Locked out, but not left behind: A new vision for youth housing

In a country where over 70% of the population is under the age of 35, housing should not be a dream, it should be a right. Yet, for many young Namibians, owning a home or even renting one has become a difficult challenge. Too many of our youth are not met with opportunity but with uncertainty after years of studying, graduating from university or college and striving for growth and independence. That uncertainty stems from a growing concern: unemployment and the housing and rental crisis.Namibia’s housing market is becoming increasingly inaccessible, especially for young people just starting their careers. In Windhoek, the capital and economic hub, rental prices continue to rise, often without clear regulation or oversight. Landlords and developers operate in a free market environment, setting prices that are often far beyond what the average young person can afford.At present, there is no functional Rental Control Board except on paper and no similar mechanism or guiding body to monitor and guide rental pricing. This leaves many youth feeling shut out of the market, struggling to secure affordable housing, even when employed.So, what future are we offering our youth? Are we suggesting that after graduating, their only option is to rent indefinitely or, worse, never afford decent accommodation? That they must spend years chasing bank approvals and, even then, only qualify for a 20- to 30-year home loan, if at all? That if they don’t earn enough, they will remain trapped in a cycle of overpriced rentals or have to settle in overburdened informal settlements? Already, many of our youth are struggling to even secure their first jobs, being asked for two or more years of experience for entry-level jobs, and those who do acquire jobs are faced with the irony of being able to afford high monthly rent yet being told they don’t qualify for a home loan. Are we prepared for a future where owning a home becomes a privilege, not a possibility?Land: The missing piece in the puzzleIn addition to housing, one of the most overlooked yet critical factors is access to land. Without access to serviced and affordable land, there can be no sustainable long-term solution to housing. Yet for many young Namibians, owning a plot of land remains just as distant as owning a house. Urban land prices are far beyond reach for most entry-level earners, while the processes to acquire affordable land are often lengthy and difficult to navigate.The reality is, many youth desire to build their own home, but they have nowhere to build. If we want to empower the next generation, we need to prioritise land accessibility and affordability as part of our national housing strategy.This process can be accelerated through collaboration between the government and local authorities to identify and allocate youth-focused land development zones, accompanied by flexible payment models. Such initiatives would not only help bridge the housing gap but could also boost local economies through construction, building material acquisition and job creation.Furthermore, land access initiatives could be paired with empowerment workshops to equip youth with the knowledge and the tools they would need to own and develop their land over time.There is good news and real potential.The Namibian government has already made efforts in the past to address the housing issue through housing schemes and programmes that aim to improve access and affordability. These are important steps in the right direction, and they should be commended. However, there is room to build on this momentum. These efforts should be fast-tracked, particularly in areas like Windhoek, where the housing and rental situation has become increasingly strained. There is growing concern about affordability as well as the fact that these housing schemes often fail to reach the most vulnerable youth and unemployed graduates.We all share a common goal: to prevent a future where young people are left without secure housing options or where informal settlements become permanent solutions. Many of these settlements lack basic services, sanitation and infrastructure. While they serve an immediate need, we should work together to ensure that all Namibians, especially the youth, have access to safe, dignified and sustainable living environments.So where do we go from here?We should start by understanding the depth and detail of the issue. To do that, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) or Urban Planning Commission could play a leading role in conducting a comprehensive national housing survey focused on youth. This would give us accurate data about who is struggling, where the needs are greatest, and what kinds of housing solutions are most appropriate.And here lies an inspiring opportunity: unemployed youth could be part of the solution. By training young people to assist in gathering this data across all 14 regions, we not only empower them with temporary employment but also involve them in shaping the policies that will influence their future. It is a powerful, participatory approach that gives our youth ownership of the process and a voice in the outcomes.Bridging the gapOne of the greatest barriers to solving Namibia’s housing and land crisis is the lack of collaboration between key players and stakeholders. Too often, government ministries, local authorities, planning commissions, financial institutions, developers and organisations operate in isolation, each pursuing their mandates without a clear unified vision or shared strategy. This divided approach delays housing progress, leaving citizens, especially the youth, stuck in uncertainty.If we are to provide meaningful solutions, we need a platform that brings together all relevant stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, Urban Planning Commission; finance institutions, Namibia Estate Agents Board, the private sector, policymakers and civil society. These groups would need to align their efforts, exchange information, mobilise joint resources, and develop strategies that address both short and long-term housing challenges. Through this type of collaboration, we can advance from planning to implementation, turning the housing crisis into an opportunity for national empowerment.Furthermore, we should consider establishing a functional rental control board or regulatory structure that ensures fair, transparent pricing in the rental market. This would help protect tenants, encourage ethical practices and restore balance to a housing sector that is currently beyond the reach of many.We should also encourage financial institutions to explore more youth-inclusive financing models. Currently, there are many young people paying high monthly rent, yet they are being told they do not qualify for a bond. If a person can demonstrate the capacity to manage rent, surely this could be a helpful indicator in assessing bond eligibility or establishing rent-to-own housing options.And finally, we should continue supporting public-private housing partnerships that focus on affordable, youth-friendly housing developments. These efforts can create vibrant communities that reflect the energy and diversity of Namibia’s young population. This is not a burden for any single entity to carry alone, it is an opportunity for us to come together, across government, private sector, civil society, and the youth themselves, to shape a better future for all. Namibia’s youth are capable, resilient and ready. They are not asking for handouts, they are asking for access, fairness and a chance to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.Let us work hand in hand to ensure that housing becomes a platform for growth, not a barrier to it. Let us remember that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the builders of today. And they deserve the foundation of a home from which to build their dreams. If we act together, with empathy and intention, we can turn this housing crisis into a story of hope, national perseverance and shared success.*Sarah Goroh is a Namibian writer, life coach, strategist and entrepreneur. She can be reached at charizmainspire@hotmail.comFacebook page: Charizma Inspirations

Locked out, but not left behind: A new vision for youth housing

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Locked out, but not left behind: A new vision for youth housing

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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