The country’s real estate market in 2025 will experience huge transformation across its cities as new cities are beginning to open up some of the attractive investment opportunities in Nigeria. Real estate markets in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt have long reigned supreme. But, new growth zones across the South, East and West have become key attraction centers for investors and developers. First-time buyers can find the most competitive prices in these areas, all while benefiting from impressive returns.
Between urban expansion and tech innovation in Nigeria, coupled with population growth, strong demand for real estate is in place Pakistan’s current population of 220 million is projected to surpass 300 million by 2050. This increasing housing market will require millions of new homes every year. With Lagos and Abuja becoming congested and expensive, investors are now looking toward secondary cities where land is cheaper, infrastructure is expanding, and property value appreciation potential is high.
Rural accessibility is improving through government-driven initiatives like the National Housing Programme, and new expressway networks. In addition, we are seeing real estate developers places pay attention to the growing cities as there is a demand from young professionals and middle-income Nigerians looking to own homes.
- Ibadan, Oyo State – The Cultural and Economic Frontier.
Ibadan is becoming a leading real estate destination in Nigeria. Most importantly, the new road networks, new industrial area and improved links to Lagos via the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and standard gauge railway are redefining Ibadan as a modern residential and commercial centre, once seen as a historical and academic city.
Property prices in the area are still much cheaper than that of Lagos. Three-bedroom homes cost an average of ₦20 million. In fact, the average price for these homes in Lekki is around ₦50 million. Ibadan’s increasing middle class, availability of land and major developments in Oluyole, Akobo and Alakia make it an investment hotspot. The rental returns are also good as remote workers and entrepreneurs shifted in-land for a desirable quality of life.
Key Drivers.
Better links and infrastructure projects
Population growth and new commercial estates.
Strong demand from commuters and middle-income earners.
- Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Smart and Sustainable City.
Uyo is regarded as Nigeria’s “model city” due to its organized spatial planning, cleanliness and modern amenities. Owerri is one of the most livable states in Nigeria while possessing e-governance policies. It is also fast becoming an investors’ delight.
In Uyo, property prices start from ₦10 million upwards for plots, attracting the attention of local developers and Nigerians in the diaspora. Due to the construction of new roads, improved electricity, and expansion of Victor Attah International Airport, urban growth is on the rise.
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Takers of the projects are mainly the young professionals with money as also the retirees looking for an energy-efficient lifestyle. Rental returns generally range from 8 to 10 per cent in Ewet Housing, Shelter Afrique, Osongama.
Key Drivers.
Excellent road and air connectivity.
Green housing developments and sustainability focus.
Diaspora investment and safety reputation.
- Enugu, Enugu State – The Eastern Economic Gateway.
Enugu, the Coal City, is transforming into a tech and tourism driven city and drawing developers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora to invest. The strong academic background, digital workforce and emerging technology start-up culture have resulted in its positioning as one of the most active real estate markets in southern Nigeria.
The continuous upgrading of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the emergence of modern residential estates like Golf Estate, Independence Layout and Thinkers Corner have pushed up property values in Enugu. Rents for new flats ranged between 600,000–1,000,000 ₦ per annum, while property values appreciates by as much as 12% per annum.
Key Drivers.
Tech and tourism growth.
High diaspora interest.
Quality infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.
- Asaba, Delta State – The Logistics and Trade Bridge.
Due to its location on the Niger River, which connects it to Onitsha via the Niger Bridge, Asaba continues to grow as a lively capital city. Also, the oil wealth of Delta State and the government investments in housing, transport and digital services has helped.
A duplex and a modern estate in Asaba sells for between ₦20–25 million, which is cheaper when compared to similar ones in Lagos. The second Niger Bridge, airport upgrades and industrial expansion along the Asaba corridor have all stimulated demand for property and speeds up returns for early investors
Key Drivers.
Strategic proximity to Onitsha market.
Thriving construction and trade sectors.
Upcoming tech and logistics opportunities.
- Owerri, Imo State – The Leisure and Business Hub.
The city of owerri is famous for its nightlife, its universities, and commerciality but is becoming one of the fastest-growing real estate microeconomies in Eastern Nigeria. The city is centrally located and rich in culture. This makes it ideal for residential investors and developers. Also, it will get more roads to Abia, Anambra, and Rivers.
Owerri’s rental market benefits from high student population, strong hospitality and emerging diaspora attraction. You can obtain affordable plots of land which can be your individual bungalow starting from ₦10–₦20 million in areas like World Bank Housing Estate and Port Harcourt Road. Many developers state yearly rental returns of 9–11%.
Key Drivers.
Expanding student and tourism-driven economy.
Growing infrastructure and commercial roads.
Mid-level housing demand with steady returns.
- Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Industrial and Cultural Magnet.
Abeokuta is one of the best places in Nigeria to invest in real estate due to its closeness to Lagos and booming industries. The new residential areas of Oke-Mosan and Laderin, as well as commercial zones and schools, are evolving. Abeokuta property is still cheap, and land prices are expected to rise by 10–15% yearly as more workers from Lagos relocate to the area for affordability and better quality of life.
Key Drivers.
Industrial and commercial expansion.
Affordable pricing and Lagos proximity.
Increasing diaspora and youth interest.
- Lekki–Epe Corridor, Lagos State – The Prime Suburban Boom.
Lekki–Epe corridor, even in Lagos itself is Nigeria’s most strategic development zone, home to mega projects like the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lekki free trade zone.
Because of these projects, infrastructure is vastly expanding, land is rapidly appreciating, and people are moving in by the thousands.
Properties on Epe and Ibeju-Lekki are still relatively cheap compared to inner Lagos. The early entry will be very profitable. Developers are hoping for 20-30% value growth in the next five years as more corporates and global companies get to set up offices.
Key Drivers.
Industrial megaprojects.
Rapid urban development.
There are many possibilities for business and housing.
- Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Rebirth of a Commercial Titan.
Port Harcourt is transforming itself from oil city into an expanding industrial and services centre. Projects designed to rejuvenate the government as well as energy diversification strategies have pushed property opportunities in places like Peter Odili Road, Eneka, and Ada-George. Investor demand remains strong in expatriate rental markets, while prices continue to appeal to middle-income investors.
Key Drivers.
Oil diversification and commercial renewal.
Expanding middle-class population.
Strong rental and corporate housing demand.
What’s Fueling Growth Across Emerging Cities.
Reasons for Success of some Cities Over others In Nigeria’s Real Estate Market
Enhancing connectivity built infrastructure of roads, airports, industrial park.
People are moving to cities more and the youth population is high. This will continue to keep demand for housing going across all categories.
Its affordability when compared to Lagos or Abuja in terms of land and construction cost.
People from Nigeria who live abroad are now investing in their hometowns to drive development.
Government incentives such as tax breaks and urban renewal policies attract developers to secondary cities.
Investment Outlook.
According to experts, Nigeria’s secondary cities will account for nearly 40 per cent of real estate market growth by 2030, up from 25 per cent in 2020. Properties in cities like Ibadan, Uyo and Enugu will appreciate by 7–10 per cent annually between 2025 and 2030, while that of Lagos will plateau below 6 per cent as saturation sets in.
Investors are facing a once in a generation opportunity wherein they could buy at low entry costs to benefit from a long-term value in urbanization and infrastructure.
Emerging cities are Nigeria’s next chapter of real estate boom, bringing together affordable yet accessible offers, innovative solutions and great returns on investment for sustainable urbanism for decades to come.