The prospect of home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult for many young Namibians, particularly in Windhoek, where property prices continue to rise.

This raises the question of whether the next generation, particularly those who reside in the city, will ever have a house to their name.
For many young professionals in Windhoek, owning a house has become increasingly challenging.

The founder and principal agent of Shanin Haus Real Estate, Selma Mulunga, says residential property prices in the capital have risen significantly over the past five to ten years.

"It has increased between 5 and, I mean, 20 and 40%, and this is mostly because Windhoek is the main economical hub; that's where everybody comes to come and look for job opportunities. And then also you have a land availability that is scarce now. I'll give you an example of the Avis Smart Village project that we just had, which is completely fully reserved, right? And we still have people that are on the waiting list, which just goes to show that the demand is there but the supply is much less. So things like that also increase the property prices."

Mulunga noted that affordability and limited supply remain key barriers preventing many young Namibians from accessing the property market.

"I would say it's affordability and then also just the supply in itself. Because you'll find somebody that can afford to say, buy a flat in Otjomuise, in Katutura,' but then that's not where they want to live, right? Because, say, most of their life, their children's school, and their workplace are closer to town. So they'll prefer to stay closer or find a place that's closer to Windhoek West or Windhoek North, but then in terms of affordability, they cannot afford those places. "

She also highlighted a shift in buyer preferences among young professionals.
She also advised aspiring homeowners to adopt discipline and financial planning when entering the market.