Here are the latest developments in home-building across Africa.
Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Address Housing Crisis
Universal Village to Alleviate Ghana’s Housing Deficit
Investor Interest in Build to Rent Rises as Demand for Rental Housing Soars in the UK
Anna Agyekum and Victoria Agyekum, co-founders of the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo, have emphasised the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to address Ghana’s affordable housing crisis.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo in Accra, Anna Agyekum underscored the role of tax incentives and policy reforms in encouraging developers to build affordable homes, particularly in regions beyond Accra. She noted that private-public partnerships could act as a catalyst for addressing Ghana’s housing deficit and urged policymakers to work with industry leaders and think tanks to devise effective strategies.
“There is a need for more communication, think tanks, and industry-led decisions to create an enabling environment for affordable housing. Ghana is not just Accra—there is much more land to be developed,” she said.
The sisters also highlighted the importance of decentralising housing initiatives to reduce the burden on Accra’s real estate market. They believe expanding affordable housing to underserved areas is crucial to solving the national housing crisis. By fostering strategic collaborations and adopting innovative solutions, they hope to make housing accessible to a larger segment of the population.
The two-day event, held in partnership with the British High Commission, was themed “Diligently Building Wealth Through Ghana Real Estate: The Future of Property Investment.” It aimed to connect global investors, the diaspora, and local stakeholders with Ghana’s growing property market.
The British High Commissioner lauded the Expo as a secure and transparent platform for the diaspora to invest in Ghanaian real estate. Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Evans Amoah-Nyamekye, emphasized the importance of legal guidance for diaspora investors, noting that many fail to seek legal counsel, leading to complications in real estate transactions. He highlighted the Expo as an excellent opportunity for potential buyers to access reliable legal advice.
Richard Sandall, Development Director for the British High Commission in Ghana, underscored the importance of such initiatives in strengthening trade relations between Ghana and the UK. He pointed out that Ghana’s post-COVID economic recovery has stabilized the country’s economy and currency, presenting more investment opportunities for UK investors. Sandall commended the Expo founders for their efforts, expressing optimism that such events would foster trust and collaboration in Ghana’s real estate sector, which offers significant growth potential.
The Chartered Institute of Realtors (CIR) and the Chamber of Real Estate (CRE) have officially launched the Universal Village, a transformative social housing project aimed at addressing Ghana’s escalating housing crisis.
The initiative was introduced at the CIR Summit 2024, with the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Maher Kheir, and social housing consultant Dr. Mark Nii Akwei Ankrah leading the unveiling ceremony, joined by traditional leaders.
Universal Village aims to provide affordable housing options for low-income Ghanaians, with a primary focus on replacing informal structures such as kiosks and containers that often pose sanitation challenges.
The project will offer a range of housing options, including studio and single-room units, as well as one- and two-bedroom homes, all available at affordable rents. The goal is to develop 100,000 units across the country, significantly contributing to the alleviation of the housing deficit and improving living conditions for many Ghanaians.
The Build to Rent (BTR) market, once a niche segment in the UK, has gained significant investor attention, despite macro-economic challenges and new legislation. According to Helen Streeton, Head of Build to Rent at Forsters, BTR is increasingly seen as a sustainable, long-term investment due to growing demand for rental properties, as fewer people can afford homeownership. With high property prices and restrictive mortgage access, BTR is seen as a solution to the housing shortage, offering stability and resilience in a volatile market.
Investor interest in BTR has risen, and it now rivals high-demand sectors such as data centres and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Tax changes and legislation like the Renters’ Rights Bill are pushing up demand for BTR homes, as fewer buy-to-let properties are available due to regulatory changes. However, the sector faces obstacles like high construction costs, interest rates, and potential government policies aimed at boosting the Build to Sell market. These could divert resources away from BTR, reducing supply.
Despite these challenges, the government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could allow more flexibility for BTR projects, particularly in areas with high rental demand. Although Labour’s target of building 300,000 homes annually until 2029 may not be achievable in the current economic climate, BTR could play a pivotal role in meeting housing demand. The Renters’ Rights Bill, which introduces tenant protections, also affects the BTR sector, requiring adaptation to evolving tenant regulations.
In conclusion, BTR is well-positioned to address the UK’s housing crisis, offering stable returns for investors while contributing to housing delivery. However, stakeholders must remain agile to navigate the sector’s challenges and ensure its continued success in the face of changing policies and market conditions.
Source : Property Express News -Joycelyn Marigold
African Housing Show 2025 – Registration Ongoing