Investment in Francistown Development Projects – OpportunitiesNorthern city near minestrade, and transport

Best offers

in Francistown

Benefits of investment in

Botswana real estate

background image
bottom image

Guide for real estate

investors in Botswana

read here

Read more

Stable governance and investor-friendly laws

Botswana is known for its economic transparency and pro-business climate.

Urban rental demand in Gaborone

Capital has growing interest from expats and regional professionals.

Secure land tenure system

Property ownership is backed by clear legal protections.

Stable governance and investor-friendly laws

Botswana is known for its economic transparency and pro-business climate.

Urban rental demand in Gaborone

Capital has growing interest from expats and regional professionals.

Secure land tenure system

Property ownership is backed by clear legal protections.

Property highlights

in Botswana, Francistown from our specialists

Background image

Our team of experts will find the best solutions worldwide!

Leave your contacts and tell us what exactly you are interested in. Specify your priorities, and we will take into account all the nuances during the search.

Useful articles

and recommendations from experts


Real Estate in Francistown, Botswana

Why Invest in Property in Francistown

Francistown, the second-largest city in Botswana, is strategically located near the Zimbabwean border and functions as a vital commercial, mining, and transport hub in the country’s northeast. Its history as a gold mining town has evolved into a diversified economy encompassing trade, logistics, education, and light industry. While smaller than Gaborone, Francistown offers unique investment potential in real estate due to its role in cross-border trade, increasing urban population, and comparatively lower property prices. Investors seeking early entry into a stable, steadily developing urban center with regional importance will find Francistown to be an attractive and undervalued market.

Types of Property Available

Francistown’s property market includes various residential and commercial options suited to different investment strategies:

  • Detached houses — Single-family homes in neighborhoods like Somerset, Blue Jacket, and Selepa, often with large yards.
  • Townhouses and duplexes — Found in modern developments or as part of small gated communities, ideal for professionals and small families.
  • Apartments — Studio and one-bedroom units popular with young professionals and university students.
  • Commercial buildings — Offices, retail stores, and warehouses near the city center, along Tati River, or close to the A1 highway.
  • Development land — Plots for residential or industrial development, especially in satellite areas like Monarch, Gerald Estates, and Tati Siding.

Legal Framework and Foreign Ownership

Francistown follows Botswana’s national property laws, which are among the most transparent in Africa:

  • Freehold and leasehold land — Freehold is rare and typically found in urbanized zones. Most land is leasehold with terms of 50–99 years.
  • Foreign ownership — Foreigners can purchase property, but tribal and agricultural land is restricted and usually requires a local partner or company setup.
  • Deeds registration — All property transactions must be recorded in the Deeds Registry for legal validity.
  • Professional representation — Local attorneys and conveyancers are required to prepare documents and manage the sale process.
  • Transfer duty — A 5% transfer tax is levied on most property purchases unless VAT applies to new developments.
Foreign buyers are advised to work with registered real estate agents and legal experts to ensure compliance and proper due diligence.

Property Prices and Rental Yields

Francistown offers competitive pricing across property types:

  • Mid-range houses: BWP 800,000 – BWP 1.5 million (approx. €50,000 – €95,000)
  • Townhouses and duplexes: BWP 600,000 – BWP 1.2 million (approx. €38,000 – €75,000)
  • Apartments: BWP 300,000 – BWP 700,000 (approx. €19,000 – €44,000)
  • Commercial space: BWP 5,000 – BWP 10,000 per m² in central business zones
  • Land plots: BWP 200 – BWP 600 per m² depending on zoning and infrastructure
Rental returns:
  • Long-term rentals: 6%–10% gross yields are common for residential properties near schools, hospitals, and industrial centers.
  • Retail and logistics leases: Up to 12% gross yield in high-demand commercial corridors or warehousing zones.
Rental demand is driven by public sector employees, mining company staff, university students, and cross-border business operators.

Top Investment Locations in Francistown

Several neighborhoods in Francistown stand out for their investment appeal:

  • Somerset and Blue Jacket — Central neighborhoods close to amenities and government offices, ideal for long-term rentals and resale value.
  • Selepa — A growing residential district with modern houses and good infrastructure.
  • Gerald Estates — A suburban area offering large plots and development opportunities.
  • Monarch — Affordable housing and high rental demand, popular with lower-income tenants and informal trade workers.
  • Tati Siding — A satellite town with industrial potential and development land availability.
Proximity to the airport, universities, hospitals, and transport routes significantly impacts both valuation and liquidity.

Investment Strategies and Buyer Profiles

Francistown’s real estate landscape supports a variety of strategies:

  1. Buy-to-let residential — Acquiring houses or apartments for rental to professionals, families, or students.
  2. Commercial leasing — Purchasing shopfronts or offices to lease to local businesses or regional distributors.
  3. Industrial property — Investing in warehouses and logistics units near highways and rail links for trade or leasing.
  4. Development land acquisition — Holding or subdividing residential land in growth corridors.
  5. Diaspora investment — Batswana living abroad buying homes for family use, retirement, or future relocation.
Example: A BWP 950,000 townhouse in Selepa could generate BWP 6,000–7,500/month in rent, providing 7%–9% gross return. A commercial unit near Blue Jacket Street may lease at BWP 12,000/month, with potential for higher yield from subdivided use.

Risks and Due Diligence

Investors in Francistown should be aware of key risks:

  • Land clarity — Some plots may lack formal title or have unresolved boundaries; confirm all documentation through the Deeds Registry.
  • Zoning and infrastructure — Ensure land is correctly zoned for the intended use and has road/water access.
  • Liquidity constraints — While prices are low, resale timelines may be longer than in Gaborone due to a smaller buyer pool.
  • Construction quality — Vet developers and inspect builds carefully, particularly in low-cost housing projects.
  • Legal and administrative delays — Bureaucracy in permitting or title registration can slow transaction closure.
Working with licensed real estate professionals, conveyancers, and valuers is essential to mitigate risk and ensure compliance.

Conclusion: Who Should Invest in Francistown

Francistown presents a valuable entry point into Botswana’s real estate sector, particularly for investors seeking diversification outside the capital. Its role as a transport and trade center, combined with its affordability and regional significance, makes it ideal for residential landlords, commercial investors, and land developers. The city offers consistent rental demand, stable legal protections, and ample room for appreciation as infrastructure and trade expand. With proper due diligence, Francistown can deliver attractive yields and long-term capital growth for both local and international investors.