The aim of this paper is to show the evolution of housing policies in Colombia, as well as making an approach to the mortgage market crisis that the country suffered at the end of last century. It also considers the options that the rent-to-buy brings as an alternative to residential mortgages and identify which segments of the population are adjusted to each type of financing. The analysis and findings of this study want to explain how the different credit options can stimulate or slow down the growth of the population with homeownership.