How to Buy A House in Namibia

What is a House?

A house is a single-unit residential building, which may range in complexity from a rudimentary hut to a complex structure of wood, masonry, concrete or other material, outfitted with plumbing, electrical, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Where and how to buy a house in Namibia

In Namibia, there are no restrictions on nonresident foreigners and legal aliens owning property in Namibia. Most property ownerships are freehold except for agricultural land.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a house cost in Namibia?

THE average national housing price in Namibia at the end of December 2019 stood at about N$1,1 million says Frans Uusiku, the market researcher at First National Bank Namibia.

How do you buy a house when you already own a house in Namibia?

  • Start house hunting right away.
  • Make an offer on your dream home and request an extended closing.
  • If you have savings, you may use that to purchase the home.
  • Close on the new home.
  • Consider renting your old home until it sells.

Can I move to Namibia?

Visas. If you are moving to Namibia to work or live there for a longer period of time or if you are not a citizen of one of the countries exempt from these visa regulations, then you will need to apply for a visa or work permit before your departure.

How long does it take to build a house in Namibia?

On average, it takes seven months to build a house from start to finish, according to a 2019 U.S. Census Bureau report. But you may also need to include time for an architect to draw up plans (1–4 months).

How dangerous is Namibia?

Namibia is a peaceful country, relatively safe to travel to and it is not involved in any wars. After the Angolan civil war in 2002, there is no more violence in Namibia. It does, however, have a relatively high crime rate with muggings near ATMs, pickpockets roaming around and even robberies happening more and more.

How do you buy a house if you have no money in Namibia?

There are currently two types of government-sponsored loans that allow you to buy a home without a down payment: USDA loans and VA loans. Each loan has a very specific set of criteria you need to meet in order to qualify for a zero-down mortgage.

What happens if I sell my house and don’t buy another in Namibia?

When you sell a personal residence and buy another one, the IRS will not let you do a 1031 exchange. You can, however, exclude a large portion of the gain from your taxes as that you have lived in for two of the past five years in the property and used it as your primary residence.

Where should I live in Namibia?

  • Windhoek. The capital city of Namibia, Windhoek, is one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. …
  • Swakopmund. Swakopmund is a very popular Namibian seaside resort with a pleasant summer temperature. …
  • Walvis Bay.

Is Namibia safer than South Africa?

Namibia is safer than South Africa (roads, crime, etc), but I say that with caution as you should use your head in any country. Windhoek is generally friendly, but obviously don’t flash your touristness about.

What should you not do before buying a house in Namibia?

  • Change jobs. Mortgage lenders look for stability when they assess your loan application, and part of that involves having the same job for a period of time.
  • Take on new debt.
  • Miss bills.
  • Loan money.
  • Cosign a loan.

How long can you stay in Namibia in Namibia?

Tourists can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Namibia if they can produce a return ticket and their passport is valid for at least another 6 months. The visa is issued at arrival. Make sure right then that enough days for your stay have been granted.

Is there a lot of crime in Namibia?

Crime is a serious concern in Windhoek and other areas throughout Namibia. Robberies, muggings, and thefts occur frequently, especially in downtown shopping areas and wherever crowds of travelers are found. Incidents are less frequent during the day than they are after dark.

What are the qualities of good house in Namibia?

  • The home should be airy and well-ventilated.
  • The design of the interiors should be ergonomic.
  • The material used in construction should be of good quality.
  • The height of the ceilings should be between 10-12 feet.

Why is a home so special in Namibia?

Home provides security, control, belonging, identity, and privacy, among other things. “But most of all, it’s a place that provides us with a centering—a place from which we leave each morning and to which we return each evening.”

Does your home reflect your personality in Namibia?

The more time you spend in your home, the closer it reflects you. It is human nature to shape one’s surroundings, to form it to one’s taste and needs. Over the course of time, your apartment home will mirror your personality. Therefore, your apartment has a personality of its own.

Do I need a visa to go to Namibia?

All visitors travelling to Namibia for business purposes require a visa. Business travellers from countries that have a visa exemption agreement with Namibia are issued a business visa on arrival, free of charge. Other business travellers must arrange a visa in advance.

How dangerous is Windhoek?

Windhoek is not very safe; crime rates are high. The most significant concern is theft, hacking, and carjacking. Being in this city, you should be especially careful and always monitor your things. Beware of people who offer or ask for your help.

What is Namibia like to live in?

The way of life is generally laid back and peaceful, with relatively little in the way of nightclubs or late-night entertainment. Although Namibia is relatively safe, expats often choose to live in protected compounds, with the majority of foreigners residing in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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