The year 2025 saw fresh momentum in Rwanda’s real estate sector, with new projects breaking ground, long-stalled developments revived, and major policy shifts shaping how cities will grow. From affordable housing and rehousing schemes to high-end estates, malls and regulatory reforms, both public and private players left a visible imprint on the country’s urban landscape. ALSO READ: Inside new model to upgrade informal settlements The New Times looks at the key real estate developments that defined the sector in 2025. 1. Nyabisindu rehousing project Construction began on the Nyabisindu Rehousing Project, a government-led initiative implemented by the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) in Gasabo District. The project uses a rehousing model under which residents contribute their land for redevelopment and receive new housing units proportional to the value and number of structures previously on their plots. Spanning 38.54 hectares, the project is expected to deliver more than 1,600 housing units. A similar model was earlier applied in the Mpazi project in Nyarugenge District, which has already delivered over 600 units. 2. $25 million Masaka eco-housing estate Fortis Green Housing, a Kigali-based American developer, launched a $25 million eco-housing estate in Masaka Sector. Covering seven hectares, the development will feature 51 single-family homes, 33 townhouses and 302 apartments ranging from one- to three-bedroom units. ALSO READ: Projects in pipeline to build 15,000 affordable houses The first phase—comprising single-family homes and townhouses—is expected to be completed by early 2026, while the first apartment block will be ready within 11 months. Full completion is projected within two and a half years. 3. Rwf115 billion real estate project in Kacyiru Rwanda Development Board chief executive Jean-Guy Africa laid the foundation stone for Ramba Hills, an $80 million mixed-use real estate project in Kacyiru. Developed by Investment Africa Holdings Ltd, the project will comprise residential units, offices, retail spaces, a hotel, and parking for more than 1,400 vehicles. ALSO READ: Inside new district land use master plans It includes two high-rise towers of 26 and 24 floors, alongside four additional towers ranging from 10 to 16 floors. Construction is expected to span four years. 4. Inzovu Mall development French firm Groupe Duval, in partnership with Coopérative U, announced plans to build the $68 million Inzovu Mall in Kimihurura. The 40,000-square-metre complex will include a 95-room hotel, retail outlets, restaurants, banks, clinics, entertainment spaces and parking for 500 vehicles. The project also forms part of a wider plan to roll out at least 10 stores across Rwanda over five years, anchored by a 3,000-square-metre supermarket. ALSO READ: Govt pledges to clear land subdivision service backlog in one month 5. Rugarama housing estate The City of Kigali announced plans to secure a new contractor to revive the stalled Rugarama housing project in Nyamirambo. The project aims to deliver 2,700 affordable homes over seven years but was abandoned shortly after construction began, despite initial subsidies from the city. 6. Savannah Creek Estate Construction started on Savannah Creek Estate in Nyarutarama after residents from informal settlements in Kangondo and Kibiraro were relocated to the Busanza housing estate. The $40 million first phase, due for completion in October 2026, will comprise 590 housing units, including villas and apartments, with an initial batch of 100 units. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda plans to set up tech to monitor land use 7. Three-pronged affordable housing plan The government unveiled a three-pronged strategy to scale up affordable housing nationwide. The plan focuses on targeted financing, public-private partnerships, and improved access to housing loans. A dedicated fund will mobilise capital for low-cost housing, while private developers will lead construction. Citizens will also be able to leverage savings schemes such as EjoHeza to purchase homes. 8. 1,300 social rental housing units in pipeline Under the Urbanisation and Rural Settlement Sector Strategic Plan (2024–2029), the government plans to deliver 1,296 affordable and social rental housing units by 2029, signalling increased focus on rental housing in urban centres. ALSO READ: Rwanda to deploy new system for improved land services 9. Indabyo Heights Apartments Reportage Properties launched construction of Indabyo Heights Apartments in Nyarutarama. The high-end development comprises 125 units, including apartments and penthouses, alongside ground-floor commercial spaces designed to support a mixed-use urban environment. 10. LA CASA Kiyovu apartments Belle Ville Groupe inaugurated LA CASA Kiyovu, a serviced apartment complex offering 30 high-end units with premium finishes. The project underscores growing demand for quality serviced accommodation in Kigali’s central neighbourhoods. 11. $25 million Greenland Plaza Homart Properties entered Rwanda’s luxury residential market with Greenland Plaza, a 15-floor apartment complex near Kiyovu city centre. The $25 million development includes 84 residential units and covers about 10,000 square metres, aligning with Kigali’s urban densification strategy. 12. New settlement site rules The National Land Authority introduced standardised development fees for settlement sites, ranging from Rwf200,000 to Rwf450,000 per plot. The move supports land readjustment initiatives and the implementation of detailed settlement plans across the country. 13. Upgraded building permit platform Authorities rolled out the KUBAKA Platform, an upgraded version of the 2016 Building Permit Management Information System. The platform allows real-time online applications and tracking of building permits, improving efficiency and transparency in the construction sector. 14. Over 40,000 new plots approved The City of Kigali approved nine new settlement sites offering nearly 40,000 plots, including Gatunda, Gasanze Phase 3, Gisasa, Masizi, Masoro Phase 2, Rudashya, and Nyagihanga Phases 1, 2 and 7. The approvals pave the way for construction permits and faster urban development. 15. Conditional permits suspended The Ministry of Infrastructure temporarily suspended permits linked to conditional land use following reports of malpractice. The suspension will remain in place until a stronger legal framework is established to guide responsible issuance. 16. New land use master plans New land use master plans were introduced in districts across the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces, including Bugesera, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Kamonyi, Nyamagabe, Nyanza, Ruhango, Karongi, Nyabihu, Nyamasheke and Rusizi. This follows earlier approvals in 13 other districts. 17. Land dashboard for real-time data Rwanda launched a fully automated land dashboard that provides real-time data on land use, ownership, transactions and values, improving transparency and planning. 18. New land surveying guide A new land surveying standards manual was introduced to harmonise boundary demarcation and reduce land disputes. Together with Rwanda’s 10 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS), the guide is expected to support high-precision surveys and boundary corrections by 2027. 19. Vertical housing policy sparks debate The Ministry of Infrastructure announced that vertical housing will become mandatory in most parts of the country under a revised housing policy, a move aimed at promoting efficient land use and higher urban density. 20. Ban on mud bricks for commercial buildings The City of Kigali banned the use of mud bricks in the construction of commercial buildings, citing safety, durability and quality concerns.
