Factors Influencing Property Prices in Nigeria

Last Updated on September 25, 2023

Introduction

The Nigerian property market is a crucial sector that contributes significantly to the country’s economy. It is an industry that deals with the buying, selling, and leasing of land, buildings, and other real estate properties.

The market is influenced by several factors, which play a critical role in determining property prices. These factors range from economic, political, social, and environmental aspects.

Understanding the significance of these factors is essential for both property buyers and sellers.

The factors that affect property prices in Nigeria are significant in determining the value attached to a particular property. These factors include location, infrastructure, security, financing, and the state of the local economy, to name a few.

For instance, the location of a property plays a crucial role in determining its value. Properties located in areas with good infrastructure, such as good road connectivity, reliable electricity and water supply, and a favorable social environment, tend to have a higher value than those in areas with poor infrastructure.

Moreover, the state of the local economy also plays a significant role in determining property prices. A booming economy accompanied by high purchasing power and low inflation rates often result in an increase in property prices.

On the other hand, a weak economy accompanied by high inflation and stagnant growth can lead to a decline in property prices.

The Nigerian property market is an essential sector that plays a significant role in the country’s growth and development. The factors that influence property prices are critical in determining the value attached to a particular property, making it necessary for property buyers and sellers to understand them fully.

A thorough knowledge of these factors can help make informed property investment decisions.

Economic factors

Economic factors play a significant role in determining the prices of properties in Nigeria. Here is an overview of some of the economic factors that influence property prices in the country.

Overview of Nigeria’s Economy

Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a rich blend of natural resources and a growing population. The country is endowed with vast reserves of oil and natural gas, which contributes significantly to the economy.

Agriculture is also a major sector in the country, providing employment for millions of Nigerians.

Inflation Rate and Its Impact on Property Prices

Inflation is a common phenomenon in Nigeria, with prices of goods and services rising continuously. The inflation rate affects property prices as it reduces the purchasing power of buyers.

When inflation is high, prospective buyers may not be able to afford the high property prices.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

The exchange rate of the Nigerian Naira is subject to fluctuations, especially when the country’s foreign reserves are low. The exchange rate affects the cost of building materials, which in turn affects the cost of building properties.

The fluctuation in exchange rates also affects the cost of imported goods, like furniture and fittings, which are required in the finishing stages of building projects.

Interest Rates and Their Impact on Mortgage Demand

Interest rates in Nigeria are relatively high, which discourages borrowers from obtaining mortgages. The high-interest rates make the cost of borrowing prohibitive, and this limits the number of people who can access mortgages.

This, in turn, affects demand for properties as buyers may not be able to afford the high costs associated with purchasing properties.

Economic factors have a significant impact on property prices in Nigeria. The inflation rate, exchange rate fluctuations, the state of the economy and interest rates are some of the factors that can influence the demand and supply of properties.

As a prospective buyer or investor, understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when purchasing properties.

Read: In-Depth Look: Real Estate Regulatory Laws in Nigeria

Infrastructure

Improved infrastructure influences Nigerian property development and pricing significantly. Factors affecting property prices:

1. Location: Well-developed areas attract higher prices due to good infrastructure accessibility.
   
   
2. Accessibility: Poor transport systems lower property prices due to commuting challenges.
   
   
3. Water: Reliable water supply raises property prices compared to erratic supply areas.
   
   
4. Power Supply: Improved power supply raises property prices due to comfort and convenience.
   
   
5. Communication networks: Good networks attract buyers/tenants, impacting property prices positively.

Improved infrastructure leads to:

1. Increased property value and attractiveness to buyers/tenants.
   
   
2. Increased demand for properties as more people are attracted to the area.
   
   
3. Better quality of life, leading to increased property prices for convenience and comfort.

Nigeria must prioritize infrastructure improvement to boost property development and economic growth.

Read: Sustainable Building Practices in Nigeria’s Construction

Location

Location significantly affects property value in Nigeria. Factors impacting property prices:

1. Proximity to major roads for accessibility.
   
   
2. Availability of social amenities like schools and hospitals.
   
   
3. Infrastructure – good roads, electricity, water supply.
   
   
4. Security – safe neighborhoods command higher prices.

Desirable locations in Nigeria:

1. Ikoyi – luxury homes, waterfront views, expensive.
   
   
2. Victoria Island – proximity to ocean, upscale amenities, costly.
   
   
3. Lekki – fast-growing, luxury amenities, high demand, expensive.
   
   
4. Abuja – political capital, serene, upscale amenities, costly.

Location matters when buying property. Desirable locations have higher demand and investment potential, though more expensive.

Read: Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Nigerian Real Estate

Politics and Government Policies

Nigeria is a country with a complex political and economic situation. The government of Nigeria has put in place a number of policies that have influenced the property market.

These policies have either had a positive or negative impact on property prices, depending on the nature of the policy.

