Accommodation in Lagos

Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, and it has also earned a reputation as one of the world’s most expensive places to live. The city is full of contrasts, with the ultra-rich living in lavish mansions, while many Nigerians face a more modest standard of living. If you’re planning to live here, finding accommodation that balances quality and affordability may take some time and effort.

As a foreigner, buying property in Nigeria is uncommon due to government regulations. Most expats, like yourself, will likely rent apartments or houses, with your employer often assisting in arranging accommodation and managing the leasing logistics.

Areas and suburbs in Lagos

When you’re looking for a place to stay in Lagos, it’s good to know that the city is divided into the mainland and several islands, which are connected by bridges over the Lagos Lagoon. Expats tend to favour areas on the islands, such as Victoria Island and Ikoyi, which are known for their comfort, security, and proximity to key amenities. If you’re on a tighter budget, there are also more affordable options on the mainland.

The mainland offers lively districts like Yaba, Ikeja, and Surulere, each with its own local flavour. Ikeja, in particular, is highly sought after for its upscale homes and commercial opportunities. If you’re after a more lively and youthful atmosphere, Yaba is the tech heart of Lagos, drawing in professionals and students alike.

Read more about the Best (and worst) Areas and Suburbs in Lagos.

Types of accommodation in Lagos

When choosing where to live in Lagos, you’ll find a diverse range of housing options to suit your lifestyle. Popular types of accommodation include apartments, duplexes, townhouses, terraced homes, and bungalows. These are often found in gated complexes, providing added security and convenience, which are key concerns for expats.

If you live in one of the city’s compounds, you may notice a degree of separation from local life, as these housing communities are frequently insular. The majority of expat compounds and apartments are concentrated in areas like Victoria Island and Ikoyi, where you’ll also find most international schools.

Safety should be a key consideration when picking your home in Lagos. Many gated communities provide 24-hour security with guards, CCTV, and controlled access. In addition to security, many complexes also feature amenities like gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools, and even wireless internet, which adds to the convenience of living in these areas.

Finding accommodation in Lagos

Finding accommodation in Lagos can feel daunting, especially with the city’s fast-paced growth. For many expats, your employer will likely arrange your housing, and some companies even own properties specifically for their expat employees. This often means living in secure, gated communities or compounds, where safety and convenience are top priorities.

If your employer doesn’t provide your accommodation, it’s wise to enlist the help of a real estate agent or a relocation specialist. These professionals can guide you through the house-hunting process and help you find the best areas to suit your needs.

Online property portals like Private Property Nigeria and Nigeria Property Centre are also handy tools for assessing what’s available and the market's going rates.

Useful links

• Private Property Nigeria
• Nigeria Property Centre

Renting accommodation in Lagos

Renting accommodation in Lagos can be a significant investment, especially with the city’s high cost of living. Carefully review your rental contract, understand the payment terms, and establish clear communication with your landlord.

Rental costs can vary widely depending on the area, with expat-friendly neighbourhoods like Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki commanding higher prices due to their modern amenities and proximity to international schools and businesses.

Making an application

Applying for accommodation in Lagos often involves a negotiation process. It’s typical to start by making an offer below the asking price and negotiate details like included utilities or maintenance responsibilities. It’s essential to work out these terms upfront, as landlords may be more flexible than the initial offer suggests. Be prepared to provide references and, in some cases, proof of employment as part of the application process.

Leases, costs and fees

Most landlords in Lagos require tenants to sign a lease for one to three years. While shorter lease terms, such as monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly agreements, are available, they are less common and tend to come with higher rent. Long-term leases provide more stability and may even offer some room for negotiation on rent or included services.

Leases should outline essential terms, including notice periods, termination clauses, and rules around rent increases. Rent in Lagos is typically reviewed annually, with increments negotiated as part of the contract. It’s a good idea to clarify who is responsible for utilities and repairs – tenants usually handle internal maintenance, while landlords manage external and infrastructural issues.

One of the more challenging aspects of renting in Lagos is the high upfront payments required by landlords. It’s not unusual for landlords to demand a year or even two years’ rent in advance. This practice stems from the high demand for quality housing and the tradition of securing tenancy with large lump sums.

Read Accommodation in Nigeria for more rental processes in the country.

Utilities in Lagos

As a tenant, you will generally bear the costs for utilities as well as internal repairs on the property. Landlords are responsible for external and infrastructural repairs but rarely much else. It’s essential to understand what to expect regarding utility availability and costs, as these may differ from what you’re used to in other countries.

Electricity

Electricity in Lagos is notoriously unreliable, with daily power outages lasting anywhere from 1 to 11 hours. Many households experience an average of five hours of outages daily, making backup solutions necessary. Most expats and residents rely on petrol or diesel generators as a backup, while solar power is increasingly popular due to its lower long-term costs.

Backup generators come in various capacities depending on your needs. Petrol generators are commonly used for basic household power, but diesel generators are more efficient for larger homes. Solar systems offer a greener alternative but require a larger upfront investment.

When the lights are on, prepaid electricity meters are widely available and allow you to monitor and control your electricity usage. You can top up your meter via mobile apps or local vendors, providing flexibility in managing your consumption.

Gas

In Lagos, gas for cooking is typically supplied through bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, although some newer estates offer centralised gas systems. Bottled gas is readily available, with numerous retailers and delivery services operating across the city.

It’s important to handle gas cylinders with care, storing them in well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight. Lagos authorities have implemented strict safety regulations to reduce the risk of gas explosions and ensure safe usage. Regular gas cylinder and pipe inspections are recommended to ensure everything is in working order.

Water

The water supply in Lagos is often unreliable, and most residents do not have access to treated piped water. Instead, you will likely rely on alternative sources like boreholes and wells, or purchasing water from vendors. Interruptions in the water supply are common, so many households install water tanks to ensure a continuous supply for daily use.

Drinking tap water in Lagos is generally unsafe due to contamination risks. It’s highly recommended that you either invest in a reliable filtration system or purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking. Many expats opt for point-of-use water filters or larger reverse osmosis systems for their homes to ensure their water is safe to consume.

Installing a water tank can help manage water supply interruptions. Water tanks come in a range of sizes, typically between 110 and 1,100 gallons (500L to 5,000L). These tanks provide a backup during outages and can be installed on the property, either underground or aboveground, depending on the availability of space in your yard. 

Bins and recycling

Waste collection in Lagos is handled by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), but the service can be inconsistent depending on where you live. You’ll likely need to arrange private waste collection services through a LAWMA-approved provider.

Recycling in Lagos is still in its early stages, with limited participation across the city. There are no formal requirements for separating recyclables from general waste, but some households do separate paper, plastics, and metals.

Internet

When it comes to the internet in Lagos, there are several providers to choose from, each offering varying levels of speed, reliability, and pricing. The most popular and reliable providers include MTN, Airtel, Spectranet, and ipNX, with newer options like Starlink also entering the market.

Speeds from these providers can range from 10 Mbps to 150 Mbps, depending on the plan and location. MTN and Airtel offer good coverage with 4G and 5G services, while providers like Spectranet and ipNX are known for their fast fibre-optic connections.

It’s always a good idea to have a backup option in Lagos, especially given the potential for outages. Mobile data is a great alternative, with providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo offering affordable, reliable mobile broadband. Mobile data is a convenient solution when your main internet connection goes down.