7 affordable rent locations in Maiduguri

As peace gradually returns to Maiduguri, Borno State capital, the market for real estate in the city has continued to evolve, but finding cheap houses to rent or buy has become too difficult. However, both the landlords and tenants are faced with bitter realities, ranging from high cost of building materials, constant increase in rent […]

As peace gradually returns to Maiduguri, Borno State capital, the market for real estate in the city has continued to evolve, but finding cheap houses to rent or buy has become too difficult.

However, both the landlords and tenants are faced with bitter realities, ranging from high cost of building materials, constant increase in rent and the housing deficit.

But, some areas in Maiduguri are now considered to be the most cheapest and affordable for low-income earners or those with tight budgets, compared with other locations.

Checks by Daily Trust show that there are at least six locations, where affordable houses can be found in Maiduguri, which include Gomari, Bulunkutu, Madaganari, Layin Hadiza, Bayan Bakassi, Dala, Mai-Mala Buni Estate.

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Property agents also confirm that most of these locations are considered affordable due to low rent compared to other locations in Maiduguri city.

 

Bulunkutu

Bulunkutu is one of the fast growing areas at the outskirts of Maiduguri, it’s worthy to be considered for rent due its access to market, schools, and the affordable houses.

Another things that make Bulunkutu a good option for those looking to cheap rent is the basic amenities, such as Umar Shehu Hospital; security presence and

affordable transport system, which gives residents a comfortable lifestyle.

From the major road, the resident can use the Zulum’s Metro buses to comfortably travel to other parts of the city, paying only N50. They can also navigate the streets of Bulunkutu using Keke Napep.

According to the land agent, an average rent for one-bedroom apartments in Bulunkutu ranges from N250,000 to 300,000, while a two-bed room flat ranges between N400,000 – N500,000 per annum.

Compared with other areas in Maiduguri, renting accommodation in Bulunkutu is cost-effective and a wise decision to ensure value for money.

 

Dala

The Dala area is another area where one can get the cheapest accommodation in Maiduguri, from 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom up to 3-bedroom flats at affordable prices..

According to agents, renting a single room there can be as low as N30,000 per annum, while a 2-bedroom costs N250,000 to N400.000.

Our correspondent who went round the Dala reported that the residents in the areas have access to cheap food items due to its proximity to the markets, but the area has no good drainage system and usually gets flooded whenever it rains.

“We are used to spending the night standing inside flooded rooms until the water recedes.

“Also, the area has no water discharge point that is why our homes usually get flooded whenever it rains,” he said.

Bala Legacy, a property agent operating in the Dala/Bulunkutu area, said that house owners are mostly renting them out, not selling.

He said for the few ones selling, a 3-bedroom flat usually cost between N8million to N15 million, depending on the location and the facilities on ground.

 

Bayan Bakassi

This is another perfect place for renters seeking cheapest accommodations but it’s located on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

With a growing population, the area boasts a wide range of modern buildings and it’s strategic and accessible to other parts of Maiduguri.

The cost of the area is lower than other locations for lack of access roads but the residents can easily get cheap grains and vegetables from the nearby local markets and irrigation farms in the area.

Also, the housing options in the area include 1- bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, which are comfortable for both small and a moderate families on a tight budget.

 

Gomari

This is another bustling and peaceful suburb of Maiduguri city that offers affordable accommodations for low-income earners.

It has a large market that gives affordable options to residents of Gomari and inhabitants of government estates and Air Force Base in their neighborhood.

It’s also a popular area for students of Borno State University, who rent affordable rooms and apartments there, due to their access to metro buses that convey them to school with N50.

This area is also an excellent choice for budget-conscious families and entrepreneurs looking up to the value for the money spent.

But, the area is grappling with a poor road network and flooding in certain areas. So, renting a house in Gomari during the rainy season would be a good idea for anybody interested.

 

Layin Hadiza

This is another cheap area that one can find flats and apartments for rent and to buy. The cost of renting a two-bedroom flat falls between N350,000 to N450,000 per annum.

It’s also an area where cost of living is relatively low due the proximity to markets, schools and its connection to various places in the city.

Another reason that make Layin Hadiza a good option for the low and middle income earners was it’s closeness to the state secretariate, where most workers travel a long distance before they reach their offices.

 

Mai Mala Buni/ Farm centre Estates

This is the newest estate built by Governor Zulum’s administration and named after his Yobe counterpart, Hon Mai Mala Buni, and was allocated to government workers, politicians, securities and other people in the state.

However, many owners of these houses refused to move in due to distance and fear of insecurity being located at the outskirt, along Maiduguri – Damaturu highway.

Now, most of the property owners are renting it out at N300,000 to N400,000 for the 2-bedroom flat, while others are sell it at cost of N15 million upfront.

Also, being isolated and far from town, many house owners at Farm centre Estates have not relocated. While some rented it out, others were also said to have sold it N15 million.

These two estates were built newly and allocated to over 1,000 houses and allocated them to Maiduguri residents to address housing deficit in the state.