in person is highly recommended, as some questions are easier to resolve face-to-face than online or by phone.

Contact and resources

For up-to-date information on current programs, open calls, and specific requirements, contact the following:

SERVIU Aysen

Location: Coyhaique, Aysen Region
Services: Application assistance, program information, construction oversight, document review
Best for: In-person guidance, checking your application status, resolving issues with your subsidy

MINVU national

Website: www.minvu.cl
Subsidy programs page: www.minvu.cl/subsidios-habitacionales
Best for: Official program rules, current calls, national policy updates, online application portal

Website: www.registrosocial.gob.cl
Best for: Checking your vulnerability classification, updating household information, verifying registration

BancoEstado

Website: www.bancoestado.cl
Best for: Opening a housing savings account, checking your balance, understanding savings requirements

Local municipality (Municipalidad)

Best for: Registering in the Social Household Registry, obtaining local guidance, connecting with social workers who can assist with your application

Sources

All information in this guide is based on publicly available resources from Chilean government institutions:

MINVU (Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo): Official housing policy and subsidy programs
MINVU Subsidios Habitacionales: Detailed program descriptions and current calls
Registro Social de Hogares: Social Household Registry information and online services
BancoEstado: Housing savings accounts and banking services
SERVIU: Regional housing service offices and procedures
Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII): UF values and tax information

Subsidy amounts, eligibility requirements, and program rules are subject to change. Always verify the latest information directly with SERVIU Aysen or on the MINVU website before applying.

Housing Subsidies in Chile