Financing your property in Africa: all the options

One of the main barriers to homeownership in sub-Saharan Africa remains access to financing. Here's an overview of existing solutions.

Classic bank loan

Available in most countries, it requires a 10–30% deposit, proof of stable income and a guarantee (mortgage or surety). Rates range from 7% (UEMOA) to 15% in some zones.

Housing savings systems

In Morocco (CIH Bank), Senegal (BHS) or Côte d'Ivoire (BHCI), specialised institutions offer savings plans coupled with subsidised loans. Patience is required, the cycle lasts 2–5 years, but rates are often below market.

Microfinance

For informal buyers or those with irregular incomes, MFIs offer housing loans of 500,000 to 10,000,000 FCFA, repayable over 5–10 years.

Developer financing

Some developers offer payment spread over 24–60 months, bypassing a bank. Advantage: fewer administrative constraints. Risk: carefully verify the developer's financial strength before committing.