Real Estate

Ghana’s growing population, buoyant economy and favourable investment environment make its real estate market increasingly dynamic. In spite of complicated issues over local lending and land ownership, demand for housing spans the entire spectrum of the population, from wealthy Ghanaians and a growing number of expatriates through a rising middle class to lower-income groups.

As increasing purchasing power and a sizeable housing deficit fuel demand for accommodation and retail facilities, Nigeria’s real estate sector is slowly emerging as a promising destination for capital returns on both affordable and high-end housing.

The real estate sector continues to draw attention from international investors in the region, which is welcome news as the kingdom looks to rebuild its property market following the global economic downturn of 2008.

Momentum generated by a strong recovery in Kuwait’s real estate sector in early 2012 is expected to continue throughout the year. In February 2012, the National Bank of Kuwait revealed that real estate sales in January totalled KD318.1m ($1.14bn), a 64% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase, which represents the third-best level on record.

Rapid expansion in Papua New Guinea’s property market is set to be further heated by new foreign investment. However, industry players reject fears of a bubble and predict that rising prices will soon stabilise.

Sharjah’s real estate and construction sector could be in for a welcome boost as the government looks to address the shortage of affordable housing in the emirate. And while lower prices in neighbouring rental markets could have a knock-on effect, the emirate’s prospects for real estate growth in 2012 are promising.