Why Use These Property Tools?
African Mortgage Rates
Mortgage calculations use real interest rates from African banks — First Bank, KCB, Standard Bank, Absa — not generic global rates that don't apply to your market.
Full Ownership Cost
Transfer duty, stamp duty, legal fees, agent commissions, VAT on new builds — see the true cost of buying property, not just the mortgage repayment.
Rent vs Buy Analysis
Compares the real long-term cost of renting against buying, factoring in African inflation rates, property appreciation, and opportunity cost of the deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for a home loan in Africa?
Most African banks require a debt-to-income ratio below 40–45%, a stable employment or income history of at least 2 years, and a deposit of 10–30%. In South Africa, banks use the National Credit Act affordability assessment. In Nigeria, NHF contributors can access Federal Mortgage Bank loans at 6%. In Kenya, banks typically lend up to 90% LTV. Our home loan eligibility tool calculates your qualifying amount for each country.
What is transfer duty in South Africa?
Transfer duty is a tax paid to SARS when buying property. It's calculated on a sliding scale: 0% on the first R1,100,000, 3% from R1,100,001–R1,512,500, rising to 13% above R11,000,000. First-time buyers buying below R1,100,000 pay no transfer duty. New builds from registered developers are exempt (VAT applies instead).
Is it better to rent or buy in Lagos, Nairobi, or Johannesburg?
It depends on your horizon. In Lagos, high rental yields (8–12%) make buying attractive for landlords, but high mortgage rates (20%+) hurt owner-occupier ROI in the short term. In Nairobi, 5-year break-even is typical in most suburbs. In Johannesburg, low interest rates historically favoured buying. Our rent vs buy tool models the exact crossover point using your local inputs.
How do I calculate property rental ROI in Africa?
Gross rental yield = (Annual rent ÷ Property value) × 100. Net yield subtracts vacancy rates (typically 5–10% in African metros), property management fees (8–12%), rates, insurance, and maintenance. Our property ROI tool calculates net yield and total return over a 5, 10, or 20-year period.
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