Bilal Zahir, a 33-year-old Baghdad resident, worries about losing the home he shares with his wife and three young children. Speaking to Amwaj.media, he described the “nightmare” he faces in paying his monthly rent of 500,000 IQD (344 USD)—despite his enviable job in the private sector. He has been searching for more affordable accommodations to no avail.

Zahir’s story is common across Iraq, which is facing an acute housing shortage crisis. According to Abdul-Zahra Al-Hindawi, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning, the country needs 2.5M additional housing units...