Kaduna Real Estate Summit Pushes Affordable Housing, Accessible Mortgage Financing
The convener of the Kaduna Real Estate Summit 2026, Awwal Salisu, has called for practical housing solutions, accessible financing options and greater transparency in property transactions to expand homeownership opportunities for low- and middle-income earners in Kaduna State.
Salisu made the call while delivering his welcome address at the Kaduna Real Estate Summit 2026, held on Thursday, October 8, at Muhammad Buhari Hall, Galaxy Mall, Kaduna, under the theme “Unlocking Kaduna Real Estate Potential.”
He said the future of Kaduna’s real estate sector must go beyond attracting major investors to creating opportunities for ordinary residents, particularly families struggling to afford deposits, monthly repayments and the additional costs associated with housing.
According to him, the challenge of affordable housing affects multiple stakeholders, including prospective homeowners, property developers, financial institutions and government agencies, making collaboration essential to finding sustainable solutions.
He illustrated the challenge with the example of a working family in Kaduna whose savings are insufficient to meet housing deposits, while cheaper properties may be located far from workplaces and schools, increasing transportation and other living expenses.
Salisu said these challenges raise fundamental questions about how ordinary residents can enter the property market while developers maintain financially viable projects.
“These questions belong in the same conversation. That is why we are here,” he stated.
KRES Advocates Alternative Homeownership Options
The summit convener identified accessible mortgage financing, housing cooperatives, structured instalment payments and rent-to-own arrangements as potential pathways to improving access to housing.
He also highlighted smaller, well-designed homes and serviced plots that allow buyers to build in phases as possible alternatives for households unable to afford conventional housing options.
Salisu stressed that affordable rental housing must remain part of the conversation, particularly for residents who are not yet financially positioned to own homes.
However, he cautioned that these options must be supported by realistic payment structures, secure land ownership, clear contractual terms, adequate infrastructure and credible delivery arrangements.
He said the summit aims to help prospective buyers understand available options, verify essential property information and make informed decisions before committing their money.
Calls for Transparency in Property Transactions
Salisu identified unclear property documentation and limited access to reliable market information as barriers preventing prospective buyers and investors from participating confidently in Kaduna's real estate market.
He said improving access to trustworthy information and strengthening professional standards would help stakeholders assess opportunities and distinguish viable projects from promises that may not be fulfilled.
The convener said the summit's broader objective is to establish a sustainable annual platform where stakeholders can examine policy, build partnerships, understand the property market and explore credible investment opportunities.
He added that the initiative seeks to position Kaduna as a leading centre for real estate investment, innovation and professional engagement in Northern Nigeria.
Developers, Lenders Urged to Consider Different Income Groups
The KRES convener urged property developers and investors to present proposals based on genuine market demand, commercial viability and clear benefits to the people expected to occupy or use the properties.
He also challenged lenders and mortgage providers to demonstrate realistic financing options for different categories of earners, including people who do not receive regular monthly salaries.
Salisu called on government representatives to explain existing housing initiatives, ongoing implementation efforts and areas where stronger collaboration is needed.
Professional bodies, practitioners and academics were also encouraged to contribute evidence-based research, improve industry standards and assess the practicality of proposed housing solutions.
Meanwhile, he urged young professionals, prospective homeowners and small business owners to participate actively in the sector by asking questions, building relationships and contributing to the development of market opportunities.
Real Estate Sector Seen as a Source of Employment
Beyond housing and investment, Salisu highlighted the role of real estate in supporting livelihoods across several professions and businesses.
He noted that artisans, suppliers, contractors and property professionals stand to benefit from a more active and inclusive property market.
He said the summit should help young professionals and small businesses gain access to relevant knowledge, professional networks and opportunities within the sector.
The 2026 summit brought stakeholders together through presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions and networking sessions aimed at examining Kaduna's real estate potential.
KRES Sets Expectations Beyond the Summit
Salisu said the success of the annual summit should be measured by tangible outcomes rather than discussions alone.
He expressed the expectation that subsequent editions would demonstrate progress in partnerships, clearer processes and the availability of housing opportunities accessible to more residents.
He concluded by urging participants to pursue practical steps that would help ordinary families identify realistic pathways to securing decent housing.
The summit's message places affordability, transparency, sustainable investment and stakeholder collaboration at the centre of discussions about the future of Kaduna's property market.
Source: Welcome address by Awwal Salisu, Convener, Kaduna Real Estate Summit 2026.
