How to Secure an NHF and Commercial Mortgage in Nigeria: Complete 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Many Nigerians operate under the outdated misconception that buying real estate in Lagos requires millions of Naira in immediate cash. While the vast majority of transactions historically took place on an outright cash basis, the structural emergence of retail mortgage desks and National Housing Fund (NHF) single-digit financing is rapidly democratizing property ownership.

At Arva Properties, our dedicated in-house mortgage advisory desk assists salary earners and entrepreneurs in leveraging institutional capital to purchase units at Arva Villa Estate.

1. The National Housing Fund (NHF) 6% Loan Administered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), the NHF scheme is the single most affordable borrowing window in West Africa: - **Interest Rate:** Fixed at **6% per annum** for the life of the loan. - **Maximum Loan Sum:** Up to ₦50,000,000. - **Tenure:** Up to 30 years (or until age 60). - **Minimum Equity Contribution:** 10% to 20% down payment depending on property price band.

**How to Qualify:** 1. Be an active monthly contributor (2.5% of basic salary) for at least 6 consecutive months. 2. Choose a pre-approved property with verified statutory title—such as Arva Villa Estate's Governor's Consent units. 3. Submit your application through an accredited Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB).

2. Commercial Banking Mortgage Facilities For individuals seeking higher borrowing caps or faster 3-to-4-week loan approvals: - **Interest Rate:** 12% to 16% per annum. - **Loan Amount:** Up to ₦100,000,000+. - **Tenure:** 10 to 20 years. - **Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio:** Your total monthly debt obligations cannot exceed 33% of your verifiable net monthly income.

3. Leveraging 25% of Your Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Under the National Pension Commission (PenCom) guidelines, Nigerian workers can legally withdraw up to **25% of their pension fund balance** to serve as equity down payment for their primary residential home.

If your pension balance stands at ₦20,000,000, you are legally entitled to withdraw ₦5,000,000 as immediate equity contribution toward acquiring an apartment at Arva Villa Estate!

The Arva Properties Advantage Navigating bank forms, loan underwriters, and title perfections can be exhausting. Our mortgage desk liaises directly with mortgage underwriters, prepares your legal documentation pack, and tracks your approval from initial submission to final keys handover.