Sri Lanka Ranked Second in Asia for Difficulty in Buying a Home

29-Mar-2026

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A new report published by the internationally renowned magazine The Economist has shocked Sri Lankans.

According to the report, Sri Lanka ranks second among Asian countries where buying a home is most difficult.

Across Asia, people are rapidly migrating from rural areas to cities. However, affordable housing is not being built to meet the growing demand. The report notes that countries such as India, Indonesia, and the Philippines face similar challenges.

It further states that unaffordable housing lowers living standards, affects productivity, and hinders economic growth.

The Economist also issued a strong warning that unless governments make large-scale investments in affordable housing in the coming years, urban congestion will increase, the gap between the rich and the poor will widen, and living conditions will deteriorate further.