National Housing Fund to launch EasyRent scheme for rent advances

The National Housing Fund (NHF) has announced plans to launch the EasyRent Scheme by the end of 2026, an initiative designed to provide Ghanaians with low-interest rent advances. NHF Chief Executive Officer Prosper Hoetu unveiled the plan during the National Conference on Housing Finance held in Accra. The scheme aims to address the persistent challenge of high upfront rent demands, which often pose a significant financial barrier for many citizens seeking decent accommodation in urban areas. Beyond rent assistance, the NHF is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the national housing deficit. This includes the creation of a comprehensive national homebuyers database and a direct investment in social housing projects. Mr. Hoetu indicated that the Fund is also exploring partnerships with commercial banks to provide the necessary financing to complete various uncompleted housing projects across the country. These efforts are expected to not only increase the housing stock but also stimulate economic growth by generating employment within the construction sector. The NHF CEO highlighted that the success of these innovative financing arrangements will rely heavily on systemic reforms, particularly regarding land administration. Improving land title documentation is seen as a prerequisite for attracting the level of investment required to sustain the EasyRent Scheme and other social housing programs. By streamlining these processes, the NHF aims to create a more predictable environment for both lenders and tenants, ultimately making the dream of affordable housing more attainable for the average Ghanaian.