Business

10 Ways to Get a Good Deal on Your Home in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

Published

2 years ago

July 19, 2024

10 Ways to Get a Good Deal on Your Home in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. In Nigeria, where the real estate market can be tricky, it’s important to be smart and careful when looking for a good deal. This article you are about to read will give you 10 useful tips to help you make sure you’re getting the best value for your money when buying a home in Nigeria.

1. Do Your Homework on the Area

Before you even start looking at houses, it’s crucial to learn about the area where you want to live. Different parts of Nigeria have different prices and benefits. Some areas might be cheaper but far from good schools or markets. Others might be more expensive but safer or closer to your work.

Take time to visit different neighborhoods. Walk around, talk to people who live there, and get a feel for the place.
Ask yourself:
– Is it safe?
– Are there good roads?
– How’s the electricity supply?
– Is it close to important places like hospitals, schools, or your workplace?
– What’s the community like?

2. Set a Realistic Budget

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re looking at beautiful homes, but it’s important to stick to what you can afford. Before you start house hunting, sit down and figure out your budget.

Think about:
– How much money you have saved
– How much you can borrow from a bank
– Your monthly income and expenses

Remember, buying a home isn’t just about the price tag. You’ll need to think about other costs too, like:

– Lawyer fees
– Taxes
– Repairs or renovations
– Moving costs

Make sure you have some extra money set aside for these things. It’s always better to buy a slightly cheaper house and have money left over than to spend everything on the house and struggle later.

3. Use a Trusted Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent can be your best friend when you’re looking for a home. They know the market, they have connections, and they can help you find deals that you might miss on your own.

But be careful – not all agents are trustworthy. Here’s how to find a good one:
– Ask friends or family for recommendations
– Look for agents with good reviews online
– Check if they’re registered with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV)
– Meet with a few different agents and see who you feel comfortable with

4. Don’t Rush – Take Your Time
Buying a home is a big decision, so don’t feel pressured to make it quickly. Some sellers or agents might try to rush you, saying things like “This deal won’t last long!” or “Someone else is interested in buying this house!”

Don’t fall for these tricks. It’s better to take your time and make sure you’re making the right choice. Visit the house more than once, at different times of the day. This will help you notice things you might miss on a quick visit, like noisy neighbors or bad traffic at certain hours.

If you feel rushed or pressured, that’s often a sign that something isn’t right. A good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow.

5. Get a Professional Inspection
Never buy a house without having it checked by a professional inspector. This might cost a bit of money, but it can save you from much bigger costs in the future.

An inspector will look at things like:
– The foundation of the house
– The roof
– Electrical systems
– Plumbing
– Signs of pests or termites

They might find problems that you can’t see with your own eyes. If they do find issues, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to fix the problems before you buy.

6. Check All the Legal Documents

In Nigeria, it’s very important to make sure all the legal papers for the house are in order. This can be confusing, but it’s crucial to avoid problems later. Here are some key documents to check:

– Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This shows that the government has given permission for the land to be used for housing.
– Survey Plan: This shows the exact boundaries of the property.
– Deed of Assignment: This shows that the current owner has the right to sell the property.
– Tax clearance: This shows that all taxes on the property have been paid.

It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer who specializes in real estate to help you check these documents. They can spot any problems and make sure everything is legal and correct.

7. Negotiate the Price
Don’t be afraid to negotiate! The first price the seller asks for is often not their final price.
Here are some tips for negotiating:
– Start lower than you’re willing to pay. This gives you room to go up.
– Point out any problems with the house that might lower its value.
– Be ready to walk away if the price is too high. Sometimes, showing that you’re willing to look at other houses can make the seller more flexible.
– If the seller won’t lower the price, see if they’ll include other things, like furniture or appliances.

Remember, negotiating isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about finding a price that’s fair for both you and the seller.

8. Consider the Future
When you’re buying a home, don’t just think about your needs right now. Think about the future too.
Ask yourself:
– Will this house still be good for me in 5 or 10 years?
– If I have children, will there be enough space?
– Is the area likely to improve or get worse over time?
– Could I easily sell this house if I need to move?

Buying a home that will still be good for you in the future can save you money and stress in the long run.

9. Compare Prices of Similar Homes

To know if you’re getting a good deal, you need to know what other similar houses cost. This is called “comparing comparables” or “comps” for short.

Look at houses that are:
– In the same area
– About the same size
– In similar condition

You can find this information online, through your real estate agent, or by visiting open houses in the area. If the house you want is much more expensive than similar houses, that’s a sign that it might be overpriced.

10. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut feeling. If something feels wrong about a deal, even if you can’t explain why, it’s okay to step back and think more.

Maybe the seller seems too eager to sell quickly. Maybe the price seems too good to be true. Or maybe you just don’t feel comfortable in the house.

These feelings are important. Buying a home is not just a financial decision – it’s also an emotional one. You should feel good about your choice.

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041

Business

Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing Felicitates Olofin of Ilisan Remo on 86th Birthday

Published

7 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing Felicitates Olofin of Ilisan Remo on 86th Birthday

The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary.

In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo.

According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people.

He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to community development and preservation of tradition remains highly commendable.

