Looking to save money on rent in Lagos? Discover practical tips to cut housing costs — from choosing affordable neighborhoods to negotiating rent, sharing apartments, and avoiding extra fees.
Rent in Lagos can take a huge chunk of your income, especially if you live or work in busy areas like Lekki, Ikeja, or Victoria Island. With the rising cost of living in Nigeria’s commercial capital, finding practical ways to cut down on rent is more important than ever.
Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or raising a family, here are simple and realistic strategies to save money on rent in Lagos.
1. Consider Living in Emerging Neighborhoods
Instead of renting an apartment in premium areas like Ikoyi or Lekki Phase 1, explore up-and-coming locations that are still affordable but growing fast. Areas like Abule Egba, Sangotedo, Ajah, Ikorodu, or Mowe offer cheaper rents while still providing decent infrastructure and accessibility.
Tip: Look for neighborhoods near major roads or BRT routes for easier commuting.
2. Get a Flatmate or Shared Apartment
One of the fastest ways to cut costs is to share an apartment. Many young professionals and students in Lagos already do this to split rent, utility bills, and maintenance costs.
You can find flatmate listings through:
- Facebook groups & WhatsApp communities
- Property listing platforms (e.g., PropertyPro, PrivateProperty, Nigeria Property Centre)
- Word of mouth through trusted friends.
Ensure you do proper background checks before committing to a shared space.
3. Pay for Longer Lease Periods (If You Can)
Many Lagos landlords prefer upfront payments — usually 1 or 2 years. If you’re financially capable, paying for a longer lease can give you leverage to negotiate a lower rent.
For example, offering 2 years upfront may get you a discount of 5–10%, which can save you hundreds of thousands of naira over time.
4. Negotiate Your Rent Confidently
Many tenants don’t realize that rents are negotiable. Before signing or renewing a lease:
Do your research on the average rent for similar properties in the area. Politely ask the landlord or agent if there’s room for adjustment.
Offer reasonable reasons like prompt payments, long-term stay, or referrals. A calm, respectful negotiation can go a long way in Lagos.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Agent and Agreement Fees
Some agents charge outrageous fees.
By law in Lagos: Agent fee should be around 10% of annual rent. Agreement & legal fees are usually 5–10% combined.
To save money: Work with trusted, registered agents.
Read all terms carefully. If possible, rent directly from landlords to skip middlemen charges.
6. Search for Rent Deals Online Early
Start your house hunt at least 2–3 months before your current rent expires. Rushing often leads to overpaying.
Use reliable property platforms to compare prices across different locations. Sometimes, you’ll find discounted listings or landlords offering incentives for quick tenants.
7. Opt for Smaller Spaces or Self-Contain Apartments
Instead of renting a 2-bedroom flat, consider a mini flat or self-contain, especially if you live alone. Smaller spaces mean lower rent, cheaper utility bills, Easier maintenance For many young professionals, this is a smart temporary step toward financial stability.
I think with these simple strategies I listed in this article, you can live comfortably in Lagos without draining your finances.
Conclusion
Saving money on rent in Lagos is absolutely possible, it just takes planning, flexibility, and smart negotiation. By choosing the right location, considering shared spaces, and making informed decisions, you can free up more cash for savings, investments, or daily living expenses.
This article covers the following topics below
- Lagos rent tips, how to reduce rent in Lagos
- Best places to live in Lagos on a budget
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