Overview of the Nigerian government policies on property

The government of Nigeria has enacted several policies to regulate the property market in the country. The policies aim to address issues such as affordable housing, property ownership, and land use.

The policies are mainly under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Some of the key policies include:

• The Land Use Act of 1978: This act seeks to consolidate all land in a state under the governorship of that state.
  
  The act has had a significant impact on property ownership, as owners of property must now obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the state government to be considered the legal owner of the land.
  
  
• The Nigerian National Housing Policy (NNHP): The NNHP was first introduced in 1991 and aims to provide affordable housing to all Nigerians.
  
  The policy outlines measures to be taken to achieve this aim, including the promotion of public-private partnerships to build affordable housing units.
  
  
• The Mortgage Refinancing Company (MRC): The MRC was established in 2014 as part of the government’s efforts to make housing more affordable.
  
  The company refinances mortgages from primary mortgage banks and makes them available at low interest rates to eligible Nigerians.

Effect of government regulation on property prices

The government’s regulation of the property market has had a significant effect on property prices in Nigeria.

For example, the Land Use Act has made it more difficult for individuals to obtain legal ownership of land, which has led to a decrease in the supply of land and an increase in the price of land.

The NNHP, on the other hand, aims to increase the supply of affordable housing, which could lead to a decrease in the price of housing.

The MRC, by providing low-interest mortgages, could make it easier for individuals to afford to buy a home, which could lead to an increase in demand for housing and potentially an increase in property prices.

Role of politics in property pricing

The political situation in Nigeria also plays a role in property pricing. Nigeria is a country with a history of political instability and corruption.

This has had a negative impact on the economy, and in turn, the property market. For example, investors may be hesitant to invest in Nigeria’s property market due to the risk of political instability and corruption.

Additionally, government policies may be influenced by politics, which could result in policies that are not necessarily in the best interests of the property market. Finally, the government’s ability to enforce its policies can also be affected by politics, which could lead to policies not being implemented effectively.

The government’s policies and the political situation in Nigeria have a significant impact on property prices in the country. The policies aim to address issues such as affordable housing and property ownership, but their implementation and enforcement can be affected by politics.

Investors and individuals looking to buy property in Nigeria should consider the impact of government policies and the political situation when making decisions.

Read: Role of Government in Boosting Construction in Nigeria

Demand and supply

Overview of demand and supply in the Nigerian property market

The Nigerian property market is a complex and constantly evolving sector, attracting many local and international investors. The demand for real estate properties is high with a steady growth of the urban population.

Increased demand for property is driven by increased access to credit facilities, a growing middle-class, and urbanization. The supply of properties has not met up with the demand, as real estate development is still in its infancy.

Factors that affect demand and supply

The Nigerian property market is heavily influenced by a range of factors such as location, demographics, economic growth, infrastructure, and demographics. The rise of the middle class and urbanization has led to a surge in demand for properties such as apartments, commercial spaces, and luxury homes.

The cost of land and building materials, favorable government policies, and interest rates are also other key demand factors.

Supply constraints are some of the factors affecting the Nigerian property market. These include poor infrastructure, a lack of modern real estate development, improper land-use policies, and inadequate access to finance.

Real estate developers often find it a challenge to carry out their operations, while investors are wary of investing in real estate development due to the high risks involved.”

Relationship between demand and supply and property prices

The relationship between demand and supply is fundamental to understanding property prices in Nigeria. When demand is high relative to supply, prices skyrocket, making it difficult for interested buyers to own properties.

Conversely, when supply is high and demand is low, prices drop, making it easier for buyers to own properties. Factors such as location, type of property, size, infrastructure, and level of demand and supply all play significant roles in determining property prices.

One of the most significant consequences of the high demand and low supply of properties is that it drives up the price of land. This, in turn, increases the costs of building, making real estate investments costly.

As a result, tenants and homeowners spend a significant amount of their income on rent, while homeowners’ also spend a considerable portion of their income on mortgage payments.”

In review, the demand for properties will continue to be high in the Nigerian property market, spurred on by a growing middle class, urbanization, and favorable government policies. However, there is a need to improve conditions for real estate development and enhance infrastructure, access to finance, and establish proper land-use policies to meet the increasing demands.

This will positively impact supply, thereby influencing property prices positively.

Read: How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Nigeria

Conclusion

Several factors influence property prices in Nigeria including supply and demand, location, infrastructure, economic growth, and political stability.

The overall impact of these factors on Nigerian property prices is significant and varies depending on the particular factor and location.

In the future, these factors are likely to continue to impact the Nigerian property market, with increasing economic growth and improved infrastructure having a positive effect on property prices.

However, political instability and insecurity may continue to have a negative impact on property prices in some areas of the country.

Overall, understanding the many factors that influence property prices in Nigeria is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the Nigerian property market.