With Nigeria’s famous “Detty December” season fast approaching, the nation’s real estate sector is witnessing renewed momentum, as industry stakeholders intensify efforts to sanitise the business environment in line with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) initiatives.
The goal is to ensure safer investments, particularly for Nigerians in the diaspora returning in large numbers for the festive season.
While Lagos remains West Africa’s most lucrative property hub, attention is shifting to the Lekki–Epe Expressway corridor, where massive infrastructure projects are reshaping the market.
Ibeju-Lekki and Epe are at the epicentre of this boom, driven by developments such estates as located opposite the upcoming International Airport and along the Eleko Beach Road leading to the Dangote Refinery.
These prime sites are drawing strong interest from diaspora investors, who account for nearly 80 per cent of transactions this season.Newspaper subscription bundles
Industry analysts said the current tight financing climate is pushing more buyers toward off-plan deals and flexible payment plans.
Harmony Gardens and Estate Development Ltd. has been quick to take advantage of this shift, introducing innovative products such as the Harmony Renewed Hope Mortgage System and the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, which offer single-digit interest rates with tenors of up to five years.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Garden and Estate Development Ltd. Hon. (Dr.) Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa, said the company’s mission goes beyond selling property.
“We are not just selling houses; we are building communities that blend urban living with neighbourhood charm,” he said.
“Our seven developing estates, which we call The Seven Citadels of Joy (Ogba-Idunnu), are designed to bridge the housing gap with genuine land in prime locations, coupled with affordable and flexible payment structures.”
He said .arket data for 2025 shows that prices in the Lekki Epe axis remain stable, particularly in premium enclaves such as Asake Cottages and GranVille Cinema.
According to him, many of these come with Rent-to-Own options, 60-month repayment tenors under the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, or up to 30 years under the Harmony Renewed Hope plan in partnership with the Federal Government’s Federal Mortgage Bank.
“The December festive period also coincides with a surge in Lagos’ short-let market, as the influx of tourists, international visitors, and returning diaspora families pushes up rental yields in high-demand areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki. Harmony Gardens’ estates, located within a 25-minute drive of these hubs, are increasingly appealing to investors seeking strong holiday-season returns,” he said.
Beyond location, Mosadoluwa noted that buyers are becoming more discerning, with growing interest in issues such as title verification, flood risk, drainage, energy efficiency, and construction quality.
He said the company’s 1,300-hectare portfolio of verified, titled land has positioned it as a trusted name for value-driven investors.
“Our developments are moving toward greener, more energy-efficient designs because we know today’s buyer is thinking about long-term asset protection, not just immediate profit,” Mosadoluwa added.
With the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the new Lekki–Epe International Airport set to drive further growth, experts predict that property values in the corridor will continue to appreciate. And with “Detty December” just weeks away, the race for a slice of Ibeju-Lekki and Epe’s property future is firmly underway.
