Recently, the discourse surrounding escalating housing costs has intensified, prompting legislative actions to curb excessive rent charges. Notably, Lagos State has initiated plans to cap exorbitant rents, and Enugu State is poised to follow suit. Understanding these developments is crucial for stakeholders in the real estate sector.

Lagos State’s Initiative: A Return to Rent Control

Lagos has experienced a significant surge in rental prices over the past decade. Reports indicate that between 2018 and 2023, the average cost of renting an apartment in Lagos increased by at least 100%

“Punch Newspaper, 2025”

This sharp rise has reignited discussions on rent control, reminiscent of the Rent Control and Recovery of Residential Premises Law of 1997, which sought to regulate rental values and advance payments: 

Implementation of a Monthly Rent Scheme: The state government plans to enforce a monthly rental payment system by early 2025. 

Establishment of a ₦5 Billion Rental Support Fund: To support the monthly rent scheme, the government has allocated a ₦5 billion fund. This financial backing is intended to facilitate the transition to monthly payments and ensure the scheme’s sustainability, providing landlords with an assurance of consistent rental income while offering tenants more manageable payment terms.

The reintroduction of such measures aims to stabilize the housing market, ensuring affordability for residents. However, the effectiveness of these regulations hinges on meticulous implementation and enforcement.

Enugu State’s Legislative Move: Protecting Tenants’ Rights

In a proactive response to tenants’ grievances, the Enugu State House of Assembly recently introduced a bill to amend the Landlord and Tenant Law, CAP. 101, Laws of Enugu State, 2024. Sponsored by Hon. Okey Mbah, this legislation seeks to:

• Cap agency and legal fees at a maximum of 10% of the annual rent.
• Abolish the longstanding practice of non-refundable caution fees
  “The Guardian Nigeria”
  .

This move underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding tenants from exploitative charges, fostering a more equitable rental market.

Potential Impacts on Nigeria’s Real Estate Market

The ripple effects of these regulatory measures on the broader real estate market are multifaceted:

1. Investor Sentiment: While rent caps aim to protect tenants, they may deter potential investors who are concerned about investment returns. Striking a balance between tenant protection and investor interests is paramount.
2. Property Values: Regulatory interventions could lead to a stabilization or slight decline in property values, particularly in markets previously characterized by speculative pricing.
3. Market Equilibrium: Effective rent control can enhance affordability, potentially increasing occupancy rates and reducing the prevalence of vacant properties.
4. Quality of Housing: There is a concern that landlords, facing capped revenues, might reduce investments in property maintenance. Ensuring quality housing amidst regulatory changes will require vigilant oversight.

Conclusion

As Lagos and Enugu States embark on this regulatory journey, the real estate sector must adapt to the evolving landscape. Continuous dialogue among stakeholders—government authorities, investors, landlords, and tenants—is essential to navigate these changes successfully. By fostering a collaborative approach, Nigeria can aspire to a housing market that is both equitable and vibrant.

Stay informed, stay ahead.

Owning a home in Abuja might seem like a distant dream, but what if we told you that the National Housing Fund (NHF) Mortgage Scheme can make it a reality? If you’re a Nigerian earning at least ₦3,000 per month, you’re eligible to own a home with just 10% equity contribution and spread payment over up to 30 years!

What is the NHF Mortgage Scheme?

The National Housing Fund (NHF) is a government-backed initiative that allows Nigerian workers to access low-interest mortgage loans (currently at 6% interest per year) to buy, build, or renovate a home. This is significantly lower than the commercial mortgage rates of 20-25%!

Who Can Benefit?

Salaried workers (public & private sector employees)
Self-employed individuals (with verifiable income)
Anyone contributing 2.5% of their monthly income to the NHF scheme

How to Apply for an NHF Mortgage

Register & Contribute – Start by contributing 2.5% of your monthly income to the NHF fund through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
Choose a Property – Pick a home that meets the NHF guidelines. We at RealtorKingz have affordable & NHF-compliant properties available!
Apply Through a PMB – Submit your loan application via a Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB), not directly to FMBN.
Get Approval & Move In – Once approved, pay your equity contribution (10-30%), and start living in your new home while repaying over up to 30 years!

Why Choose NHF Over Regular Mortgages?

✔ Lower Interest Rates (6%) – Unlike commercial mortgages at 20%+
✔ Flexible Repayment (Up to 30 Years) – No pressure to clear your loan quickly
✔ Low Initial Deposit (10-30%) – Own a home with minimal upfront cost
✔ Accessible to All Nigerians – Whether you’re a civil servant, business owner, or salary earner

At RealtorKingz, we specialize in helping Nigerians find and secure NHF-compliant homes in Abuja. Our expert team will guide you through the entire process, from application to move-in!

Need help getting started? Contact us today or reply to this email, and let’s make your dream home a reality.

Looks can be deceiving; luxury is not only just in the looks. Here are tips on how to know an overpriced house:

1. Compare Prices—What’s the Market Saying?

The best way to know if a house is overpriced is to check other houses in the area.

