Bahrain's constitution requires the government to assist in providing housing for all citizens unable to obtain adequate shelter through their own resources. Nearly three-fifths of all Bahrainis have benefited from government housing assistance in some way, and the government has likewise expended significant resources in recent decades to develop associated infrastructure. In 2001 the government inaugurated a new program to extend housing assistance to rural towns and villages.

The Ministry of Housing provides house loans, flats and house for Bahraini citizens. A waiting time that ranges between 5 to 15 years is a normal practice. The government plans to reduce the waiting time to less than 3 years by the year 2012.

Renting accommodation in Bahrain is a straightforward, well-established practice. Major international and local real estate agencies are available.

There's a wide range of apartments and villas available in Bahrain, both within and outside gated compounds.

Rental costs vary enormously for villas of different sizes, some with swimming pools, others without, and between old and new apartment blocks, in accordance with the desirability of the location.

Mortgages are available to individuals. Mortgage rate in Bahrain is approximately 6%. There are several banks and finance companies that are financing the purchase of real estate for both locals and foreigners.