How Detty December is quietly creating Nigeria’s real estate gold rush

By : Gbenga Salako Davis

Date: 13 December 2025 7:04am WAT

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Davis, CEO, Hazel Crest Properties

Davis, CEO, Hazel Crest Properties

Every December, Nigeria bursts into colour, energy, and movement. Flights are fully booked, event centres overflow, and thousands of Nigerians abroad return home for what has now become a cultural tradition — Detty December. But beyond the concerts, weddings, and beach parties lies an economic engine driving billions into the economy.

For investors and property owners, this festive wave has become one of the biggest opportunities in Nigeria’s real estate calendar. Detty December isn’t just a celebration; it’s a season that reshapes the housing, rental, and commercial property markets in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond.

Detty December: From Social Trend To Economic Force Detty December, a once informal idea of “enjoyment season,” now represents a crucial period for Nigeria’s urban economy. It draws in millions of visitors—diaspora Nigerians, domestic travellers, and foreign tourists—creating a ripple effect across hospitality, short-term rentals, retail, and transport.

In December 2024, Lagos alone generated over ₦111 billion in tourism and hospitality revenue. Hotels made up about half of this figure, while short-term rentals contributed another ₦21 billion. Across the state, occupancy levels soared to around 90 to 95 per cent, the highest of any period in the year. This explosion of activity goes beyond luxury tourism. It speaks to how much real estate—especially rental properties—has become central to the festive experience. Families, friends, and returnees all want premium spaces to stay, host, or entertain, creating a perfect storm of demand.

Lagos: The Heart Of Festive Real Estate Nowhere captures the rhythm of Detty December like Lagos. The city welcomed roughly 1.2 million visitors in late 2024, with nearly 90 per cent of them being Nigerians returning from abroad. This migration reshapes the property landscape every December. Serviced apartments in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki that rent for ₦150,000 in regular months often double or triple in December. High-end villas charge as much as ₦500,000 per night, and most are booked weeks in advance. Many landlords temporarily move out, converting their homes into short-lets to cash in on the surge. But it’s not just about rentals. Every aspect of property—from cleaning to maintenance, logistics to security — operates at full capacity. Real estate agents say December’s income can equal that of an entire quarter, thanks to the diaspora and local visitors eager to enjoy the city in style.

Abuja, Port Harcourt: The Steady Performers While Lagos leads, Abuja and Port Harcourt have carved out their own niches in the festive real estate boom. Abuja’s Maitama, Wuse, and Asokoro districts host a stream of returning families, diplomats, and 1 event guests. Rents for serviced apartments rise by up to 40 per cent, and bookings stretch across weeks of weddings and year-end parties. In Port Harcourt, the oil city comes alive in December with reunions and high-profile gatherings. GRA and Trans-Amadi short-let properties record near 100 per cent occupancy, while hotels and lounges enjoy their busiest month. These cities prove that festive-driven real estate is not just a Lagos story—it’s a national one.

Calabar: Where Tourism Meets Real Estate Down south, Calabar showcases how cultural events can fuel real estate growth. The yearly Carnival in Calabar draws hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. During December 2024, hotel occupancy in the city reached nearly 90 per cent, with hospitality revenues exceeding ₦2.8 billion. Even small guesthouses and lodges were fully booked. This model highlights how secondary cities can turn tourism into long-term property value. Investors who position early—through guesthouses, boutique hotels, or well-furnished rentals—can consistently earn high seasonal returns.

The Diaspora Effect: Homecoming With Purpose Detty December is also a season of diaspora-driven investment. Each year, Nigerians abroad inject billions of naira into the economy, and a large portion of it finds its way into real estate. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission estimates that over ₦60 billion flowed into Nigeria during December 2024 alone.

For many returnees, the trip home isn’t just for leisure—it’s a time to inspect properties, buy land, or finalize ongoing construction. Developers have caught on to this trend, creating “Diaspora December” offers with flexible payment options and foreign-currency plans. Some report that up to 70 per cent of December sales come from returning Nigerians ready to invest while on ground.

How Investors Can Tap Into The December Boom Real Estate Investors can leverage Detty December’s demand in several practical ways: *Short-Let Apartments: Turn apartments into well-managed holiday homes. Offer 24-hour power, Wi-Fi, cleaning, and concierge services. Guests are willing to pay premium rates for comfort and safety.

*Serviced Hotels and Guesthouses: Boutique hotels or serviced apartments in emerging locations—like Lekki Phase 2, Ikeja, or Asokoro—can yield annual returns of 18–25% when operated professionally. *Event Venues: Weddings and concerts multiply in December. Well-located event halls or outdoor spaces can earn several times their regular rates.

*Commercial Real Estate: Pop-up stores and festive retail spaces thrive. Malls and landlords can rent temporarily to brands or SMEs targeting the holiday crowd.

*Land Banking: Areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Guzape are future hotspots. Smart investors use the December homecoming to sell land or identify undervalued parcels for development.

Managing The Challenges Of course, the festive rush brings its own challenges. Infrastructure in key cities is stretched thin. Traffic congestion, power costs, and inflated service prices can impact profitability. Inflation remains a major consideration, as Nigeria recorded over 34 per cent headline inflation at the end of 2024. Yet, investors who plan ahead and maintain operational discipline can still achieve strong profit margins.

Looking Ahead: From Festive Profits To Sustainable Growth Detty December continues to evolve—from a music-fueled social calendar to an economic ecosystem supporting entire industries. The real estate market, in particular, has proven to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.

As more Nigerians travel within and outside the country, the need for quality accommodation, event spaces, and managed properties will only grow.

The next phase for investors is to move beyond seasonal earnings. By upgrading infrastructure, partnering with hospitality platforms, and maintaining consistent service quality, real estate owners can turn December profits into year-round income.

Conclusion: Turning Celebration Into Strategy Detty December is more than just a season—it’s a signal. It reflects Nigeria’s growing middle class, diaspora connection, and the power of lifestyle-driven economics. For real estate stakeholders, the opportunity is clear: where there’s culture and celebration, there’s commerce.

Those who understand this cycle are not only renting out homes—they’re building wealth. As Nigeria dances its way through another December, wise investors are doing more than watching the fireworks. They’re quietly making property moves that will pay dividends long after the music stops.

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