Affordable housing locations in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, is one of the most populous and most expensive cities to live in the country. The city offers several pricey and exquisite neighborhoods where one can live in and lately rent has surged by 80 to 100 percent in Lagos like other parts of the country.

Many residents, especially the low and middle wage earners now groan under the crushing weight of rent.

The Lagos House of ssembly even waded in by asking the state government to fully enforce the tenancy law of 2015 to tackle indiscriminate hike in rent.

In a motion during a plenary, member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency I, Sa’ad Olumoh, said there is a need to curb excessive rent increments that have worsened the housing crisis in the state.

He cited section 37 of the tenancy law which prohibits unreasonable rent hikes and provides legal recourse for tenants.

“Excessive increment of rents by landlords in Lagos state has led to the increase in homelessness,” Olumoh said.

Daily Trust reports that despite this challenge in Lagos, there are still neighborhoods that are affordable for the low and middle wage earners can rent houses. Some of them are highlighted below:

Ikorodu

Ikorodu is one of the outskirts of Lagos, but the area offers affordable rents. Though it is far from the city center, Ikorodu is easily accessible by road and water transport. The area has a wide range of housing options that are suitable for individuals, families, and businesses. Findings revealed that the cost of living in Ikorodu is lower when compared to other areas in Lagos. This has made it an attractive location for low income workers.

Agege

Considered as one of the most jam-packed areas, Agege still boasts neighborhoods with rent that is quite reasonable, including Iju-Ishaga.

There are also houses available for rent that are wallet-friendly, but it is difficult to guarantee safety in this region due to Agege’s long standing reputation as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods. Hard drug sales have historically been concentrated in Agege.

Agege is worth considering for rental accommodation. It has a growing population and boasts a wide range of residential buildings, from old houses to modern apartments. Accessibility to other parts of the city also makes Agege attractable to renters. Besides, Agege is known for its efficient transportation system, including its proximity to the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway which makes it easy for residents to travel to other parts of the city.

Alagbado

Located in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos, Alagbado relatively boasts of cheap housing options that are suitable for low earners.

The cost of living in Alagbado is relatively lower than many other areas in Lagos, which makes it an excellent choice for those who are budget conscious. It’s also well connected to other parts of the city, with good road networks and public transportation options available.

Findings showed that there are various house types in Alagbado, including apartments and flats. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Alagbado is usually between N200,000 to N300,000 per year, depending on the location and facilities available.

Egbeda

Egbeda is located in the Alimosho local government area of Lagos and it is another affordable area for rents in Lagos. Egbeda is close to the Ikeja business district and the Lagos State University. With this, residents have easy access to job opportunities and quality education.

The cost of rent in Egbeda varies depending on the type of accommodation and location. However, the average price of a two-bedroom apartment in Egbeda is between N300,000 and N400,000 per annum. The area is also developing and is fast becoming an urban centre in Lagos.

Ikotun/Igando

Another cheap area in Lagos to rent a home is Ikotun/Igando. This area is located in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. One of the advantages of living in Ikotun/Igando is its proximity to the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Alimosho General Hospital.

Housing options in Ikotun/Igando range from mini-flats to 2-bedroom apartments, making it ideal for small families or individuals on a tight budget. The area has several local markets where residents can get groceries and other household items at a cheaper rate.

Ojo

Renters can also consider Ojo as an option for affordable houses in Lagos. The area is still easily accessible from Lagos Island and the mainland. Ojo is home to a few higher education institutions, including the Lagos State University (LASU), which makes it a popular area for students.

Besides, Ojo has a few notable attractions, including the popular trade fair complex. This makes the area an attractive option for entrepreneurs and business people who are looking for affordable accommodations while attending the numerous events that take place there.

For the transportation system, Ojo has many bus routes that run through the area, which make it easy to access other parts of Lagos.

Mushin

Mushin is another most affordable neighborhood in Lagos. However, it is considered one of the most dangerous places to live and therefore, Mushin is not the location for newbies to Lagos.

It could be challenging to obtain a simple flat with the amenities a working-class Nigerian need in this region, which is frequently referred to as a ghetto. The area’s majority of structures are devoid of the necessities for survival.

Ajegunle

Ajegunle is another area known for being one of the cheapest to live in Lagos. It offers budget-friendly accommodation for those who need to keep living costs low. Despite its reputation as a working-class area, Ajegunle is rich in culture, vibrant street life, and close-knit communities. It is located in the Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government area of Lagos.

Rent in Ajegunle is significantly lower than in many other Lagos neighborhoods. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for between N200,000 and N300,000 annually.

“One’s reality is what is affordable.”

A real estate expert, Ganiyu Idris, told Daily Trust that people often misunderstand the idea of “affordable housing,” noting that affordability is relative.

“What I always emphasize is that people should live close to where they work. For instance, if you are renting a two-bedroom apartment in Ikorodu but working in Ikeja, it is better to rent a one-bedroom in Ikeja or somewhere nearby. By the time you factor in the stress and transportation cost from Ikorodu to Ikeja, the total amount would have gotten you a decent space around Ikeja or anywhere close,” he explained.

“If you live close to your workplace, you will definitely save more. The stress reduces, and you also have more time for your family and other things,” he added.

Idris blamed the high cost of rent on the hike in building materials cost.

The realtor said those involved in the real estate business in most cases provide access roads, security and other necessities which in many cases dictate the cost of rent.

He called for a mass housing scheme where all levels of Nigerians can benefit.

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