Senga Tera Condominium

Senga Tera Condominium is a 40/60 government condominium site near Mexico Square, in Lideta sub-city in central Addis Ababa. With the Crown site in Akaki Kality, it was one of the first two 40/60 sites the city handed over, in 2017. Its blocks are high-rise towers with large units, and it is one of the most central condominium sites in the city. Listings spell the name Senga Tera, Sengatera or ሰንጋ ተራ.

Where it is and how to get there

OpenStreetMap places the Senga Tera area about 600 metres north of the Mexico Square stop, in Lideta sub-city. Mexico Square is on the east-west light rail line. The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia has a Senga Tera branch on Ras Abebe Aregay Street. The Lideta condominium site is a short distance to the west.

History and housing program

The 40/60 scheme opened for registration in 2013. In April 2015, the city said the Senga Tera site had 5 blocks and 340 houses, with only finishing work left. Wikipedia says the units at Senga Tera and Crown went to their owners in the first round in 2017.

Capital reported in 2018 that the 972 houses handed over at the two sites cost Br 4,918 per square metre, up from Br 3,200. At that rate a 2 bedroom unit of 124 m² cost about Br 610,000, a 3 bedroom of 150 m² about Br 738,000 and a 4 bedroom of 168 m² about Br 826,000.

The blocks at Senga Tera and Crown are G+12 and G+19 buildings. Shops fill the ground, first and second floors. In 2018, Capital reported that 110 of these shops were at Senga Tera. Banks bid high for them. Oromia International Bank offered Br 171,005 per square metre for one shop.

The wider Senga Tera area

Senga Tera was part of the city's early inner-city renewal plans. A 2011 UN-Habitat report shows a Senga Tera local development plan with blocks set around green space. A 2014 Addis Ababa University thesis studied the Senga Tera Firdebet Phase I renewal pilot. It found that residents first agreed to return to the area, but many were later moved to distant sites.

Prices to buy and rent

Listings for Senga Tera are few. These are the asking prices we found:

For comparison, a 2021 listing offered 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units of 127, 152 and 168 m² for ETB 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5 million. Asking prices have risen sharply since then. The 2026 listing for a 2 bedroom also mentions lifts, two parking spaces and a water tank.

Browse current condominiums for sale and condominiums for rent to compare.

Buying or renting at Senga Tera

Senga Tera units are larger than most condominium units, and the site is central. That makes them a choice for families who want space close to Mexico, Lideta and Meskel Square.

Before you buy, check these points:

1. Title. Ask for the title deed or digital map certificate.
2. Loan balance. 40/60 owners repay through the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Ask the bank for the balance.
3. Transfer and occupancy rules. In 2019 a court suspended title transfers for many later 40/60 units, and in 2024 the city told owners of empty 40/60 units to move in. Ask the housing office whether the unit can transfer now.
4. Lifts and fees. High-rise blocks depend on lifts and pumps. Ask the owners' association about the monthly fee.
5. Broker fees. One listing asks the buyer for 2 percent commission. See property tax and fees in Ethiopia.

Our condominium guide explains the 40/60 scheme in full. Nearby sites include Lideta, Gotera and Balderas.