In recent times, Africa has emerged as a promising frontier for real estate development. With a rapidly growing middle class, increased urbanization, and a rising demand for housing and commercial spaces, the continent offers a hub of possibilities for real estate investors.

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This blog explores the emerging investment trends and opportunities in the African real estate market, as well as its challenges.

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The African Real Estate Market: An Overview 

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According to Statista, the African real estate market is expected to reach a value of US$15.98tn in 2024. Furthermore, it is forecasted that the market will experience an annual growth rate of 5.92% from 2024 to 2028, resulting in a market volume of US$20.11tn by 2028. These numbers suggest that the real estate market in Africa is promising and should be explored as much as possible.

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Why is the African Real Estate Market an Attractive Investment Option?

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Lately, in the African economy, real estate is becoming a favored destination for increased allocations. This development, is no doubt, drawing great attention to its potential returns and pivotal position in the continent’s economy.

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Africa is recognized as a hub for economic growth and development, and this enhances the appeal of real estate in Africa as a lucrative investment option. Investors are aware of this and are actively exploring opportunities in residential properties where the demand for housing is on the rise. 

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Additionally, commercial spaces are getting some attention as businesses and industries search for locations for expansion, influenced by the vibrant nature of the African economy. Furthermore, as African countries invest in developing their infrastructure, investors see the potential for long-term gains. This diversification across different real estate areas typifies the dynamic nature of the real estate industry in Africa.

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Here are some African real estate trends worth paying attention to:

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Sustainable Housing 

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According to the Estate Intel Green Building Fact Sheet, there are about 300 green buildings in Africa outside of South Africa. While this number is nowhere near the 120,000 green buildings globally, markets such as Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi have recorded over 200% increase on average in the last 4 years.

Access to financing has been a major influence on the tilt of real estate developers and investors toward green housing. This development has led to major transactions like the announcement of the largest syndicated sustainability-linked Real Estate Debt Facility secured by Grit in 2022, and organized by Standard Bank.

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It is noteworthy that the shift toward green adoption is not restricted to the public sector but is also happening at the public level. For instance, Cairo’s Capital Garden City development initiative is a notable initiative at the governmental level to drive sustainable housing.

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Although outside of South Africa, African countries remain significantly low on the green housing rankings, there is a clear indication that the continent is committed to going green in the coming years.

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Affordable Housing 

Affordable housing is making its way back as an integral aspect of the real estate industry in Africa. While this shift has been influenced by governments across Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and Egypt, the challenge of a gaping housing deficit will lead to investment interest from several angles. 

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Kenya’s new government has a plan to put up about 200,000 housing units per annum. While this may be viewed as too ambitious, it could command huge funding for the sector in the market. 

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Flexible Housing Units

Another trend to look out for in the real estate industry in Africa is the emergence of multipurpose housing units that can be turned into a home, business, or both. Real estate developers no longer want to be boxed into the corner of producing the typical residential and commercial properties already prevalent in the market. 

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The African real estate market is experiencing the development of modern, simple buildings, which a buyer can turn into a home, a beautiful café, a fashionable office, or a hybrid of these. These flexible housing units will accommodate new dynamics of livelihood and perform different functions according to the owners’ preferences. 

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Rise in Proptech Funding 

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If you have a vibrant LinkedIn timeline, you are likely to have come across different Proptech funding announcements. Just in case you are wondering what Proptech is – it encapsulates the various technological tools used by real estate professionals to simplify the whole real estate process. Proptech has emerged as one of the major technological trends in the real estate industry, and it appears it has come to stay.

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The influx of announcements on Proptech funding is a ripple effect of the over US$16m raised in Proptech funding across Africa in 2022. While this is nowhere near the amount raised in other sectors such as Fintech, it is way better than what was raised in previous years. 

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Proptech is finding its way to the top when it comes to real estate trends, and with the fast-paced growth of technology, it is one to watch out for.

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Real Estate Investment in Africa’s Islands 

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Another intriguing trend to look out for in the African real estate market is the decision of the rich to invest heavily in Africa's islands. They are investing in these locations to carve out a safe space for themselves, to reduce market risk, and to invest their cash before its value depletes. 

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From Mauritius to Zanzibar to Seychelles and Cape Verde, foreign investors and wealthy individuals are trooping in to invest, and why wouldn't they? Zanzibar, for instance, has become one of the hottest spots for rich Kenyans, Arabs, and Germans after introducing a new tax and residency law in 2021.

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If you are considering real estate investment in Africa, developing or buying land holiday homes, or hospitality units on Africa's remote and beautiful islands, is a great direction to look. 

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Challenges Associated with The African Real Estate Market 

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It is crucial to be informed of the challenges of the African real estate market as much as you are familiar with its prospects. This will arm you with enough knowledge to help you make informed decisions as you continue on your real estate journey.

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Here are some of the challenges plaguing the African real estate market:

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Limited Financing 

Financing is, no doubt, a challenge in the African real estate market. Traditional bank loans may not be readily available, and other means of securing financing like private equity are difficult to secure.

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Limited Market Data

Usually, there is limited data and market information available in the African real estate market, making it hard for investors to assess market conditions to make informed investment decisions. A major contributory factor to this challenge is the incessant changes and fluctuations experienced in the African market. 

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In some cases, there is no existing centralized database to assess market data, making it difficult to know the real state of the market.  

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Political Instability 

Political instability in Africa has had a significant impact on its real estate industry. Africa's high potential for social unrest, economic inconsistencies, and changes in governmental policies lead to so much uncertainty and risk. This makes it difficult and almost impossible to plan and execute long-term real estate investments.

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Weak Infrastructure 

The infrastructure in many African countries is underdeveloped, with limited access to water, electricity, transportation, and other basic amenities. This poses a challenge to real estate development in certain areas, especially outside major urban centers.

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Conclusion 

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The African real estate market will, no doubt, face interesting dynamics over the next few years, including unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. Land Republic is well aware of this and is committed to leveraging opportunities in changing times and landscapes. With the company's commitment to excellence, security, and reliability, it is a great option for you if you are considering real estate investment in Africa.

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For more insight on real estate topics check out our blogs or reach out today via 2348122222283 and  support@landrepublic.co.