Casa Real

Beira’s first zero-carbon home in partnership with Easy Housing, all cyclone-proofed and constructed from sustainable hardwood. In 2019, Cyclone Idai destroyed at least 70% of housing in the area, but all 10 of Casa Real’s pilot homes remained standing, with only minimal and easily repaired damage. Prior to Casa Real, housing was unaffordable to 99% of the population, and 80% of homes were self-built with low quality materials, being extremely vulnerable to natural disaster. Casa Real is now providing for 160 households in Beira, with new sites in nearby cities being negotiated with municipalities. 

Habitability and Comfort 

• All houses come equipped with indoor water, electricity, and sanitation, improving health outcomes and security. 
• The foundations laid on the project empower residents to add extra rooms and floors, adding value to their homes, and building for the future. 

Community and Connectivity 

• The project’s safe and quality homes have been life-changing for families, situated within walking distance to schools, healthcare centres, local markets, employment hubs, and easy access to national and international transport links. 

Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change 

• Innovative construction techniques and high-quality materials ensure built-in resilience to climate shocks, providing vital protection to vulnerable communities. 
• The project considers environmental factors, design and building materials, to improve climate resilience of all homes. 
• Introduced innovative cyclone-proof technologies into Mozambique and resilient houses that stood up to Cyclone Idai. 

Resource Efficiency and Circularity 

• The project’s latest range incorporates solar power, wastewater recycling, insulated roofs and FSC certified timber. 

Economic Accessibility 

• Casa Real was the first organisation to work with a bank in Mozambique to access mortgages for earners on low incomes. In a country of 30 million people, only 600 mortgages were available, and housing finance was only for the wealthy elite. 
• Casa Real has pioneered an innovative approach to house financing in Mozambique, generating revenue by selling and leasing homes. Having worked closely with the Beira Municipal Council to agree to much smaller plot sizes for affordable homes, Casa Real has been working to establish a rent-to-buy partnership with a local bank. 
• Homes on site are accessible to the bottom 40% of income earners, with prices starting at just $10,000 USD per unit. All of Casa Real’s incremental homes are available for purchases or on a tenant purchase scheme with a rental price of $70 USD per month for five years, giving new homeowners time to acquire a credit rating to access housing finance. 
• For each year of rental, tenants gain a reduction in the eventual sales price. The tenant purchase scheme is renewable up to a maximum of 15 years, by which time the capital has been paid off. 

Awards: 

Second cheapest house in Africa in 2021 as recognised by the Centre of Affordable Housing in Africa (CAHF). 

Finalist at API’s ‘Best Affordable Housing Award’ Africa in 2021. 

More information: 

https://casareal.co.mz