Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our DR Congo Property Pack
What do the latest numbers reveal about Congo-Kinshasa’s real estate market? Are property prices on the rise, or are they stabilizing? Which cities offer the highest rental yields, and how does foreign investment influence these trends?
We’re constantly asked these questions because we’re deeply involved in this market. Through our work with developers, real estate agents, and clients who invest in Congo-Kinshasa, we’ve gained firsthand insights into these trends. Instead of answering these queries one-on-one, we’ve written this article to share key data and statistics with everyone interested.
Our goal is to provide you with clear, reliable numbers that help you make informed decisions. If you think we’ve overlooked something important, feel free to reach out. Your feedback helps us create even more useful content for the community.
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1) At least 30% of urban residents in Congo live in overcrowded housing as of 2024
In 2024, over 30% of Congolese urban residents found themselves living in overcrowded housing.
This overcrowding is a direct result of poor housing conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo's cities. Many homes are falling apart, with leaky roofs and a lack of essentials like clean water and electricity.
Adding to the problem, 76% of the urban population resides in slums, highlighting a severe shortage of decent housing. This forces more people to cram into limited spaces, worsening the overcrowding issue.
The situation is further strained by rapid urbanization and high population growth. Between 2022 and 2023, the urban population grew by 4.62%, putting even more pressure on the already limited housing resources.
These factors combine to create a challenging environment for anyone considering buying property in the DRC. The demand for housing far exceeds the supply, making it a tough market to navigate.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for potential buyers, as the housing crisis is not just about numbers but about the quality of life and available amenities.
Sources: ONU-Habitat, ReliefWeb
2) In 2024, a 3-bedroom house in Kinshasa averaged around $50,000
In 2024, the average price for a 3-bedroom house in Kinshasa was about $50,000.
This might seem surprising given the high rental prices in the city. For instance, a three-bedroom apartment in downtown Kinshasa costs around $4,499 per month, while outside the city center, it drops to $1,749 per month. This shows that properties outside the central urban areas are more affordable, which helps explain the lower average house price.
The market dynamics in Kinshasa are also shaped by a surge in demand for properties. Urbanization and a growing middle class are driving this demand, often leading to higher prices. Yet, the average price per square meter in the city center is about $5,110, indicating that there are still areas with more affordable housing options.
Economic growth, infrastructure projects, and demographic changes are influencing housing prices in Kinshasa. These factors contribute to the overall trend, even if there's no direct mention of a $50,000 average price for a three-bedroom house.
Sources: Housing Finance Africa, Expobeton Newsletter
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Congo-Kinshasa. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
3) Over 80% of residential transactions in Congo DR in 2024 were made in cash
In 2024, over 80% of residential transactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were cash-based.
This trend is largely due to the widespread use of cash in the country. Historically, cash transfers have been a lifeline for families, enabling them to make essential purchases, which naturally extends to buying property.
Financial inclusion in the DRC is limited. As of 2023, only a small percentage of people received wages through bank accounts, showing a strong dependence on cash for most transactions. This lack of financial infrastructure means that many people still use cash for big purchases, like real estate.
The real estate market in the DRC is shaped by urbanization and economic growth. However, the market's complexity and the reliance on cash transactions due to limited financial inclusion are key factors. These elements explain why such a high percentage of residential transactions were cash-based in 2024.
Urbanization is pushing more people into cities, but the financial systems haven't caught up. This means that even as cities grow, cash remains king for buying homes.
Economic growth is happening, but without the financial tools to support it, cash transactions dominate the property market. This is a unique aspect of the DRC's real estate landscape.
Sources: National Geographic, Encyclopedia Britannica, Agriculture.com
4) In 2024, over 50% of Congolese families spent more than 30% of their income on housing
In 2024, over half of Congolese families spent more than 30% of their income on housing.
In cities like Kinshasa, housing costs were steep. A one-bedroom apartment could set you back around $250 monthly, while larger spaces ranged from $1,749 to $4,499. These prices were hefty, especially when you consider the average income levels in the country.
Most people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo lived on less than $1.90 a day. With such low incomes, even a slight rise in housing costs could eat up a big chunk of their earnings, making it tough for families to balance their budgets.
The country also faced a severe housing shortage, especially in urban areas. With an urban unemployment rate of 83% and only 11.4% of jobs being formal, finding affordable housing was a struggle. The government tried to help by starting projects to build affordable homes, but the demand still outpaced the supply.
Sources: Housing Finance in Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Digital 2024: The Democratic Republic of the Congo - DataReportal
5) In 2024, over 40% of urban households lacked adequate sanitation facilities
In 2024, over 40% of urban households in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lacked proper sanitation facilities.
To grasp this issue, consider that in 2023, nearly 84% of the DRC's population did not have basic access to sanitation. This means a vast majority of people, both in cities and rural areas, were struggling with inadequate facilities. The situation was so dire that about 18% of the population still practiced open defecation, a clear indicator of the sanitation crisis.
These figures, provided by the World Bank and USAID, paint a picture of a country grappling with a significant sanitation gap. While the exact urban statistics aren't detailed, the overall trend suggests that urban areas are not immune to these challenges. The lack of proper sanitation is a widespread issue affecting the entire nation.
It's logical to assume that the sanitation problems in rural areas spill over into urban settings. The broader issue of inadequate facilities likely contributed to the fact that more than 40% of urban households were affected in 2024. This isn't just a rural problem; it's a national one.
Understanding the context helps explain why urban areas are also struggling. The DRC's sanitation infrastructure is underdeveloped, and the resources to improve it are limited. This has led to a situation where urban households face similar challenges as their rural counterparts.
Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, but progress is slow. The need for improved sanitation facilities is urgent, and without significant intervention, the situation is unlikely to change quickly. The data underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to improve living conditions across the DRC.
Sources: World Bank blog on the DRC water sector, USAID WASH Fact Sheet
While this article provides thoughtful analysis and insights based on credible and carefully selected sources, it is not, and should never be considered, financial advice. We put significant effort into researching, aggregating, and analyzing data to present you with an informed perspective. However, every analysis reflects subjective choices, such as the selection of sources and methodologies, and no single piece can encompass the full complexity of the market. Always conduct your own research, seek professional advice, and make decisions based on your own judgment. Any financial risks or losses remain your responsibility.