Abuja, Lagos property locations where rent start from N20m

Rent in Abuja and Lagos has surged to record levels, driven by a mix of rapid urban migration, limited housing supply, rising construction costs, and weak regulation of the rental market. As Nigeria’s political and commercial nerve centres, both cities continue to attract workers, businesses, and investors faster than new homes are built, intensifying demand […]

Abuja, Lagos property locations where rent start from N20m

A building in Guzape area of Abuja Photo: Onyekachukwu Obi

Rent in Abuja and Lagos has surged to record levels, driven by a mix of rapid urban migration, limited housing supply, rising construction costs, and weak regulation of the rental market.

As Nigeria’s political and commercial nerve centres, both cities continue to attract workers, businesses, and investors faster than new homes are built, intensifying demand and pushing prices beyond the reach of many residents.

The result is a housing crunch that reflects broader economic pressures and deepens concerns about affordability and urban inequality.

Abuja’s rent growth is outpacing the rest of the northern region as the city’s apartment market roars back from the depths of the pandemic and puts pressure on the disposable income of residents.

On the other hand, Lagos as the commercial nerve center has an upsurge of both business men and corporate entities seeking rent and peoperty especially in highbrow areas of the state.

Checks by Daily Trust show that in Abuja, high brow areas such as Katampe, Guzape, Wuye, Jahi, Maitama Asokoro have a large proportion of exquisite properties with high rent attached

In the case of Lagos, Banana Island, Eko Athlantic, Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island have quite pricey properties which are rented with millions.

With over 3,000 residential estates and population growth rate of over eight per cent yearly, available supplies are far beyond the affordable level for residents both young professionals, and families, who fall within the low/middle-income class.

For instance, the mass-housing programme of the federal government through its agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is yet to cushion the housing deficit in the city estimated at 1.7 million homes.

Abuja’s choice property locations

 

Guzape

Guzape is a high-end residential district in Abuja, known for its serene environment, strategic location, and upscale housing. Sandwitched between Asokoro and Garki, the area offers proximity to the Central Business District while maintaining a quiet, exclusive feel.

Guzape features modern estates, luxury apartments, and expansive views of Abuja’s hills, making it popular with diplomats, top government officials, and professionals. Its appeal is reinforced by good road access, growing infrastructure, and a reputation as one of the capital’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.

Checks by Daily Trust show that find 3-bedroom apartments and detached duplexes with rents around N20 million. Some properties even go up to N75 million for a block of flats

 

Maitama

Maitama is one of Abuja’s most prestigious and well-planned districts, renowned for its exclusivity, security, and premium real estate. Home to foreign embassies, luxury residences, and high-end commercial spaces, the area is a major hub for diplomats, top government officials, and business elites.

Checks show that a 3-bedroom apartments  is rented around N7million per month, and some properties are available for N40 million per year for rent

 

Asokoro

Asokoro is a prime and historic district in Abuja, widely regarded as one of the city’s most secure and prestigious neighbourhoods. It hosts key government institutions, including the Presidential Villa, alongside upscale residential estates and official quarters.

Known for its calm atmosphere, hilly landscape, and well-laid roads, Asokoro offers proximity to the Central Business District while maintaining privacy and exclusivity.

Luxury properties in this area include 4-bedroom terraced duplexes with rents around N25 million per year.

 

Wuye

Wuye is a centrally located residential district in Abuja, valued for its balance between accessibility and affordability. Situated close to the Central Business District and neighbouring areas like Jabi and Utako, Wuye features a mix of modern apartments, gated estates, and older residential buildings.

Findings by this Newspaper show that you can find 5-bedroom detached duplexes with rents around N25 million per year.

 

Jahi

Jahi is another rising highbrow area in the heart of Abuja city. Checks show that 4 bedroom duplexes go for as high as N20 million per annum or even more.

 

Katampe

Katampe is another hotspot location in the federal capital territory. Rent for four bedroom duplex go for as high as N20 million annually

The surge is evident with the rapid development currently going on in the location.

 

Lagos

Meanwhile in Lagos, the average rent for a three‑bedroom apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, has surged to about N25m annually, underscoring thr cost pressures in Lagos’ prime residential market, according to Volume 3 of the State of Lagos Housing Market report.

The report disclosed that in the last 10 years, the Lagos real estate market has grown especially its luxury segment.

 

Ikoyi

In Ikoyi, the report said “N25m is now average annual rent for a 3‑bedroom in Ikoyi. Over the last ten years, the Lagos property market has undergone a dramatic shift, transitioning from a landscape with more accessible entry points to a highly competitive and premium investment space.

Sinilarly, another  report by Edala Development showed that Eko Atlantic City recorded the highest one-bedroom rent in the state at N20.9m.

 

Banana Island followed by Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

Also, for three-bedroom apartments, Eko Atlantic again topped the list with an average rent of N35.3m, followed by Banana Island at N27.5m and Ikoyi at N25.5m. Victoria Island recorded N15m, while Lekki Phase I stood at N11.2m.

 

Why the surge in rent?

Commenting on the figures, Edala Development said the rental surge reflects broader economic pressures and a widening gap between Lagos Island and the Mainland.

“This year has been defined by continued economic shifts and evolving market dynamics. The Lagos real estate sector has not only weathered policy shocks and elevated interest rates but has also adapted, demonstrating resilience and renewed investor confidence. Success in this market now requires more than capital; it demands insight into the widening gap between high-end Island neighbourhoods and the fast-growing Mainland,” the report stated. It added that despite easing inflation, cost pressures remain high. “The operating environment remains challenging. Inflation has eased to 16.05% as of October 2025, down from 33.88% in late 2024, yet the Monetary Policy Rate remains elevated at 27%. Despite this, the residential sector continues to expand,” the report said.

According to the report, construction activity rose in 2025. “Construction activity has also picked up, reflected in a 9.9% jump in nominal output in Q1 2025. Latest data from the NBS indicate that this momentum remains positive, with real-term growth of 5.57% recorded in Q3 2025,” it added.