In most developing countries, the interest on loans is very high. Perhaps the
most important reason is the inadequate supply of loanable funds, though in
many countries there is certainly no lack of capital. But this, due to underdeveloped
capital markets and to oligopolistic market structures, is not, for the
most part, sufficiently mobilised24 and is also subject to harsh competition
between different investment goals. Additionally, in many countries an inflation
mentality is forcing the rate of interest yet higher. Private banks, moreover, see
higher risks and a greater expense on administration and control in loans to
low-income applicants, which paradoxically cause loans to such customers to be
offered, if at all, at extra interest. Thus the financial potential of the poor is
practically always overtaxed by the costs of credit in the market economy. State
establishments offer interest rates which are more favourable, because they are
subsidised, but they hardly possess the means to solve the housing problem of the
lower-income groups on a broad basis.