📍 Here’s what to do:
✔️ Search online for similar houses in the neighbourhood.
✔️ Compare their size, features, and land area with the one you’re eyeing.
✔️ If this house costs way more with no extra benefits, it’s likely overpriced.💡

Pro Tip: Check out local real estate reports or talk to an agent.

 2. Location, Location, Location!

We all know that location is king in real estate! But just because a house is in a “prime” area doesn’t mean it should cost twice as much as its neighbours.

📍 Things to consider:
✔️ Is it actually in a prime location, or just near one?
✔️ Does it have access to good roads, good pipe-borne water supply, schools, and security?
 

💡 Pro Tip: Check real estate listings in that area. If similar houses are cheaper, the seller might be testing your patience (and wallet)! 

3. Quality of Materials—Looks Can Be Deceiving! 

Some houses have fancy paint and shiny floors but are built with low-quality materials. Just because it looks luxurious doesn’t mean it is luxurious! 

📍 Things to check:
✔️ Are the walls made of quality bricks or just plasterboard?
✔️ Is the roofing solid or a disaster waiting to happen?
✔️ Are the doors and windows high-quality or flimsy?

💡 Pro Tip: Always inspect the house thoroughly or bring an expert to check the build quality before committing!

Final Thoughts: Be a Smart Buyer!

Before buying a house, always ask yourself, “Am I paying for value or just paying for hype?” 

✅ Do your research.
✅ Compare with other houses
✅ Inspect the build quality
✅ Ask about land size and location

And most importantly—never rush into a deal just because the house “looks nice.” 

Hope you found this helpful! Have you ever come across an overpriced house? Tell us your experience—I’d love to hear about it!

As the dawn of 2025 bathes our cities in hope and opportunity, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey of Nigeria’s real estate market. This letter is not just an update but an invitation to envision the possibilities that lie ahead and make informed choices that could transform your year.
Let me take you on a journey through the market’s unfolding story—a story rich with promise, challenges, and opportunities.

A Nation on the Move

A Nation on the Move
Picture this urban population is expected to exceed 60% this year, a tidal wave of growth that is reshaping cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and our very own Abuja. This shift is not just about numbers; it’s about dreams—dreams of homes, offices, and spaces where lives are built and businesses thrive.
The latest reports tell us that housing demand will soar, driven by the influx of people seeking better opportunities in urban hubs.

Breaking News: A Billion-Dollar Infrastructure Revolution!

The Federal Government has unveiled a ₦2 Trillion Infrastructure Development Plan set to transform urban landscapes and ignite real estate growth nationwide.
Key projects include the expansion of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, turning Lagos into a connected hub of commerce and luxury living. In Abuja, road upgrades in districts like Guzape, Katampe, and Galadimawa are transforming these areas into vibrant centers of opportunity, boosting property values and attracting investors.
As the saying goes, “Real estate grows where the roads go.” This is your chance to invest in areas poised for exponential growth as the nation’s pulse beats stronger with every development.
Don’t just watch history unfold—be part of it!

A Market Both Promising and Complex

But let’s be honest—the horizon is not without its clouds. Rising construction costs and inflation are poised to challenge developers this year, potentially slowing the pace of new housing projects(So for that project that you expected timely delivery, you may need to give them some more time). Yet, for those who already own property, these pressures may work in your favor as values climb steadily.
Affordable housing remains a key battleground. Developers are racing against time to meet the needs of a population yearning for homes. Will 2025 be the year we finally see a breakthrough in this space? I certainly hope so.

The Green Revolution: More Than a Trend

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a demand. Buyers are asking for eco-friendly designs, and developers are answering with green technologies that protect the environment and enhance the value of properties.
This is the future we’ve been waiting for, and it’s finally taking root in Nigeria.

Emerging Cities: The Underrated Gems

While Lagos and Abuja continue to dominate the headlines, quieter cities like Enugu and Uyo are whispering promises of growth. Government decentralisation efforts and investments in these regions mean that the next big thing in real estate might not be in the obvious places. Are you ready to uncover these hidden gems?
Perhaps the most heartening news is that regulatory laws are making investing easier. Transparency is improving, and the barriers that once deterred investors are crumbling. As we step into 2025, the Nigerian real estate market is poised to attract both local and international players.

Your Chapter in This Story

The year ahead is a blank page waiting for bold strokes. Will you explore the rising suburbs of Abuja? Invest in eco-friendly developments? Or perhaps look to the quiet strength of emerging cities?
Whatever your decision, know that the possibilities are endless—and the team at Realtorkingz is here to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s to a year of growth, success, and prosperity.

P.S. Keep an eye out for updates on the new districts we’re exploring. They might just be your next big opportunity!

Last year, Mustapha found himself in a common predicament. He had some savings—16 million
Naira-but didn’t want it sitting idle in his account.
He’d always dreamt of owning property but assumed it required lump-sum payments and endless stress.

