Headlines for Africa Home Building News. 24/01/25
National Tenants Union urge the government to introduce a new Social Housing Policy to support the very poor
Adequate and affordable housing is a key driver of urban growth in Africa
Climate risk score for Canadian real estate in works
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Frederick Opoku, Secretary-General of the National Tenants Union, has urged the government to introduce a new Social Housing Policy to support the very poor and vulnerable, criticizing the failure of affordable housing initiatives. Speaking on GBC’s Uniiq Breakfast Drive, he also called for a review of the outdated rent law.
Emmanuel Oposu, a Rent Officer with the Rent Control Department, acknowledged challenges in enforcing the six-month rent advance limit and stressed the need for collaboration between tenants and landlords. He expressed optimism about an upcoming rent law aimed at addressing these issues and providing relief to both parties.
The Bono Regional Manager of the Rent Control Department, Ebenezer Ewusi-Wilson, has emphasized that it is unlawful for landlords to demand rent advances exceeding six months from prospective tenants.Speaking in an interview with Radio Ghana in Sunyani, he explained that the Rent Act of 1963 explicitly prohibits such practices, and any violation of this law constitutes a criminal offense. He also urged landlords to register their vacant properties with the Rent Control Department to streamline the renting process.
However, a landlord and surveyor, Samuel Nii Adjei Adjetey, expressed concerns about the enforcement of the rent law. He argued that the high costs of building materials, land documentation, and labor make it challenging for landlords to comply with the six-month rent limit. According to Nii Adjetey, a minimum of one year’s rent advance would be more practical under the current economic conditions. He shared these thoughts during an interview with GBC’s George Ankrah.
Housing is central to urban growth, influencing where people live, work, and access services. Properly planned housing integrated into city infrastructure fosters efficient development, supports population density, and drives economic growth. However, in African cities, informal builders and financial processes dominate over formal ones. While informal methods are often inefficient, costly, and exploitative, they are also adaptable, accessible, and reflective of the majority’s needs and priorities.
Technology offers solutions to enhance housing within these informal systems. Digital platforms, mobile technology, and smart city systems can connect the flexibility of informal economies with structured governance for sustainable urban growth. Policymakers and investors should focus on understanding and leveraging informal practices rather than restricting them, ensuring targeted and inclusive housing investments that serve all city residents
International
In Canada, real estate listings commonly include information on walkability, transit, and noise, but lack data on climate risks such as wildfires and floods, which are increasingly affecting properties. Aaron Sutherland, vice-president of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, emphasized the need for accessible climate risk information to help homebuyers make informed decisions.
While Zillow introduced climate risk scores for U.S. real estate in 2024, Canada is still working on a similar system. The Canadian government is developing a centralized portal for nationwide access to such data, though it is not yet available.
Source : Africa Home Building News – Joycelyn Marigold
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