The Borokinni prayed for continued divine grace, sound health, long life, and greater wisdom for the royal father as he continues his impactful reign on the throne of his ancestors.

“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, on the joyous occasion of his 86th birthday. May Almighty God continue to strengthen Kabiyesi with peace, sound health, and many more years of fruitful reign,” he stated.

Business

Aliko Dangote Foundation, WEF Unveil 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows

Published

23 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Titans and Trailblazers: Nigeria’s Great Entrepreneurs from Abiola to Dangote — The Story of Wealth, Influence, and National Impact. By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com

Aliko Dangote Foundation, WEF Unveil 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows

…Spotlighting Africa’s Next Generation of Change Leaders

World Economic Forum (WEF) in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced the 2026 cohort of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Aliko Dangote Fellows, highlighting a new generation of African leaders committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening institutions across the African continent.

The Fellowship serves as a critical bridge between Africa’s emerging changemakers and the global Young Global Leaders network, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. The YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship supports high-impact African leaders by enabling their full participation in the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) programme and broader WEF activities.

WEF said the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds spanning healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and advocacy across sub-Saharan Africa. The newly selected fellows are Dr. Esperance Luvindao; Charlot Magayi, Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves; Rewa Udoji, Founder of Cranstoun; Dr. Stephen Modise; Dr. Musa Kika; Hatim Eltayeb; Kemi Lala Akindoju; and Vimbai Masiyiwa.

With a strong emphasis on empowering women leaders, the Fellowship is designed to support Africans shaping solutions to pressing social and economic challenges while strengthening leadership capacity across key sectors.

Over the past 14 years, the Aliko Dangote Foundation–powered Fellowship has supported more than 130 young African leaders, providing access to Davos meetings, executive education opportunities, and influential peer networks that amplify African voices on the global stage.

Commenting on the announcement, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, described the 2026 fellows as “leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms.”

She added: “Africa’s future will be defined by the strength of its people. When the right leaders—especially women—are empowered and given a global voice, they do not just lead; they reshape what is possible. That is why we invest in people: because it is the surest path to lasting global prosperity, stability, and self-determination. The 2026 cohort embodies this vision.”

According to her: the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent that future leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms while helping define a world whose future will be shaped by the continent.

She explained that the idea behind the YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship is to cultivate, empower, and support exceptional African leaders under 40, ensuring they have the resources to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Young Global Leaders (YGL) community. It specifically aims to accelerate their impact on the continent and globally.

Details of the new fellows in the announcement indicated that; Hatim Eltayeb, is the Chief Executive Officer of African Leadership Academy, strengthening one of the continent’s most important leadership institutions; Dr Esperance Luvindao, Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, combining clinical experience with digital health and grassroots innovation; Charlot Magayi, the Kenyan founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, linking clean energy, public health and livelihoods; Dr Stephen Modise, Botswana’s Minister of Health, bringing a data-driven approach to public health reform.

Dr Musa Kika, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, using law to defend constitutionalism and civic space; Rewa Udoji, the Nigerian artist and finance professional whose work bridges culture, capital and women’s economic literacy; Kemi Lala Akindoju, the Nigerian producer and actor helping reshape the creative economy through talent development, financing and more grounded storytelling; and Ms Vimbai Masiyiwa, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Batoka Africa, building a model of tourism rooted in sustainability, community ownership and women’s empowerment. Together, they reflect the range of leadership the fellowship is designed to support public leaders, entrepreneurs, institution-builders and cultural actors already shaping systems in very different ways.

It would be recalled that Aliko Dangote YGL Fellowship has supported more than 90 Fellows from over 25 African countries, thus enabling full participation in the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme through access to convenings, executive education, peer networks and global platforms.

Over that period, Fellows have taken part in more than 400 engagements across Annual Meetings, regional summits and learning modules, contributing to debates on finance, climate, health, technology and governance.

Business

Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyes Partnership with Dangote Group on Africa Investments

Published

23 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyes Partnership with Dangote Group on Africa Investments

The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has held a high-level meeting with Nicolai Tangen, the Chief Executive Officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund manager, overseeing assets valued at approximately $1.9 trillion.

At the meeting, the Norwegian investment institution expressed strong interest in partnering with Dangote Group to expand its footprint across the African continent, with a focus on strategic sectors including power, energy, renewables, agriculture, fertiliser and cement.

Also present at the meeting were Svein Tore Holsether, Chief Executive Officer of Yara International, one of the world’s leading fertiliser and agricultural companies, and Terje Pilskog, Chief Executive Officer of Scatec, a global renewable energy company.

The engagement shows growing global investor confidence in Africa’s industrial and infrastructure potential, as well as the increasing role of indigenous conglomerates such as Dangote Group in driving large-scale economic transformation.

For Dangote Group, the potential partnership represents a significant opportunity to deepen its investments across key sectors critical to Africa’s development, particularly in energy transition, food security and industrial capacity expansion.

The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, widely regarded as a benchmark for global institutional investment, has in recent years shown increased interest in emerging markets, with Africa seen as a frontier for long-term value creation.

The collaboration between the fund and Dangote Group could unlock substantial capital flows into critical infrastructure and industrial projects, further accelerating economic growth and regional integration across the continent.