International
Our mission is to work with Governments, private sector and third sector stakeholders to deliver affordable housing more effectively, with improved quality, increasing opportunities for successful outcomes.
Our Services
Altair International has a specific focus on emerging markets. We have an established track record of working on projects across Africa and Asia.
We relate to the fact that the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change are also urbanising at the fastest pace.
Better urban planning and scaling up of low carbon innovation can cultivate carbon-neutral, sustainable, liveable and healthier cities, but vast amounts of private finance is needed to bridge the gap between public financing (which is typically low in emerging markets), and the cost of a low-carbon transition.
We understand that urban affordable housing is a profound global challenge, with at least 1.2 billion people living in inadequate housing conditions. This the challenge is acute in rapidly urbanising Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, as urban population growth outpaces official capacity and results in sprawl and slum formation, exacerbating the vulnerability of the city populations. This housing crisis is inseparable from the worsening climate emergency. Many Asian countries with large housing, deficits are also highly vulnerable to climate risks, and many cities are increasingly vulnerable to environmental threats and emergencies.
International
Housing finance
We work with clients to develop new approaches to funding the supply of affordable housing and widening access to it.
Our activities include:
- Research e.g. an Islamic Finance Options Review for the World Bank and Central Bank of Malaysia
- Product design and pilot schemes e.g. for Family Homes Funds flagship Help to Own affordable mortgage in Nigeria
- Performance measurement e.g. a comparative review of Real Estate Investment Trusts in seven African countries, for the Centre for Affordable Housing Finance
Market analysis
Our highly adaptable approach to market research provides clients with a comprehensive, detailed picture of a country’s housing sector and it’s wider environment.
We deploy a range of research methods:
- Desktop review
- Stakeholder interviews
- Focus groups
- Household surveys
- Site visits
Our market analysis methods can be used to inform the development of public policy, investment decisions, and other interventions.
Policy development
We work with national governments, international organisations, financial institutions, local authorities, NGOs, and other actors to devise effective and innovative policy solutions to the housing crisis.
Sustainability
We believe that housing solutions must be environmentally sustainable as well as affordable.
We work closely with clients to:
- Design and implement ambitious yet achievable energy efficiency (EE) building codes and guidelines
- Enhance the capacity of stakeholders to collect and monitor EE data
- Promote the use of low-emissions construction materials
- Tie together the principles of affordability and sustainability, e.g. offering “green” low-cost mortgages, with discounts on interest rates, for homes with a high energy performance rating
Transformation
We hold a strong track record of advising clients on the creation and transformation of financial vehicles, housing management companies, and other institutions.
Our experience in transformation includes:
- Leading on the design of organisational objectives, governance structures and staffing models
- Aiding governments in creating Special-Purpose Vehicles for property development
- Setting up a new management company to oversee the development of 50,000 affordable, environmentally friendly homes
Business planning
We provide business planning and financial modelling services for a range of clients.
For example, using the software tool Brixx, a project in Rwanda required a detailed financial model to explore funding options for developing an estate of 2600 affordable, environmentally sustainable homes.
Find out moreOur International offer is led by:
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Derek Joseph (he/him) Aquila Services Group Chair -
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Femi Adewole Associate Director -
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Africa
Asia
Rest of the World
Latest News
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