Let’s begin with a timeless proverb: “Those who’ve never experienced the painstaking labor of cracking palm kernels can hardly fathom the arduous journey of house hunting in Nigeria.” Finding the perfect home in Nigeria can be a Herculean task.
Those who’ve inherited properties or never ventured beyond the comforts of their childhood homes often underestimate the daunting challenges that accompany the quest for suitable housing in this country. The unvarnished truth is that the demand for housing in Nigeria consistently outstrips its supply. It’s not unusual for a property you have your eye on to be snatched up by another eager tenant in the blink of an eye, leaving you disheartened. Many a time, you may discover a dream apartment, agree on the rent with the agent or landlord, only to return and find that someone else swooped in with a higher offer and clinched the deal. It can be a heart-wrenching experience!
As I embarked on my own house-hunting journey in Nigeria, I became quite the expert. You’ll surely empathize with this sentiment after dealing with a slew of so-called “estate agents,” greasing their palms with recharge cards, and covering their transportation expenses, only to be led down a dead-end road, where they then pass you off to another colleague.
What left me utterly amazed during my house-hunting adventures was a recurring question posed by these agents and landlords. Before engaging in any meaningful conversation, they would often inquire about my place of origin. You didn’t need to be a trained psychologist to deduce from their expressions whether or not the apartment would be available to you. It’s hard to believe, but blatant tribalism is a stark reality for many. If I had the choice, I’d prefer not to live in the same compound as my landlord or landlady because, more often than not, it leads to constantly having to bow and scrape before them. Even though you’re the one paying the rent, you’ll always be reminded of who holds the keys to the house. Of course, there are compassionate and reasonable landlords and landladies out there, but the haughty ones likely inherited their properties. Through personal experience, I’ve learned that it’s best to maintain some distance between yourself and your landlord or landlady, as well as their family if you happen to share the same compound.
Thankfully, there’s a glimmer of hope with the enactment of the Tenancy Law by the Lagos state government, which seems to have brought some semblance of order to the rental market. We can only hope that this initiative will evolve to regulate the activities of the burgeoning “Estate Agent” industry, where unscrupulous characters often operate. The Tenancy Law should also bring clarity to certain gray areas, such as whether landlords are allowed to charge miscellaneous fees like “agreement” and “commission” when renting a property directly from them.
Furthermore, it would be beneficial if the National Assembly stepped in with nationwide legislation that covers the entire expanse of Nigeria.
The much-anticipated mortgage system has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s housing sector if executed effectively. We eagerly await seeing these promises translate into action.
I’d like to express my deep gratitude for the ingenious concept behind www.delasokproperties.com. This website promises to alleviate the struggles of prospective house hunters, providing a one-stop-shop that caters to the needs of tenants, estate agents, investors, and landlords alike, making the housing search a seamless and more enjoyable experience.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What are some common challenges of house hunting in Nigeria?
A1: House hunting in Nigeria often involves fierce competition, with properties getting snatched up quickly. Additionally, some landlords may display tribalistic tendencies, and tenants may find it necessary to maintain a distance to avoid unnecessary complications.
Q2: Is there any legislation addressing the issues in the Nigerian rental market?
A2: Yes, the Lagos state government has enacted a Tenancy Law to bring order to the rental market, and there are hopes for nationwide legislation in the future.
Q3: How can I make my house-hunting experience in Nigeria more manageable?
A3: Consider using online platforms like www.delasokproperties.com, a one-stop-shop that simplifies the process for tenants, estate agents, and landlords, making the housing search more seamless.
Summary: House hunting in Nigeria presents a unique set of challenges, from intense competition for available properties to the complexities of dealing with landlords and estate agents. This article has delved into the intricacies of this process, highlighting the impact of the Lagos state Tenancy Law in bringing some order to the market. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining distance from landlords or landladies, given the potential for tribalism. However, there is hope on the horizon with the possibility of nationwide legislation and the promising potential of a more accessible mortgage system.
Additionally, www.delasokproperties.com offers a solution to alleviate the struggles of prospective house hunters. This one-stop platform caters to the needs of tenants, estate agents, investors, and landlords, promising a more seamless and enjoyable housing search experience. With these insights and resources, navigating the challenging terrain of house hunting in Nigeria can become a more manageable and efficient process.
