The Relationship Between Macroeconomic Factors and the Mortgage Market Growth in Kenya

Abstract

The mortgage market is the market for financing real estate assets. The mortgage financing is vital in financing the property market. This study seeks to determine the relationship between selected macro factors and mortgage market growth in Kenya. The study is based on the arbitrage pricing theory, capital assets pricing theory and the title theory and lien theory of mortgages. The study utilized the descriptive research design and used quarterly secondary data for a period of 10 years from 2007 to 2016. Analysis of data was carried out through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The descriptive analysis including the mean, frequency and percentages was used to reveal data patterns. The inferential statistics, that is, linear correlations and multiple linear regressions were used to use to draw conclusions and make predictions on the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The research established that there was a positive and significant relationship between interest rates, inflation and the mortgage market growth. The research also found that there was an insignificant positive relationship between exchange rates, gross domestic product and the mortgage market growth. The research concluded that the mortgage market growth in Kenya is only influenced by interest rates and inflation. The research recommended that the central bank of Kenya should ensure that interest rates are stable and inflation levels are low to ensure that they do not affect the mortgage market growth.