That was until he stumbled upon a golden opportunity—a Three
(3)-bedroom apartment in Life Camp, priced at an unbeatable 40 million Naira.
The location was prime, and the price seemed too good to be true. Mustapha decided to dig deeper, and what he found amazed him:

1. An Affordable Payment Plan: With just 16 million Naira, he could secure the property as a down payment and spread the remaining balance across 6 months. This meant paying as little as 4 million Naira per month-stress-free and manageable.

2. The Value of Off-Plan Investments:
The apartment wasn’t ready yet, but Mustapha learned that investing in an off-plan project often means buying at a lower price before completion. By mid-next year, when the apartment would be completed, it wouldn’t be worth 40 million anymore. Its market value was projected to rise to 60 or even 70 million Naira.

3. Securing His Financial Future:
Mustapha saw this for what it was—a smart investment.
By acting now, he wasn’t just buying a home; he was positioning himself to earn an additional 20-30 million Naira in property appreciation within a year.

Fast forward to today, Mustapha is not only a proud property owner but also a savvy investor. He didn’t stress over the payments or take unnecessary financial risks. Instead, he leveraged a flexible payment plan to make his dream a reality.

This could be your story too. With just 16 million Naira as down payment, you can secure this three (3)-bedroom apartment in Life Camp, enjoy the convenience of a structured payment plan, and watch your investment grow significantly by next year.

Don’t wait for the price to rise; act now.
to learn more about this property and how you can secure it with ease.

Warm regards

Introduction: Why Property Verification Matters

Imagine saving your life’s earnings to purchase your dream property, only to find out later that it legally belongs to someone else. It’s a nightmare scenario faced by many in Nigeria’s fast-paced and sometimes chaotic real estate market. Fraudulent sales, disputes, and invalid property titles are common pitfalls. But the good news is, you can avoid these traps by taking a few essential steps. This guide provides a detailed roadmap to help you verify property titles and secure your investment.

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1. Understand the Basics of Property Titles

Property titles/ownership in Nigeria revolves around critical documents that confirm legal rights. These include:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): A government-issued document granting ownership rights for a defined period, typically 99 years.
• Right of Occupancy (R of O): Similar to the C of O but often issued for undeveloped land.
• Deed of Assignment: Indicates the transfer of ownership from one party to another.
• Governor’s Consent: Approval from the state governor validating the transaction.

Always request these documents from the seller before proceeding with any negotiations. They are your starting point for verifying ownership.

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2. Conduct Preliminary Checks

Before diving into formal verification, gather all relevant documents:

• Survey Plan: Shows the property’s boundaries and coordinates.
• Building Plan Approvals: If there are existing structures, ensure they are government-approved.
• Agreements and History: Review any agreements related to the property’s use or sale.

These documents help you assess the property’s background and uncover potential red flags early.

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3. Verify Title Documents at the Land Registry

Take the seller’s documents to the Land Registry in the state where the property is located. Each state has a designated registry—for instance, the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for properties in the Federal Capital Territory. The registry will:

• Confirm the authenticity of the property titles.
• Check for any encumbrances, such as unpaid mortgages or government acquisitions.
• Ensure the property is free from liens or disputes.

This step is non-negotiable when it comes to safeguarding your investment.

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4. Validate the Survey Plan

Visit the Surveyor-General’s Office to confirm the survey plan. This ensures that the land’s coordinates, size, and boundaries match what is indicated in the title documents. Any discrepancies could point to ownership disputes or even government acquisition.

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5. Conduct Background Checks on Vendors

If a company owns the property, perform a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This reveals:

• Whether the company has registered encumbrances or charges against the property.
• The legitimacy of the company’s authority to sell the property.

For properties linked to a deceased estate, visit the Probate Registry to confirm who has the legal authority to sell.

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6. Investigate Family-Owned Lands

In cases of family-owned lands, ensure that all principal family members consent to the sale. This helps prevent future disputes from heirs or other family members who might later contest the transaction.

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7. Conduct a Physical Inspection

Visit the property site in person to verify its condition and boundaries. Look out for:

• Signs of encroachment by neighbors.
• Ongoing disputes, such as claims of ownership from other parties.
• Alignment between the physical land and its description in the documents.

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8. Seek Legal and Professional Support

Engage a trusted real estate lawyer to:

• Review all documents.
• Negotiate terms on your behalf.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements.

A competent lawyer can identify and resolve potential issues you might overlook.

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9. Consider Title Insurance

For additional protection, consider purchasing title insurance. This type of insurance safeguards you financially against unforeseen disputes or title defects that may arise after the purchase.

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Conclusion: Verify Before You Buy

Buying property in Nigeria requires diligence and patience. A single misstep could cost you everything, but by following these steps, you can minimize risks and make informed decisions.

Don’t fall victim to scams. Always verify before you buy. Share this guide with others to help them secure their dream properties without fear. For more expert tips on navigating Nigeria’s real estate market, follow us for regular updates!