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Real Estate in Namibia | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Windhoek, Namibia

Real Estate in Namibia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on May 21, 2023

Summary: An expat looking to buy a home in Namibia should start by researching the different areas of the country and the types of properties available. They should also consider their budget and the type of amenities they are looking for. Popular areas for expats include Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay. Homes in Namibia typically include amenities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and outdoor spaces. Many homes also have modern kitchens and bathrooms, as well as security features such as alarm systems and CCTV. Foreigners are allowed to own property in Namibia, but there are some restrictions. Non-citizens are not allowed to own land, but they can own buildings and other structures on the land. They must also obtain permission from the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement before they can purchase a property.

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How do I find a place to live in Namibia?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Namibia is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Namibia Property, Namibia Rental, and Namibia Real Estate are great resources for finding rental properties in Namibia. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings on classifieds websites such as Namibian Classifieds and Namibia Classifieds. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents in Namibia to help you find a place to live," said one person in Namibia.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Namibia?

"Expat homes and apartments in Namibia tend to be modern and comfortable, with many featuring air conditioning and other amenities. Most expat homes and apartments are located in the larger cities, such as Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay, and offer easy access to amenities such as shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Expat homes and apartments in Namibia often come with a variety of features, such as balconies, terraces, and gardens, as well as access to private pools and gyms. Security is also a priority for many expats, with many homes and apartments featuring security systems and guards," explained one person living in Namibia.

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What is the average cost of housing in Namibia?

If you are thinking about moving to Namibia, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Namibia varies depending on the location and type of housing. Generally, the cost of renting a house in Namibia is relatively affordable compared to other countries in the region. The average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in the capital city of Windhoek is around N$3,000 per month, while a three-bedroom house in a rural area can cost around N$2,000 per month," remarked one member in Namibia.

Should I buy or rent a home in Namibia?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Namibia, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Namibia, it is important to consider your financial situation, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Buying a home can be a great investment, as it can provide you with a stable place to live and the potential for appreciation in value. However, it also requires a large upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Renting a home can be a more affordable option, as it requires less of an upfront investment and no maintenance costs. However, it does not provide the same potential for appreciation in value. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Namibia should be based on your individual needs and preferences," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Namibia.

What do I need to know when buying property in Namibia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Namibia, they said:

"1. It is important to research the area you are interested in buying property in, to ensure it is suitable for your needs. 2. It is important to understand the legal requirements for buying property in Namibia, including the need to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Lands and Resettlement. 3. It is important to understand the taxation requirements for buying property in Namibia, including the need to pay transfer duty and capital gains tax. 4. It is important to understand the different types of property available in Namibia, including freehold, leasehold and communal land. 5. It is important to understand the different types of financing available for buying property in Namibia, including mortgages, loans and other forms of financing. 6. It is important to understand the different types of insurance available for buying property in Namibia, including home insurance, title insurance and other forms of insurance. 7. It is important to understand the different types of services available for buying property in Namibia, including real estate agents, lawyers and other professionals. 8. It is important to understand the different types of fees associated with buying property in Namibia, including transfer fees, registration fees and other fees. 9. It is important to understand the different types of restrictions associated with buying property in Namibia, including restrictions on foreign ownership and restrictions on the use of the property," explained one person living in Namibia.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Namibia?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Namibia, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Namibia. The Namibian government has established a legal framework that allows foreign nationals to purchase and own property in the country. The process of purchasing property as a foreigner is relatively straightforward and involves obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. The permit is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed. Additionally, foreign nationals are allowed to lease property in Namibia for up to 99 years," said one expat in Namibia.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Namibia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Namibia typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Other common appliances may include a dishwasher, microwave, and air conditioning unit. Depending on the property, additional amenities such as a clothes dryer, water heater, and security system may also be included," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Namibia.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Namibia:

We asked foreigners in Namibia what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats can search for homes in Namibia by looking online for real estate websites that specialize in the area, such as Namibia Property, or by contacting a local real estate agent who can provide more information about the local market. Additionally, expats can search for homes in Namibia by attending open houses or by networking with other expats who may have knowledge of the local housing market," said one expat in Namibia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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