Maroc - MOCKINBIRD.COM.NG - A La Une - 20/Sep 11:42

Why Real Estate Is Still the Safest Investment in Nigeria

  by Dennis IsongWhen Kunle moved back to Nigeria after years of working abroad, he was torn between several investment choices. Friends encouraged him to put money into a new tech startup, others insisted on cryptocurrency, while his uncle swore by trading foreign exchange. But Kunle remembered how his father’s only surviving investment—two plots of land in Lagos bought in the 1980s—had multiplied in value far beyond any bank deposit or business venture. That realization shaped his decision, and today, he doesn’t regret it. This simple story reflects a truth many Nigerians already know but sometimes forget: real estate remains one of the most dependable ways to grow and preserve wealth. The question is why. In this article, we will explore Why Real Estate Is Still the Safest Investment in Nigeria, breaking it down into key aspects that make property ownership a timeless choice, no matter the economic climate. 1. Land Never Disappears, It Only Appreciates One of the most unique qualities of real estate is permanence. Unlike businesses that can collapse overnight, or digital investments that can vanish with a market crash, land and property are tangible assets. No matter what happens in Nigeria’s economy, the land will remain. In Lagos, for example, areas that were once regarded as “far” or “undeveloped” have now transformed into prime real estate. Take Lekki as a case study. Two decades ago, land there was sold for peanuts compared to today. Those who bought early are now enjoying values that have multiplied many times over. This consistent appreciation of land and property values is why many wealthy Nigerians—whether they made their fortune from oil, politics, or business—end up pouring their money into real estate. They know it will stand the test of time. It’s true that markets can slow down, and not every area appreciates at the same rate, but the overall trend has always favored real estate. Property prices may fluctuate slightly in the short term, but in the long run, they continue to rise, making land one of the most stable wealth-building tools in Nigeria. 2. Protection Against Inflation and Currency FluctuationsNigeria’s economy has its fair share of ups and downs. Inflation eats into savings, and the naira’s value against the dollar continues to fall. In times like these, people who keep their money in bank accounts often watch its purchasing power weaken. But real estate provides a shield. A piece of land bought today will not lose value just because the naira dropped tomorrow. Instead, as prices of goods and services rise, so does the value of property. This is why many Nigerians in the diaspora who earn in dollars or pounds prefer to secure land or houses back home. It is a way of ensuring that their money is converted into something lasting that grows in value, regardless of the exchange rate. Even within Nigeria, families that invested in properties decades ago now realize that those assets have become their strongest defense against inflation. Unlike cars or gadgets that depreciate over time, houses and land appreciate, ensuring that wealth is not just protected but also multiplied. 3. Real Estate Provides Tangible Security and Legacy Another reason Why Real Estate Is Still the Safest Investment in Nigeria lies in its physical presence. You can touch it, live in it, rent it out, or pass it on to your children. In a country where trust in financial systems can be shaky, people find comfort in owning something they can see and control. Families often rely on real estate as a form of inheritance. A father may not leave millions in cash to his children, but a plot of land in Lagos or a block of flats in Ibadan can sustain generations. The sense of permanence attached to property ownership is what makes it more reassuring than stocks, bonds, or even businesses that may collapse due to poor management. Beyond legacy, real estate also provides immediate personal security. Having a home of your own shields you from the uncertainty of rising rent prices or sudden eviction notices. For landlords, rental income provides a steady cash flow that supports daily needs and future investments. This combination of financial returns and peace of mind explains why Nigerians view property ownership not just as an investment, but as a necessity. 4. Flexibility of Use and Wealth Creation Opportunities One thing that sets real estate apart from other investments is its flexibility. A single property can serve multiple purposes over time. A plot of land in Lagos could begin as farmland, later converted into residential housing, and eventually developed into commercial spaces like