By Mark DaCosta- Amidst rising oil revenues, the dream of affordable housing is slipping away from the hands of many young Guyanese. The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition held a press conference on Friday, July 10, 2026, addressing a variety of issues challenging our nation. Among these concerns was the alarming state of the housing market and the difficulties faced by aspiring homeowners, particularly among young professionals, teachers, nurses, police officers, and public servants.

The situation in our country is dire. Despite receiving unprecedented oil revenues, thousands of young citizens are confronted with escalating housing costs that seem unmanageable. While the country’s financial landscape is bolstered by oil revenues, the benefits have not trickled down to ordinary citizens, leaving many feeling abandoned in their pursuit of safe and affordable housing. The coalition asserts that “the prospect of securing safe, affordable housing has become little more than an illusion” for the vast majority.

The high cost of living is compounded by a stagnant wage growth, which continues to lag behind the steady increases in housing costs. Rental prices in our major towns have surged, with modest apartments now often listed for monthly rents ranging from US$500 to US$1,000, translating into local currency costs that devour a sizeable portion of a working individual’s salary. Faced with such exorbitant expenses, many young people are left asking how they can save for a mortgage, particularly when they have mounting daily costs to meet.