/ 7 October 1997

Govt housing finance takes off

TUESDAY, 11.30AM

The state-owned National Housing Finance Corporation dispensed about 215 000 home loans worth R443-million in its first year as a public company.

According to the corporation’s first annual report, released on Monday, in the first financial year to end March, it granted five loan facilities worth a combined R115-million to institutions, which are expected to translate into 118 000 home laons. Since March, a further R125-million in loans was granted, while another R200-million is under consideration. In total, 215 000 home loans should result.

The figures are being taken by analysts as an indication housing delivery is gaining momentum. Corporation CEO Johan de Ridder said there is an 18 to 24-month lag in housing delivery, but it is possible to make up for lost time. He added that as long as government continues to grant 250 000 to 300 000 subsidies a year, it can achieve its housing targets.