10 Tips To Choose The Best Flat In Nigeria

You just got to a new city in Nigeria, and you need a place to stay. After searching through several ads, you find several Flats which include; Bungalow, Duplex, Terraced Buildings, Mansion, Detached and Semi detached. but there is one problem, you don’t know which is the best flat.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Below are 10 tips to help you choose the best flat in Nigeria for you and your family.

Consider the Location of the Flat

Location is key when it comes to flats. You don’t want to be living in the heart of the city and paying through your nose for rent, nor do you want to be out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.

Think about what kind of environment you want to live in. Do you want to be in a lively, bustling area or a more relaxed, suburban setting? Narrow down your options by location and then start thinking about other factors like price and availability.

Get to Know the Security of the Area

When looking for a flat, it is important that you consider the security of the area. You wouldn’t want to live in an area that is prone to crime. Get to know the security of the area by talking to people who live there and also by doing your research online. There are websites that rate the security of different areas in Nigeria.

Check for Amenities Before You Buy

When you’re looking for a new place to live, the most important thing to check for are the amenities. And by that, we don’t just mean the basics like water and power, although those are obviously important.

We’re talking about all the little things that make life easier, like a gym or swimming pool on site or a supermarket and pharmacy close by. If you can find a place that has all of your must-haves, then you’re already one step ahead of the game.

So before you start looking at flats, make a list of all the amenities you need and want. That way, you can easily weed out any that don’t fit your requirements.

Visit at Different Times of the Day

Heading to the property for a viewing? It’s important to visit the flat at different times of the day, as this will give you a better idea of what life in the area is really like. When you view the flat, try to go during peak hours (evenings and weekends), as this will give you a better idea of traffic, noise levels, and any other external factors that may affect your decision.

It’s also crucial to ask questions about the building itself and its surroundings. Ask about local amenities such as grocery stores, public transport links, etc., and take note of how close they are to the flat. This can be especially useful if you’re considering living there long-term. While you’re there, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself to neighbors if possible; they’ll be able to provide you with more information on what it’s like living in the area. Last but not least, ask about any community events that may be planned for the future; this could potentially be a great way for you to make friends and get integrated into your new neighborhood!

Ensure the Flat Is Properly Inspected

Before you decide to rent a flat in Nigeria, it’s essential that you ensure it’s properly inspected. This way, you can spot any potential issues which might affect your tenancy agreement.

Begin by examining the interior and exterior of the flat, noting down any areas that need to be fixed. You should also ask the landlord if they’ve had a pest control service look at the unit for any signs of rodents or infestations.

Check for any plumbing issues like leaks, and take a look at all windows, doors, walls, and floors to make sure they’re in good condition. If there are any cracks in the walls or visible signs of water damage, make sure these are dealt with before signing the tenancy agreement.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that all electricals, including wiring, switches, and sockets, are safe and up to standard. Be sure to ask the landlord if an Electric Installation Certificate has been issued by a qualified electrician as per Nigerian regulations. Having this document will give you additional peace of mind when choosing your flat in Nigeria.

Research Your Future Neighbors

Doing your research on who your neighbors will be is one of the key tips to choosing the best flat in Nigeria. Knowing your neighbors can help you decide if the flat is right for you.

You should ask yourself how much traffic comes through, how noisy it gets, and how friendly the people living there are. You can also research the crime rate in that particular area and get an idea of what kind of security measures have been taken to protect tenants.

It’s also a smart idea to actually speak with some of the existing tenants before making a final decision. This will give you a chance to really get to know a bit more about what it’s like living there, and if there are any potential concerns you should consider.

Check for Any Hidden Costs

Renting a flat in Nigeria can be quite expensive, and beyond the basic rent, there might be some hidden costs that you should look out for. It’s important that you inquire about all of these costs before signing your lease agreement.

For example, you may have to pay a service charge or maintenance fee, which could include the repair and maintenance of common areas or building facilities. You may also have to pay a refundable security deposit to cover any damages that may occur while you are occupying the flat. Some landlords may also require additional payment for parking spaces or a rubbish collection fee.

So, make sure to ask your landlord about these potential costs before signing up for the flat. This would help ensure that there won’t be any unexpected charges when it’s time for you to move in or out of your new flat in Nigeria.

Take Into Consideration Noise Levels

Before committing to a flat, it’s important to take into consideration the noise levels of the neighborhood and within the building. For example, a flat near a nightclub may seem desirable but will be obviously loud late at night. Even if you don’t mind that party atmosphere, it might be disruptive for others in your flat or neighbors around you.

You should also look into whether there are any sources of construction noise or events like festivals that could occur nearby. If these events tend to be frequent, consider whether or not they would distract from your desired living situation.

Visiting potential flats during different times of day can help you get a better sense of noise levels and each building’s acoustic qualities. If possible, ask the current tenant about their experience with soundproofing, as this could make a big difference when selecting a flat in Nigeria.

Take Note of Transportation Options Nearby

When choosing a flat, it’s important to make sure there are transportation options nearby. Whether it’s public transportation like buses or trains or private services like taxis or ride-shares, having dependable ways to get around is an essential part of life.

Look at the different routes in the area and see how long it would take you to get from your flat to your work, school, or favorite places. Consider how often the routes are available and if they run late at night in case you have plans after work. Then factor in the cost of using whichever option you choose, the kind of budget that would be most suitable for you.

When touring the flat, ask the landlord about any other transportation options available, like bike rental services or shared electric scooters. This is because some cities now offer affordable fees for these services as well as discounts for regular commuters. Research local transportation options before signing a lease to ensure that they fit your needs and budget.

Estimate Monthly and Long-Term Costs

The last tip to help you choose the best flat in Nigeria is to estimate your monthly and long-term costs. Since your rental unit will likely be your primary residence, you should plan for potential costs down the road.

Start by adding up recurring expenses like rent, utilities, Internet, and cable. Be sure to also factor in additional costs such as parking fees, house supplies, furniture, and appliances.

You’ll also want to consider long-term costs, such as upgrades or repairs that may not be part of the initial lease agreement. You’ll also want to make sure that you factor in a moderate increase in rent each year, which is pretty common in transactions like this.

By carefully estimating all of your anticipated monthly and long-term costs upfront, you can budget accordingly and make sure that you’re able to afford the flat of your dreams at the right price!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are still unsure what to consider when choosing a flat in Nigeria, here are some of the most frequently asked questions that can help guide your decisions.

How much should I pay for a flat in Nigeria?

This will depend on the location and size of your flat, as well as the demand for flats in the area. An average flat in Nigeria is within 300,000 – 2,000,000 naira, depending on the state and area.

What amenities should I look for?

Consider how close it is to public transportation, grocery stores, and other services. You might also want to look at things like security, air conditioning, internet access, and a gym.

Is there an easy way to compare different flats?

Search online for comparison sites that can help you compare different flats and get the best deal.

Are there any additional fees or taxes I should be aware of?

Yes, make sure to read all the associated documents carefully before signing a contract so you know what you agree to.

Conclusion

So, whether you’re looking for your very own flat or you’re just curious about what to look out for, these 10 tips will come in handy. Keep them in mind, and you’re sure to end up with the best flat for you in no time!