If you’re planning to move to Nigeria or you already stay in Nigeria, you already know that finding the perfect accommodation can be a daunting task. 

The country itself is filled with vibrant cities that offer a range of housing options to suit any budget and lifestyle. From the bustling metropolis of Lagos to the modern capital city of Abuja, there are plenty of great places to call home. 

But with so many options to choose from, where do you start your search? 

In this article, we’ll explore the top cities in Nigeria for finding a 2-bedroom flat, considering factors such as affordability, convenience, and quality of life. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a trendy neighbourhood or a family in search of a quiet suburban community, there’s a Nigerian city that’s perfect for you. 

So, let’s dive in and discover the best cities in Nigeria to find your dream 2-bedroom flat!

Factors To Consider When Searching For A 2-Bedroom Flat In Nigeria

First, before picking out the cities, what factors should you look out for when considering getting a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria?

In basic terms, you have to ask yourself, “What do I want in a house?”. It’s best to get pretty specific with your choice. That way, you cut down the time spent going through numerous options; plus, you don’t get easily swayed by options presented by any real estate agents seeking to sell. 

When searching for a 2 bedroom flat in Nigeria, here are the top 4 factors that you should consider.

• LOCATION

The location you choose for your 2-bedroom flat is extremely important. You need to consider convenience for yourself (and your family). Is the apartment close enough to your place of work, school, hospital and other amenities? How close is the flat to the major roads for easy accessibility to public transport? How safe is the environment? Is the security up to your standard? Is the general neighbourhood lifestyle suitable for now and in years to come?

Depending on how your taste runs, you can also pay attention to the closeness of your flat to recreational facilities and commercial hubs.

• BUDGET

Your budget will also play a big role in the decision about your new home. Choosing a 2 bedroom flat should not lead to you breaking the bank. 

A general rule of thumb to determine how much you can afford for your rent is that it should not be more than 30% of your annual income.   

So, if you earn ₦1.8M per year, your rent should be around or less than ₦540,000 annually.

Note that this rule is not a one-size-fits-all advice.

If you live in an area that is quite affordable, it would be wrong to pass up an area that is 10% or 2o% of your gross income. On the other hand, it would be hard to stick to a 30% rule if you live in an expensive area.

In addition to your annual rent, make sure to factor in other expenses that you might incur because of your rental or buying choices. Some of these factors could be utilities, maintenance, and security.

• SIZE AND LAYOUT

The size and layout of your 2-bedroom flat are also important; especially if you have a family. You want to consider the number of bathrooms, backyard size, living room space etc. You should also consider the layout of the flat and how it will fit your lifestyle.

1. AMENITIES 

Lastly, you should consider the amenities that are available in the building. Would you like a swimming pool, playground, or gym? 

By taking these factors into account, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria.

Best Areas In Nigeria’s Top Cities To Find A 2-Bedroom Flat.

• LAGOS

Lagos is one of the most popular cities in Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture and fast-paced lifestyle. Sometimes, it’s called the Las Vegas of Nigeria. True to the fast-paced activities shouldering the city, it is a bit challenging to live in Lagos; especially if you’re new to the hustle and bustle of a new city.

Before we dive into the areas where you can get the best 2-bedroom flats in Lagos, here are some pros and cons of living in Lagos:

PROS

• Culture: With a brimming population of almost 15 million people, Lagos City is a blend of rich cultures and history. Originally the starting point of the British colonisation, the city draws to itself the best of the best. With plenty of museums, art galleries, theatres, carnivals and festivals, there are numerous things to explore. 

1. Entertainment: From Owambe parties to the never-sleeping nightclubs and fancy restaurants that serve indigenous cuisines, there is never a dull moment in Lagos. 
2. Business Opportunities: Due to innovation, rapid infrastructure development and consistent foreign investments pumped into the city, Lagos has remained the economic hub of Nigeria. Subsequently, business opportunities are being readily made available for professionals, entrepreneurs and even fresh graduates.

CONS

• Traffic: Can we talk about Lagos without mentioning the notorious traffic jams? Hardly! The direct consequence of such a large population is congestion on the road; which makes getting around the city a challenge.
• Cost Of Living: Compared to other states in Nigeria, the cost of living in Lagos is relatively high; especially when it comes to housing and transportation. 
• Crime: Although Lagos is generally safe, crime can be a concern in certain areas of the city.

AREAS TO CONSIDER IN LAGOS

• Ikoyi

This is one of the most upscale areas of Lagos, known for its luxurious apartments and high-end shops and restaurants.

• Victoria Island

Another upscale area of Lagos, Victoria Island is known for its beautiful waterfront views and modern amenities.

• Lekki

Located at the west of Victoria Island, Lekki is a quieter and more suburban area that is popular with families.

The cost of living in Lagos varies depending on the area you choose and the type of flat you’re looking for. On average, a 2-bedroom flat in Lagos can cost anywhere from ₦700,000 to ₦5,000,000 per year for rent. If you’re looking to purchase a flat, there are several options at Camberwall Advantage 3 and Camberwall Advantage 5; a development by Veritasi Homes.

• ABUJA

Abuja is the geographical centre of Nigeria and is known for its modern infrastructure and high standard of living. The city houses an abundance of commercial hubs and as such, is a popular destination for professionals and expats, with plenty of job opportunities and cultural attractions. Due to its large diplomatic presence, Abuja boasts of several countries embassies and consulates.

