In 2023, most Nigerian first-time buyers were over 40. But 2025 is flipping the trend.
Data from Nigeria Property Centre shows that 43% of property enquiries in Q2 2025 came from buyers under 35. What changed?
This article breaks it down and explains how young Nigerians are pulling it off.
Table of Contents
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Why It’s Happening
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Where They’re Buying
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How They’re Funding It
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Risks and Realities
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My Advice If You’re Under 35
1. Why It’s Happening
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Remote work income: Many work for US and UK startups, earning in dollars.
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Diaspora transfers: Parents abroad are pushing their children to buy early.
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Fear of rent inflation: Lagos and Abuja rents have jumped 24% in the last 12 months.
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Proptech access: Apps like Spleet, SmallSmall, and MyPropFolio allow fractional investment from ₦500,000.
2. Where They’re Buying
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Epe: Land still sells for ₦10k–₦15k/sqm. Perfect for long-term flips.
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Mowe–Ofada: Many young families are choosing this Lagos–Ibadan corridor.
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Abuja satellite towns: Kuje and Lugbe top the list.
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Short-let zones: Millennials who do Airbnb prefer Lekki Phase 1, Asokoro, Wuse 2.
3. How They’re Funding It
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Savings from tech/remote jobs
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Co-buying with siblings
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Crowdfunding real estate cooperatives
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Using fintech apps like Risevest or Bamboo for long-term savings, then withdrawing for land
4. Risks and Realities
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Lack of land documentation
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No real financial education
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Fraudulent agents targeting first-time buyers
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Overbuilding in fringe areas with poor roads or no title
5. My Advice If You’re Under 35
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Start small. A plot in Mowe or Epe is a solid first step.
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Use only verified agents or registered platforms.
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Get legal help before paying for anything.
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Don’t follow trends. Follow numbers.
