Monthly Newsletter

New Year Market Outlook 2024

Predictions and trends for African property markets in 2024, including key cities to watch and emerging investment opportunities.

January 31, 2024
7 min read
11.2K subscribers
2024 Market Outlook

2024 Market Outlook

As we enter 2024, African property markets are positioned for continued growth, driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and increasing foreign investment.

Key Trends Shaping 2024

Several macro trends are expected to drive African property markets throughout 2024:

1. Accelerated Urbanization

Africa's urban population is growing at 4% annually, creating unprecedented demand for housing and commercial space. Key statistics:

  • Lagos expected to reach 25 million residents by 2025
  • Nairobi's population growing by 200,000 annually
  • Accra metropolitan area expanding by 15% yearly
  • Secondary cities experiencing 6-8% population growth

2. Infrastructure Investment Boom

Major infrastructure projects are unlocking new areas for development:

  • Lagos-Ibadan railway boosting corridor development
  • Nairobi Expressway improving connectivity
  • Ghana's coastal road project opening new markets
  • Tanzania's standard gauge railway creating logistics hubs

Growth Prediction

We forecast 15-20% property value appreciation in infrastructure-adjacent areas throughout 2024.

Cities to Watch in 2024

Tier 1: Established Markets

Lagos, Nigeria

Continued growth in Victoria Island and Lekki

Expected Growth:12-15%
Key Drivers:Fintech, Oil & Gas

Nairobi, Kenya

Tech hub expansion and infrastructure

Expected Growth:10-13%
Key Drivers:Technology, Finance

Tier 2: Emerging Opportunities

Kigali, Rwanda

Regional business hub development

Expected Growth:18-22%
Key Drivers:Government, Tourism

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

West African financial center

Expected Growth:16-20%
Key Drivers:Banking, Cocoa Trade

Investment Strategy

Focus on Tier 2 cities for higher growth potential, while maintaining Tier 1 exposure for stability and liquidity.

Sector Outlook

Residential Market

Housing demand continues to outstrip supply across major African cities:

  • Middle-income housing showing strongest growth potential
  • Affordable housing initiatives creating new opportunities
  • Luxury segment stabilizing after rapid growth
  • Student housing emerging as niche opportunity

Commercial Real Estate

Office and retail spaces adapting to post-pandemic realities:

  • Grade A office space in high demand
  • Flexible workspace concepts gaining traction
  • Retail focusing on experiential and convenience
  • Industrial and logistics seeing strong growth

Risk Factors to Monitor

While the outlook is positive, investors should watch for:

  • Currency volatility in key markets
  • Political developments affecting policy
  • Global interest rate changes
  • Infrastructure project delays

Our 2024 Predictions

  • • African property markets will outperform global averages by 5-8%
  • • Secondary cities will see 20%+ growth in select markets
  • • Technology sector expansion will drive commercial demand
  • • Infrastructure completion will unlock new investment corridors
  • • ESG-focused developments will gain premium valuations

Stay Ahead of the Market

Get our monthly market insights and investment opportunities delivered to your inbox.