There is a government-backed diaspora mortgage, at single-digit interest, that you can access without flying home. There is also a contribution period, a verification process, a Primary Mortgage Bank to choose, a property that has to qualify, and a document pack that has to hold up. We run that journey with you — as your representative, not as a lender.
Any lender introducer fee is disclosed and deducted from yours.
A Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria scheme, run with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, letting Nigerians abroad register, contribute and borrow without travelling to Nigeria. Here is what published sources consistently state.
These are all from official or widely-cited sources. They contradict on points that change what you need in cash.
| Term | One published figure | Another published figure |
|---|---|---|
| Equity contribution | 10% is sometimes quoted, in line with the tiered 10/20/30% structure of the general NHF scheme | 30% is stated for the diaspora product by several sources, and non-resident borrowers are commonly quoted 30–50% |
| Maximum loan | ₦50 million in earlier published coverage of the scheme | ₦100 million in more recent coverage |
| Maximum tenor | 10 years in most recent coverage | 15 years on the NiDCOM diaspora housing page |
| When you can apply | After 9 months of contributions, per NiDCOM | 12 months minimum contributions per most other sources |
Published scheme terms state that where repayment is in default for up to three months, the bank may dispose of the property without recourse to the borrower.
If you hold a mortgage in the UK, US or Canada, that will not resemble what you are used to. There is no assumption of extended forbearance or payment holidays. Three missed months is a genuinely dangerous position.
Practically, this means your affordability assessment should survive a job change, a currency move, and family commitments. If the repayment only works when everything goes right, borrow less.
Four questions against the published criteria. Nothing is submitted or stored — this runs in your browser.
Indicative only. Final eligibility is decided by FMBN and the Primary Mortgage Bank.
Model the loan against your real income — including the equity you need up front, and what the repayment looks like in the currency you actually earn.
Set the equity to 30% unless a lender has confirmed otherwise in writing to you.
| What you need up front | |
| Equity contribution | — |
| Loan required | — |
| Repayment | |
| Monthly repayment | — |
| Total repaid over the term | — |
| Total interest | — |
| Repayment in your currency | — |
NHF is not the only option, and it isn't right for everyone. Here's the honest comparison.
| Route | Typical rate | Suits you if | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diaspora NHF MortgageFMBN via accredited PMBs | 9% | You're a Nigerian abroad, first-time NHF borrower, and can wait through the contribution period. | Contribution period before eligibility, substantial equity, short tenor, and severe default terms. |
| Bank diaspora mortgageCommercial and mortgage banks | 20–28% | You need funds sooner than the NHF timeline allows, or you don't meet NHF criteria. | Rates are multiples of NHF. Equity of 30–50% is common for non-residents, plus foreign bank statements. |
| Developer payment planDirect with the developer | Varies | You're buying off-plan and want to spread payments across the build. | You're exposed to the developer's delivery, not just their pricing. Verify before committing. |
| Cash purchaseYour own funds | — | You have the funds and want the simplest, fastest route with no default risk. | Capital tied up, and you must handle capital-importation documentation properly to repatriate later. |
Rates shown are published market ranges. We compare live offers from accredited lenders as part of the concierge.
From working out whether you qualify to watching the repayments after disbursement.
A loan is only useful if the property qualifies. We flag listings that meet lender criteria — completed or near-completion, with title in a state a Primary Mortgage Bank will actually accept.
Fixed, and not a percentage of your loan. A concierge paid more for bigger borrowing is not advising you.
Tell us your position and we'll come back with a written view on which route fits, what you'd need in cash, and what the repayment would realistically be.
Including the ones with uncomfortable answers.
No, and this matters. We are not a bank, a mortgage lender or a licensed credit institution. We never lend, hold or advance funds. Your loan comes from an accredited Primary Mortgage Bank under a scheme sponsored by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. We act as your facilitator through those licensed institutions — preparing, comparing, submitting and tracking.
Published sources disagree, which is exactly why we won't state one figure as fact. Several sources put the diaspora product at 30%, and non-resident borrowers are commonly quoted 30–50% across the market. Some coverage cites 10%, consistent with the tiered structure of the general NHF scheme. Budget on 30% until a lender confirms otherwise to you in writing.
It cuts both ways. Your loan is booked and repaid in naira. If the naira weakens against your currency, your repayment gets cheaper in pounds or dollars. If the naira strengthens, it gets more expensive. The calculator above shows the repayment in your currency so you can see the exposure clearly.
Published scheme terms indicate that after around three months of default the bank may dispose of the property without recourse to the borrower. That is materially harsher than mortgage practice in the UK, US or Canada. Borrow at a level that survives a bad year, not just a good one.
Ten years — or fifteen, depending which published source you read — is short by Western standards, and it's the single biggest driver of your monthly payment. A ₦70 million loan at 9% costs roughly ₦887,000 a month over ten years, against about ₦710,000 over fifteen. Confirm the tenor available to you before budgeting.
The scheme is explicitly designed so Nigerians abroad can register, contribute and access loans without travelling to Nigeria, with identity verification handled in partnership with NiDCOM. We handle documentation, valuation, property qualification and lender follow-up locally.
Apartments Global Limited is not a lender, bank, mortgage institution or licensed credit provider, and does not hold, lend or advance client funds. We act as a facilitator and introducer working through licensed institutions. All lending decisions, terms and disbursement are made by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and accredited Primary Mortgage Banks.
This page is information, not financial advice. Nothing here is a recommendation to borrow, an offer of credit, or advice on whether a mortgage is suitable for you. Take independent financial and legal advice before entering any loan.
Calculator outputs are estimates. They exclude valuation, insurance, legal, perfection, stamp duty and registration costs, and any lender fees. Actual repayments depend on the terms you are offered.
Your home may be at risk. Property purchased with a mortgage may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.
