Introduction
Housing remains one of the most critical challenges facing public sector employees in Iraq, directly affecting social stability and quality of life. In response, the Iraqi government launched several housing initiatives, most notably the land allocation project for employees of the Supreme Judicial Council.
Following the successful implementation of the first phase in Al-Tajiyat, North Baghdad, attention has now shifted to Al-Zumberaniya, South Baghdad, which represents the second and larger phase of this national housing initiative.
In this in-depth report, Shanashel provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the Al-Zumberaniya land allocation project, covering its background, allocation mechanism, location advantages, legal status, infrastructure readiness, and expected impact on Baghdad’s real estate market.
Background: Launch of the Land Allocation Project for Judicial Employees
In late 2024, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) officially launched a government-backed housing project aimed at allocating residential land plots to its employees as part of a broader public-sector housing policy.
The project was designed to:
- Support long-term housing stability
- Reward years of public service
- Reduce pressure on the rental market
- Enable homeownership for judicial employees
First Phase: Al-Tajiyat
The first phase was completed on November 30, 2024, through a transparent electronic lottery, attended by senior judicial officials.
Key figures:
- 4,861 eligible employees participated
- 1,060 residential plots allocated
- Allocation criteria based primarily on years of service
The Supreme Judicial Council confirmed that Al-Tajiyat represented only the first batch, and that further land allocations would follow to cover all eligible employees.
Al-Zumberaniya: The Second Phase of the Housing Project
Why Al-Zumberaniya?
After completing the Al-Tajiyat phase, the government selected Al-Zumberaniya, located in Al-Doura District, South Baghdad, as the site for the second phase.
The area was chosen due to:
- Large, developable land availability
- Proximity to major transportation corridors
- Inclusion in Baghdad’s urban expansion plans
- Suitability for a fully planned residential district
This phase is expected to accommodate approximately 3,800 remaining employees who were not included in the first lottery.
Location Overview: Al-Zumberaniya, South Baghdad
Al-Zumberaniya is strategically located:
- South of Baghdad, within Al-Doura administrative boundaries
- Adjacent to the Doura–Yousifiya highway
- Near Arab Jabour and Al-Siyafiya areas
This location offers strong connectivity to central Baghdad while benefiting from lower congestion and greater development potential, making it suitable for long-term residential use.
Allocation Mechanism and Governance
The Supreme Judicial Council applies the same governance principles used in the first phase, including:
- Institutional oversight
- Transparent allocation procedures
- Clear eligibility criteria
- Official documentation for all beneficiaries
Allocation is carried out through approved lists or electronic lotteries, followed by formal notification and legal processing until full ownership is transferred.
Technical and Legal Specifications of Al-Zumberaniya Plots
Plot Sizes
The residential plots have been subdivided into multiple size categories, including:
- 200–300 sqm (standard residential plots)
- Larger plots reaching up to 500 sqm, depending on job grade and allocation category
This range allows flexibility for different family needs and housing plans.
Legal Ownership Status (Title Deed)
One of the project’s strongest advantages is its legal clarity:
- Freehold residential ownership
- Officially registered with the Iraqi Land Registry
- Not agricultural land
- Full rights to build, sell, or transfer ownership
This makes Al-Zumberaniya plots among the most legally secure residential lands in South Baghdad.
Infrastructure and Urban Planning
The Al-Zumberaniya project is planned as a fully serviced residential neighborhood, not merely land distribution.
Planned and ongoing infrastructure includes:
- Internal paved road networks
- Potable water supply
- Electricity grid
- Sewage and drainage systems
- Telecommunications and internet infrastructure
On-site developments already include:
- Site fencing and security measures
- Initial infrastructure works underway
Future service planning includes:
- Schools
- Health centers
- Security and municipal service facilities
According to official expectations, core infrastructure is projected to be completed by early 2026, enabling immediate construction by beneficiaries.
Official Documents Granted to Beneficiaries
To protect beneficiaries’ rights, each allocated employee receives a structured legal package:
-
Official Allocation Letter
Issued by the Supreme Judicial Council or relevant state authority, specifying plot number, area, and location. -
Payment Receipt
Confirms payment of the government-subsidized land price. -
Permanent Title Deed (Tapu)
Issued after registration completion, granting full legal ownership.
Once the title deed is issued, the beneficiary holds unrestricted legal rights over the property.
Real Estate Impact and Market Outlook
From a real estate perspective, the Al-Zumberaniya project is expected to:
- Increase land values in South Baghdad
- Drive demand for residential construction
- Encourage organized urban expansion
- Reduce pressure on inner-city rental markets
- Establish a stable residential community for public-sector employees
The project also contributes to improving planning standards and infrastructure development in emerging districts..
Conclusion
The allocation of residential land to Supreme Judicial Council employees in Al-Zumberaniya represents more than an administrative policy, it is a strategic housing and urban development initiative.
As infrastructure works progress and ownership documentation is finalized, thousands of judicial employees will move closer to secure homeownership, while South Baghdad gains a new, organized residential district.
Al-Zumberaniya stands today as one of Baghdad’s most promising emerging housing areas, worthy of close attention from homeowners, planners, and real estate observers alike.