Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen says rental costs in Namibia are cooling slightly to 4.8% annually, but major cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay still face serious affordability problems because new housing supply barely moves, land development drags, and construction materials stay expensive. Municipal bills and utility hikes keep hammering household budgets, and housing makes up 28.4% of what people spend.
Overall housing inflation with utilities held at 4.1% annually through November after October's 1.5% spike from tariff increases. Water and sewage costs dropped to 1.3% from 4.8%, while maintenance and repair expenses hit 2.1% because materials and labor keep climbing.
Jansen expects housing inflation to stay elevated through 2026 since energy costs, maintenance prices, and rental market imbalances will keep pushing expenses higher despite temporary relief from water bill adjustments.
Overall housing inflation with utilities held at 4.1% annually through November after October's 1.5% spike from tariff increases. Water and sewage costs dropped to 1.3% from 4.8%, while maintenance and repair expenses hit 2.1% because materials and labor keep climbing.
Jansen expects housing inflation to stay elevated through 2026 since energy costs, maintenance prices, and rental market imbalances will keep pushing expenses higher despite temporary relief from water bill adjustments.
