Abstract

The housing crisis in Africa presents a significant challenge, with millions lacking access to affordable housing. This paper explores the role of real estate portfolio valuation techniques in unlocking funding for affordable housing projects across the continent. The study examines traditional valuation methods such as the Sales Comparison, Cost, and Income Capitalization approaches, alongside modern techniques like Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) and GIS-based valuations. These methods are essential in providing accurate property assessments, which are critical for attracting investment. The paper also highlights the impact of real estate portfolio diversification in mitigating financial risks and enhancing funding accessibility. Legal, regulatory, and market barriers to funding are discussed, with a focus on institutional challenges, such as land tenure issues and the lack of credit histories, that complicate the financing of affordable housing projects. The study concludes that real estate valuation is a key tool in unlocking funding for affordable housing, but substantial barriers remain, including data accuracy and political instability. Policy reforms and the adoption of innovative financing models are necessary to address these challenges and unlock the potential of affordable housing in Africa. Recommendations for future research and practice include the development of market-specific valuation techniques and the exploration of new financial mechanisms to attract both local and international investment.