DBL's Housing Aid
Interest-free home loans for families in need
DBL's Housing Opportunity Programme is Demerara Bank's interest-free home loan initiative designed to help working families achieve the dream of owning a home, with priority given to single parents. Launched in honour of our founder, the late Yesu Persaud, the programme reflects his enduring commitment to improving lives, empowering families, and creating opportunities for a better future.
No interest. No fees. No contribution.
DBL's Housing Aid at a Glance
Up to G$6,000,000
Per approved applicant
0% Interest
You repay only what you borrow
No Fees
No attorney, processing or site inspection fees
No Contribution
No deposit required
In Honour of Our Founder
A legacy of opportunity
The late Yesu Persaud rose from humble beginnings on Guyana’s sugar estates to become a pioneering businessman and the founder of Demerara Bank Limited, Guyana’s first indigenous commercial bank.
Throughout his life, he remained guided by a simple but powerful belief: every individual deserves a fair opportunity to improve their circumstances and build a better future. He dedicated decades to empowering Guyanese families, supporting entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for those who might otherwise have been left behind.
Demerara Bank’s Housing Aid Programme is a continuation of that enduring legacy. This year, the Bank is committing G$100 million towards providing interest-free housing loans to support hardworking families who own or have been allocated land but face financial challenges in constructing their homes. Through this initiative, eligible families will have access to affordable financing, with the benefit of repaying only the principal amount borrowed, without the additional burden of interest. The programme is designed to make homeownership more attainable while encouraging financial responsibility and long-term stability.
Through this initiative, Demerara Bank seeks to do more than provide financing. It seeks to restore hope, promote dignity and help families achieve the security and stability of homeownership.
It is a reflection of Yesu Persaud’s vision that banking should not simply be about financial success, but also about creating opportunities, transforming lives and contributing meaningfully to the development of Guyana.
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Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply for DBL's Housing Aid Programme?
Demerara Bank's Housing Aid Programme is designed to support individuals and families who have demonstrated financial responsibility and a stable source of income, but whose financial circumstances make it challenging to construct or acquire a home through conventional financing. The programme provides access to interest-free loans for eligible applicants who can demonstrate the ability to repay, helping to make homeownership more affordable and attainable.
To qualify, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Stable Source of Income: Be employed or self-employed, with a regular and verifiable source of income.
- Satisfactory Credit History: Have a satisfactory credit record, with no adverse credit history that would affect their eligibility.
- Land or Housing Allocation: Own a plot of land or have been officially allocated a house lot or Turnkey Housing Unit by the Ministry of Housing, supported by the relevant documentation.
Priority will be given to single-parent households, while other individuals and families facing genuine housing challenges will also be considered.
The programme seeks to make homeownership more attainable by providing interest-free financing, rather than grants, allowing eligible beneficiaries to build or secure their homes without the additional burden of interest payments.
All applications will be subject to the Bank's eligibility assessment, credit evaluation and applicable lending requirements.
Terms & Conditions Apply
- Valid Driver's Licence (card). In the absence of a Driver's Licence:
- National Identification Card or Valid Passport
- Proof of Address
- Proof of Income
- Estimate of Construction / Agreement of Sale / Any Other Proof of Cost
- Approved Building Plan (if applicable)
- Proof of land ownership or allocation: Agreement of Sale / Copy of Title / Transport / Lease / Ministry of Housing Allocation Letter
Why is Housing Aid offered as an interest-free loan rather than a grant?
Demerara Bank believes that meaningful assistance should not only help families today but also create opportunities for others tomorrow.
By offering interest-free loans, the Bank removes the burden of interest payments, making homeownership more affordable while allowing beneficiaries to repay the principal over an agreed period based on their financial circumstances.
Importantly, as loans are repaid, those funds can be used to assist additional families, creating a sustainable programme that extends its benefits to more Guyanese over time.
This approach reflects the philosophy of our founder, the late Yesu Persaud, who believed in empowering people by giving them a fair opportunity to improve their circumstances.
Our objective is not simply to help one family build a home, but to create a lasting programme that can help many families achieve that dream.
How can a Housing Aid loan help improve your credit score and future borrowing opportunities?
A Demerara Bank Housing Aid loan can do more than help you build or acquire a home. It can also provide an opportunity to establish or strengthen your credit history.
By making your loan repayments consistently and on time, you demonstrate financial discipline and responsible borrowing behaviour. Where repayment information is reported to the credit bureau, this positive repayment history can contribute to improving your credit profile over time.
A stronger credit history may improve your chances of qualifying for future financing, including loans for home improvements, education, vehicles or business development, potentially on more favourable terms.
The Housing Aid Programme is therefore not only about helping families achieve homeownership today, but also about building their financial credibility and creating greater opportunities for tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is DBL's Housing Aid for?
It is for working families in genuine need of a home who cannot afford to build without help, with priority given to single parents.
Is there really no interest?
Yes. DBL's Housing Aid loans carry no interest. You repay only the amount you borrow.
Are there any fees?
No. There are no attorney, processing or site inspection fees, and no contribution is required.
How much can I borrow?
Up to G$6,000,000, depending on your ability to repay and the cost of your home.
My Ministry allocation documents are not yet complete. Can I still apply?
Yes. Our Credit team will advise you on what is needed.
Do I need to be a Demerara Bank customer?
No. DBL's Housing Aid is open to everyone who meets the criteria.
How will I know the outcome?
Every applicant will be informed in writing, whether successful or not.
If I am not successful, can I apply again?
Yes. Applications reopen each year.
Have a question about DBL's Housing Aid?
Visit any of our branches, call our Help Desk at +(592) 225 0610 (-8), or email credit@demerarabank.com.
Help Desk+(592) 225 0610 (-8)
Emailcredit@demerarabank.com
Application Form
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