Stanbic Bank Ghana has called on real estate developers to prioritise strong project fundamentals and rigorous preparation in order to improve their chances of securing bank financing, stressing that quality structuring often outweighs the brilliance of an idea.
The Head of Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Mr. Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, made this known at the Africa Real Estate Festival, where key stakeholders across the continent’s property value chain convened to explore solutions to the persistent financing gaps slowing real estate development.
According to Mr. Bentsi-Enchill, while innovation and concept design remain important, financial institutions place greater emphasis on how well projects are prepared and packaged.
“When a developer walks through our doors with a project, the quality of the idea matters, but it is rarely the deciding factor,” he said.
“What separates a fundable project from one that stalls at the assessment stage is preparation.”
He explained that developers who present complete documentation, credible financial projections, clear land titles, and well-articulated exit strategies are more likely to inspire confidence among lenders.
Such elements, he noted, demonstrate that sufficient due diligence and strategic thinking have gone into the project.
Mr. Bentsi-Enchill acknowledged the widespread demand for financing among developers across Africa but noted that many projects fail to advance due to fundamental shortcomings in preparation rather than weak market demand.
He emphasised that the continent’s real estate sector continues to hold significant growth potential, particularly as urbanisation and population expansion drive the need for housing and infrastructure.
However, he cautioned that financing institutions must maintain strict risk management standards.
“A bank’s obligation is to its depositors and shareholders as much as it is to its borrowers,” he stated.
“Due diligence is not a hurdle placed to frustrate developers; it is the mechanism by which we ensure that the projects we back are viable, sustainable, and structured to succeed.”
Professional advisory seen as critical investment
Offering practical guidance, the Stanbic executive highlighted the importance of engaging experienced technical and financial advisors early in the project lifecycle.
He urged developers to shift their perception of consultancy fees from costs to strategic investments.
According to him, developers who consistently secure funding are those who assemble strong professional teams—including quantity surveyors, legal experts, and financial advisors—capable of aligning project proposals with lender expectations.
“These are not luxuries,” he stressed. “They are the people who ensure your proposal speaks the language that lenders understand and respond to.”
He further indicated that well-structured advisory support often determines whether a project successfully transitions from concept to financing.
Mr. Bentsi-Enchill reiterated Stanbic Bank Ghana’s commitment to supporting the country’s real estate and construction sectors, describing its involvement as both a business priority and a contribution to national development.
He noted that bank financing continues to play a pivotal role in driving viable projects, adding that Stanbic remains actively engaged through direct lending and strategic partnerships with developers and investors.
“Real estate development, done well, creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and addresses some of the most pressing infrastructure needs our country faces,” he said.
He concluded by assuring stakeholders that Stanbic Bank is prepared to partner with developers who demonstrate strong fundamentals and a commitment to delivering sustainable, well-executed projects.
Source: businesspostonline
