Pan-African real estate developer, Mixta Africa, has stressed the need for developers to deepen buyers’ confidence by ensuring quality and timely delivery of homes.

The Group Chief Commercial Officer, Tola Akinsulire, spoke on the sidelines of the handover of keys to 27 new homeowners at Ibudo Wura Estate, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

He called for stronger enforcement of building standards, clearer accountability for developers and better protection of buyers’ funds, arguing that the entire housing delivery system should be strengthened rather than focusing solely on regulating construction.

“That means protecting the buyers, professionalising the developer and ensuring projects can access appropriate finance,” he said.

Akinsulire noted that mechanisms such as escrow could protect buyers but would not replace construction finance, adding that credible developers needed access to funding to deliver quality housing at scale.

He said buying a home was a significant financial and emotional commitment, adding that developers must continually earn buyers’ trust through consistent delivery.

“Handing over keys is one of the most important moments in a relationship with a customer because it is when our promise becomes tangible,” he said.

Akinsulire said rising inflation and material costs were putting pressure on developers but cautioned against compromising quality. “We focus on finding efficiencies in design, procurement, construction methods and cost management while protecting the standards that determine the durability and functionality of the home,” he said.

He said affordable housing depended on the price of the property, buyers’ income, required equity, interest rates and repayment periods. At Ibudo Wura, he said qualifying buyers could access Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) financing with equity from 10 per cent, while the company allows buyers to spread the equity contribution over six months.

“The financing comes at an interest rate of 9.75 per cent yearly with repayment tenors of five to 20 years. That matters because we cannot solve a 15- or 20-year affordability problem with a six- or 12-month payment plan,” he said.

The firm said the latest handover brings the number of completed homes at Ibudo Wura across Phases One and Two to 192 units. The company, which has operated across Africa for more than 20 years, said it has delivered over 30,000 homes.

For the homeowners, Akinsulire said, the handover marked the completion of the journey from purchasing a home to taking possession.

One of the homeowners, Soprinye Banjo, said she was confident the estate would provide a good environment for her family. Another homeowner, Yetunde Oyegunle, commended the company for its commitment to timely delivery and quality, describing both as crucial to building trust in the real estate market.