Oversupply softens Gaborone's property market
Friday, September 20, 2024 | 2660 Views |
Stabilising: The residential market in Gaborone is cooling down after a prolonged period of rising prices PIC: BASHI KIKIA
A property market update by Riberry, cited in the Bank of Botswana’s (BoB) latest household indebtedness report, noted a softening in the local property market during the first quarter of this year. The residential market, in particular, experienced increased vacancy rates with supply outpacing demand, overturning the trend seen throughout 2023.
“According to the latest (2024 Q1) Riberry Report, the residential rental market showed signs of deterioration in the first quarter of 2024, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023,” the BoB said, citing Riberry. “This is evident from the rising number of properties available for rent and declining house prices.”
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...