Flexible paths to homeownership Prime Bank PLC.

Faisal Rahman
Chief Executive Officer
Prime Bank PLC.

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By combining flexible repayment options, Shariah-compliant finance, developer partnerships and simpler digital processing, we can make the journey to homeownership more accessible, transparent and manageable for aspiring buyers across Bangladesh.

Prime Bank PLC is broadening access to homeownership through longer repayment tenures, loan takeover facilities, Shariah-compliant financing and developer partnerships. Its digitally enabled Home Loan Home Service seeks to reduce physical visits and processing delays, while targeted campaigns offer preferential rates to eligible women and first-time buyers.

The Daily Star (TDS): What are the primary bottlenecks preventing willing buyers from accessing formal home finance?

Faisal Rahman (FR): The central challenges are affordability and documentation. Property prices have risen faster than household incomes, making down payments and monthly instalments difficult for many buyers. Self-employed professionals, small entrepreneurs and informal earners may have healthy cash flows but lack conventional income records. Complex property documents, lengthy title verification and limited awareness of available products also restrict access.

TDS: What products and repayment options does Prime Bank offer to make home finance more accessible?

FR: Our home loans support the purchase of flats and apartments as well as house construction. Eligible customers may receive longer repayment tenures to reduce monthly instalments, while takeover or balance-transfer facilities allow borrowers to refinance existing home loans. Through Hasanah Islamic Banking, we also offer Shariah-compliant home finance. Partnerships with reputed developers provide financing access for selected residential projects.

TDS: How are digital tools and operational improvements reducing turnaround times?

FR: Through our Home Loan Home Service, digital applications, document sharing, centralised monitoring and automated reporting reduce physical visits and improve transparency. We are also using system-based verification, standardised documentation and closer coordination among sales, credit, legal, operations and IT teams. These measures help identify documentation gaps earlier and move complete applications more efficiently through assessment and approval.

TDS: What policy reforms are needed to expand home finance in Bangladesh?

FR: Banks need access to affordable, stable and long-term funding so they can offer more competitive rates and longer tenures. Digitising land records, property registration and title verification would reduce processing times, uncertainty and transaction costs. Government and industry initiatives for first-time buyers and affordable housing could further broaden access, particularly for middle- and lower-income households.