Expert Tips for House Hunting in Lagos

A megacity with over 23 million people (more than 10% of the country's population), Lagos has more people looking for homes than there are available and affordable.

House hunting for affordable and quality apartments in Lagos can be a tedious activity for most. A megacity with over 23 million people (more than 10% of the country's population), Lagos has more people looking for homes than there are available and affordable. One report says the state is three million homes short. Another study shows that some households are spending 70% of their yearly basic income on rent, instead of the recommended 30%. All of these point to a fierce housing-hunting competition.

But beyond the data points, people have shared stories of agents making the renting process more difficult by misrepresenting the condition of rental properties and charging exorbitant upfront fees. Their common, exploitative practices are compounding the housing deficit and inflation already caused by high demand, limited supply, and rising construction costs.

How do you navigate this challenging housing market and secure the right rental property for your needs?  To answer this question, …