The rent-to-own option presents a potential solution to the challenges young people face in home ownership due to rising rental prices. 

Windhoek West Constituency Councillor Emma Muteka sat down with property expert Johanna Shikongo to explore how this option could help young Namibians secure a place they can one day call their own.

Rent-to-own is a method where individuals rent a property with the option to buy it later. 

Part of your monthly rent goes toward the purchase price, and you agree with the owner on when and how you will buy the property.

"So from the onset, the parties must agree on what the purchase price is so that they don't in the middle or at the end of the lease now start negotiating on what the purchase price is, and also the amounts already paid by the tenant. So that's one way, but at the same time, these deposits must be paid into a conveyance's account. Conveyances is a lawyer who deals in property transactions, so when you have your lease agreement, which reads rent-to-own, make sure that your extra or additional amount that you pay on top of the normal rent is in a lawyer's trust account," said Shikongo.

The technique helps people to start working toward home ownership while still renting, giving them time to improve their finances and prepare for full ownership.

"During the tenancy, from the initial to the end of the lease, because at the end of the lease, the sales conditions kick in. So you must be able to take your contract to somebody who can assess it properly so that they can cover your interest and also highlight the risks, if there are any in the contract, because these contracts are not standard."