Mortgage Program

 

On Habitat’s conventional building program, HFH Zambia focuses on building the capacity of communities that have demonstrated a need to better their housing conditions. This model encompasses full new houses, renovations and rehabilitations. The homeowners contribute sweat equity and building materials in order to reduce the loan amount. Social cohesion is promoted. Most of the program’s houses are built using burnt bricks and corrugated iron roofing sheets. The houses are simple but high quality, with separate sleeping, cooking and living areas. The design is such that homeowners have the option of extending the house in the future. The average house size is 35 sq. meters (approximately 300 sq. ft).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage payments from homeowners are deposited into a locally administered "Fund for Humanity", the proceeds of which go toward future construction. The program is targeted at poor but economically active families. The program is implemented in Lusaka, Central, Western and Copperbelt provinces with new geographical areas being sort. Families who are interested in this program go through the following:

 

Interested families register with the HFHZ Education Officer in their community and attend four education seminars prior to submission of application form. An attendance register is kept, and only those who have attended all seminars will be eligible to apply.