Proptech! Remember when booking a hotel in Nigeria meant physically going there to ask for the price? Or when finding a house meant walking under the sun with an agent for three weeks?
Welcome to 2025. The game has changed.
Technology (Proptech) is not just a buzzword anymore; it is reshaping how we rent, buy, and live in Nigerian real estate. Whether you are an investor looking for the next boom or a tenant tired of the “old school” wahala, you need to pay attention to these trends.
1. The Rise of “Monthly Rent” Apps
The biggest pain point in Nigeria has always been the bulk rent. Paying ₦3 million upfront for a year is tough on cash flow.
Enter Proptech startups like Rent Small Small, Spleet, and others. They are using technology to vet tenants (checking creditworthiness and employment) and in return, allowing monthly or quarterly payments.
- For Tenants: Better cash flow. You don’t need to break your savings.
- For Landlords: Lower default rates. It’s easier for a tenant to pay ₦200k monthly than find ₦2.4m at once.
- Trend: At NellyAni Properties, we are seeing more landlords open to structured payment plans for verified tenants.
2. Smart Homes: Not Just for “Big Men” Anymore
A “Smart Home” in Lagos used to mean just having an automated gate. Now, it’s about efficiency and survival. With electricity tariffs increasing (Band A customers, we see you!), technology is essential for cost-saving.
What buyers in 2025 are demanding:
- Inverter-Ready Wiring: Buyers don’t want to start breaking walls to install solar. They want plug-and-play.
- Smart Metering: Apps that track exactly how much power you are using so you aren’t cheated by estimated billing.
- Remote Access: Being able to check your CCTV from your phone while you are at work (or in London) is no longer a luxury; it’s a security necessity.
3. The “Short-Let” Goldmine
The “Short-Let” (Airbnb) market in Lagos saw a massive 200% surge recently. Why?
- Diaspora Returnees: When family visits from the US/UK for “Detty December,” they prefer a fully furnished apartment in Lekki over a hotel. It feels like home.
- Remote Work: Tech workers need a workspace with guaranteed 24/7 power and Starlink internet.
- The Numbers: A standard 2-bedroom rental might fetch ₦5m/year. That same apartment, furnished as a short-let, could generate ₦12m to ₦15m/year (if managed well).
Warning: Managing a short-let is a full-time job (cleaning, guest complaints, diesel management). Don’t jump in unless you have a property manager!
4. Virtual Tours & AI Valuation
Can’t make it to the inspection? Virtual Reality (VR) tours are becoming standard. You can now “walk” through a property in Banana Island while sitting in a cafe in Abuja. Also, AI tools are helping buyers know the real value of a property. Instead of guessing, data-driven platforms analyze recent sales in the street to tell you if that ₦150m asking price is fair or inflated.
5. Green Building is the Future
Sustainable architecture is finally arriving. It’s not just about saving the planet; it’s about dealing with Nigerian heat.
- Vertical Gardens: Cooling down buildings naturally.
- Large Windows & Cross-Ventilation: Reducing the need to run the AC 24/7.
- Solar Communities: Entire estates running on mini-grids, independent of the national grid.
How to Position Yourself
- If you are selling: Upgrade your property. A unit with Solar installed sells 40% faster than one without.
- If you are investing: Look for developments that integrate these technologies. “Dumb” buildings will lose value; Smart buildings will appreciate.
The NellyAni Advantage
We pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge. Whether it’s offering virtual tours for our diaspora clients or advising investors on converting properties to high-yield short-lets, we speak the language of the future.
Curious about investing in a Smart Home? Check out our new Tech-Enabled Listings or Contact us to discuss upgrading your real estate portfolio.
