Accessing a mortgage loan in Nigeria used to be near impossible. Unlike most of the western world where a satisfactory credit score, a sizable down payment, and a qualifiable stream of income is enough to access a mortgage loan – there wasn’t a system like that in Nigeria. Or was there?
In this article, we will review the NHF (Nigerian Housing Fund) process and how you can enjoy it to live in the home of your reality (not your dreams because we are all about being realistic here)
What is the Nigerian Housing Fund (NHF)
The Nigerian Government started the NHF in 1992 to help citizens in all sectors of the economy who cannot afford commercial housing loans to own their houses by contributing 2.5% of their monthly salary to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.
They establish it as a viable alternative to commercial lending that has more stringent processes from banks.
Who is Eligible for this Loan?
To be eligible for this loan, you must be:
- A Nigerian citizen
- Over 18 years old
- Must have contributed to the funds for a period of nothing less than six months (Most preferably about a year for a higher chance of approval)
- Must have satisfactory evidence of a regular flow of income to guarantee repayment (You should be able to prove a working history for at least five years either with business ownership or a salary income)
How to apply for the National Housing Fund
Except for commercial borrowers who can apply directly to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, everybody else must apply through a Primary Mortgage Bank of their choice.
Four primary mortgage banks that you may consider are:
- FBN Mortgages
- Platinum Mortgage Bank
- Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc and,
- Trustbond Mortgage Bank
You can get the NHF loan application from any of these banks.
Requirements of an NHF Loan
- Open a savings account with a Primary Mortgage Bank.
- Contribute to the account for about a year
- Have evidence of income (for at least five years)
- Photocopies of approved property title documents
- The approved site and building plans
- Bill of Quantities (if applicable)
- Valuation report by a registered firm of surveyors (if applicable)
- Tax clearance certificate for at least three years
- Letter of consent to mortgage by your chosen Primary mortgage bank
- Completed mortgage loan application
- Copy of at least five payslips
- For self-employed applicants, you must submit a copy of Articles and Memorandum and a copy of Certificate of Incorporation as evidence of employment.
- Approved down payment amount, which can be up to 30% depending on the loan applied for
How much can be applied for?
The maximum amount allotted to any individual borrower is 15 million naira. An individual cannot qualify for over 90% of the cost or value of the property.
Conclusion
Getting a house of your reality can be achievable in Nigeria. As long as you have the listed qualifications, you can start plans on a viable home.
If you need help or have questions on how to proceed, please do contact us for more information.
