This article provides tips for Nigerians who want to invest in real estate within the country as well as foreign investors who want to do business in Nigeria and open a real estate agency or a property management company.
Here are our tips on how to invest in Nigerian real estate effectively:
Location is Everything
No matter what kind of real estate you’re looking for, it’s important to think about where you want to live.
If you’re interested in owning a home near your place of work, choose an area with plenty of economic activity.
Conversely, if you need an affordable place to live but don’t want that location to put a strain on your commute time or budget, look for areas that are not experiencing much growth or development.
You should also consider price when thinking about location; areas with higher housing costs may have better amenities and entertainment options but could be cost-prohibitive depending on your budget.
Find the Right Agent
You may be surprised at how many real estate agents there are in any Nigerian city, such as Lagos. To make sure you find a great one, start by asking friends and family for recommendations.
Then, do some research: check out agent websites and read online reviews before making your final decision.
When meeting with potential agents, ask them questions about their experience and customer service; if they seem hesitant or unsure, move on to somebody else.
Insurance
Every real estate investment comes with risk. But you can minimize those risks by properly insuring your investment.
Talk to an insurance agent about getting coverage for your new property, which will ensure that your investments are covered should something go wrong—be it fire, flooding or theft. And don’t forget about owner and liability insurance too.
Owner’s coverage protects against damage to the building itself, while liability insurance covers lawsuits arising from slip-and-fall accidents or tenant injuries on your property.
Conclusion
Once you’ve got your real estate agent in Nigeria, it’s time to start scouting for properties and doing thorough research before making a purchase.
Only then can you take advantage of all that (arguably) low-risk, high-reward Nigerian real estate investments have to offer. Good luck!
Source: The Guardian