This article mainly focuses on the overview of the African housing finance markets. The aim of the paper is to provide a review of housing finance systems in four different African countries; namely; South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania. Also, it reveals the generic nature and scope of housing finance in these economies. Further, in presenting the housing finance trends and developments in the four market economies, the article examines the extent of investment, the economic system and government role in providing shelter for low and moderate income households.