Before we dive into the areas you can get the best 2-bedroom flats in Abuja, here are some pros and cons of living in this city:

PROS

1. Infrastructure: Abuja is known for its modern infrastructure, with well-maintained roads, public transportation, and other amenities.
2. Safety: The city is known for its relative safety compared to some other Nigerian cities, providing a secure environment for residents.
3. Culture: Abuja has a rich cultural scene that serves the different lifestyles for its residents. From museums and theatres, galleries, exquisite cuisines and other cultural attractions to explore, nothing is limited in this 24-hour operating city.

CONS

1. Cost of Living: Living in Abuja can be relatively expensive, especially in upscale neighbourhoods where property prices and rents tend to be higher.
2. Weather:  Being in the North, the city experiences extreme weather conditions; with hot and humid temperatures during the dry seasons and heavy rainfall during the wet seasons.
3. Bureaucracy: Dealing with bureaucracy and government processes can sometimes be challenging due to the concentration of government institutions in Abuja.

AREAS TO CONSIDER IN ABUJA

These are some of the best areas for finding a 2-bedroom flat in Abuja:

1. Maitama:  

This is one of the most upscale areas of Abuja, known for its luxurious apartments and high-end shops and restaurants.

1. Asokoro: 

Another upscale area of Abuja, Asokoro is known for its beautiful parks and gardens and quiet suburban streets.

1. Gwarinpa: 

Located on the outskirts of Abuja, Gwarinpa is a quieter and more affordable area that is popular with families.

The cost of living in Abuja varies depending on the area you choose and the type of flat you’re looking for. On average, a 2-bedroom flat in Abuja can cost anywhere from ₦1,500,000 to ₦6,000,000 per year.

• OTHER CITIES TO CONSIDER

While Lagos and Abuja are the most popular cities for finding a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria, there are several other cities that can give you premium value for your money. Here are three other cities to consider:

1. Port Harcourt 

Located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Port Harcourt is the oil hub of Nigeria. The bustling city has a growing economy, a system of innovation and plenty of job opportunities. It is known for its beautiful waterfront views and vibrant nightlife; thus, getting a comfortable 2-bedroom flat is certain to place you on that social scene.

1. Enugu 

Known as the “coal city,” Enugu is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, as well as its thriving arts and entertainment scene. The cost of living is significantly lower when placed side-by-side with Lagos and Abuja. It also has a growing real estate market that offers affordable options for 2-bedroom flats since its market is barely saturated.

1. Ibadan

Located in southwestern Nigeria, Ibadan is a large and diverse city with a rich history and culture. Specially recognized for its beautiful architecture and vibrant street markets, the city of Ibadan is a good choice if you fancy a serene lifestyle. Providing a mix of affordability and urban amenities, there are a range of neighborhoods where you can find comfortable and cheap 2-bedroom flats.

When looking for a 2-bedroom flat in these cities, make sure to consider the same factors as you would in Lagos or Abuja, including location, budget, size and layout, and amenities.

How To Find The Best Deals On 2-Bedroom Flats In Nigeria

When searching for a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria, it’s important to be meticulous in your research and look around for the best deals before making that payment. Here are some tips for getting the best deals:

1. Use online resources: 

Several online resources can help you find 2-bedroom flats in Nigeria. Property listing websites such as PropertyPro or Nigeria Property Centre can give you an idea of the price ranges of certain properties that catch your fancy, where to find them and accompanying pictures to help you make a decision. 

Social media platforms are also great places to find apartments that are up for sale or rent.

1. Work with a real estate agent: 

If you are new to a house hunt, getting a real estate agent to help you find the best deals is a wise step. They usually have a wide range of properties you can choose from, they can act as a middleman between you and the property sellers, and effectively negotiate a deal that favors you.

1. Be flexible: 

As much as you might have a long list of amenities your desired flat should have, the precise location it should be situated at and even the layout of the place, chances are that you might not get all your desired qualities in one apartment.

If you’re willing to be flexible on location or amenities, you may be able to find a better deal.

1. Negotiate: 

When you eventually find a 2-bedroom flat that you really like, don’t be afraid to negotiate on the rent or other terms of the lease. Some landlords may be willing to make concessions in order to secure a tenant.

Renting Vs. Buying A 2-Bedroom Flat In Nigeria

When searching for a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria, you may be wondering whether it’s better to rent or buy. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

RENTING

1. Flexibility: Renting a 2-bedroom flat gives you more flexibility to move around and explore different areas of Nigeria.
2. Lower upfront costs: Renting typically requires lower upfront costs than buying an apartment. You wouldn’t have to worry about a down payment, recurring payments or other fees.
3. Less responsibility: When you rent a 2-bedroom flat, major maintenance and repairs are typically handled by the landlord.

BUYING

1. Long-term investment: Buying a 2-bedroom flat can be a long-term investment that can provide financial stability and security.

Find out other ways to make real estate investments HERE (this blog post is yet to be published)

1. Sense of ownership: Owning your own apartment gives you that sense of ownership and control over your living space
2. Potential for appreciation: The real estate market in Nigeria is fairly young but has been growing at a massive rate. This means that your 2-bedroom flat could appreciate over time.

Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria will depend on your personal preferences and financial situation.

Conclusion

Finding a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria requires careful consideration of the various factors listed above. Whether you decide to rent or buy, ensure you ALWAYS weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that aligns with your CURRENT NEEDS and FUTURE PLANS. 

With the right research and guidance, guess who’s going to be having a comfortable and enjoyable living experience in Nigeria?

That’s right! You are!

Best of luck!