In a period where access to real estate financing in Lebanon remains limited, Banque de l\u2019Habitat S.A.L. has reintroduced a structured housing loan program denominated in Fresh USD<\/strong> \u2014 an essential step toward revitalizing the local property market. For many Lebanese families and expatriates, this loan represents one of the few viable, regulated, and transparent financing options available today, backed by clear eligibility and repayment terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Banque de l\u2019Habitat offers three main financing categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All loans are issued in Fresh USD<\/strong>, with repayment periods extending up to 20 years<\/strong> and an annual interest rate of 6%<\/strong> (6.35% APR excluding insurance). Payments are made in cash, and the disbursement is directly transferred to the seller once ownership has been legally transferred to the borrower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The program is open to both residents and expatriates<\/strong> of Lebanese nationality, subject to the following key conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Married couples and their dependents are considered as a single household unit for eligibility purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Banque de l\u2019Habitat\u2019s lending framework prioritizes financial prudence<\/strong> and loan sustainability<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early repayment is restricted for the first 7 years<\/strong>, after which borrowers may prepay subject to a penalty on the prepaid amount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two insurance policies are mandatory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Residents must demonstrate stable income and provide supporting documentation such as employment certificates, salary slips, or tax declarations. Their property must be located in Lebanon and used as a primary residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expats can also apply, provided their income and banking activity are verifiable in \u201cFresh USD\u201d. Housing rental charges and average living costs abroad will be considered when assessing repayment capacity. This inclusion offers a practical path for Lebanese abroad to secure long-term housing or invest back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This initiative marks a positive structural move<\/strong> for Lebanon\u2019s real estate sector. Furthermore, the bank\u2019s inclusion of solar and wastewater system financing<\/strong> aligns with the growing demand for energy-independent homes<\/strong>, a crucial factor amid Lebanon\u2019s ongoing infrastructure challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This initiative aims to provide long-term mortgage solutions<\/strong> for Lebanese citizens and expatriates seeking to purchase, build, or renovate a primary residence, with additional support for installing solar and wastewater systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Overview of the Banque de l\u2019Habitat Loan<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Loan Conditions and Structure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Both must be issued by insurers accredited by the bank.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n4. Special Conditions for Residents and Expats<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For Residents<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For Expatriates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Practical Implications for the Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By enabling middle-income households to access long-term Fresh USD financing<\/strong>, it encourages transaction activity in the small-to-medium housing segment (below 150 m\u00b2), stabilizes market liquidity, and enhances the appeal of local real estate as a family-oriented investment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n