Broad recognition that access to affordable housing finance is critically important, not least because of the demand for housing and the importance of housing for the well-being of the population, and for the economy as a whole. However, while housing loan finance is widely available in high-income economies, it remains largely underdeveloped in all African countries with the exception of a few. For example, the ratio of mortgage debt to GDP is equivalent to 83% in Netherland, whereas it amounts to less than 1% in many African countries.

As a result, greater attention is (should) now being given to ensuring access to affordable housing finance for all in Africa. This will require understanding and addressing the critical factors that are impeding the development of effective housing finance systems across the continent. It is against this background that the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa (CAHF) has commissioned a report to have a better understanding of how Basel III and the latest changes in regulation are affecting access to housing finance across Africa, with a particular focus on WAEMU countries and South Africa.