Godwin ShaibuAre you in Lagos or planning to relocate here and want to rent a house on the Mainland but need help figuring out what to expect regarding rent prices? No worries, Prime Business Africa has got you covered.
We recently analysed some of the best places to live on the Mainland, which is a great starting point for your house-hunting journey. Make sure to check out that article first here (don’t worry, we’ll be here when you get back).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelChecked it out? Great! By now, you should have a general idea of those areas and may even have a location interest in mind. Now, let’s get into the specifics and provide you with everything you need to know about the house rent in Lagos Mainland.
Ready to find out? Let’s dive in!
What to Expect When It Comes to House Rent on Lagos Mainland
House-hunting in Lagos Mainland is not always an easy thing to do with the options available. It largely depends on you, your budget, and what your expectations are. As a general aid, here are a few things to expect when it comes to house rent on the Mainland:
Affordability
With the rush to live in Lagos, you’d expect the prices of house rents to skyrocket, but then, on the Mainland, you can find decent prices that would cater to your budget and needs. Also, it’d interest you to know that the cost of housing here is relatively affordable compared to Lagos Island, making it more attractive to renters.
Variation in Prices
As much as affordability is guaranteed on the mainland, the rents of houses in every location are not the same. Some areas tend to cost more than others. For example, areas with luxury apartments like Ikeja GRA or those closer to business hubs like Yaba can cost more than those far from the city’s centre, such as Agege, Alimosho, etc.
Upfront Payments
Well, this is not exactly peculiar to just Lagos Mainland, but hey, we’re not leaving any part of what you should expect when house hunting in Lagos Mainland out. Many landlords request at least one year’s rent upfront. You’ll also need to factor in and plan for other additional costs, such as agent fees and legal charges. The cheat code, though, is to find a trusted agent who wouldn’t swindle you during house hunting because there is quite a number on Lagos Mainland, so shine your eyes.
Increasing Demand
This is very essential to spur you to immediate action. Lagos is a populous city, and the population keeps rising. This can lead to an increase in the demand for housing on the Mainland and contribute to an increase in rental costs. You might be shocked that you’ll negotiate and arrive at a fixed price of house rent with an agent, spend about two months to gather the money, and return to find a massive increase in the initial fixed price.
Sometimes, it’s not the agent trying to swindle you; it’s just what to expect from one of Nigeria’s most sought-after cities, so avoid spending too much time on your decision to rent a house on Lagos Mainland, especially when you find a price that works with your budget.
Popular Areas to Rent on Lagos Mainland
If you read our earlier piece on the best places to rent on Lagos Mainland, then you should already know some of these areas. Wait, you didn’t? That’s fine. Here’s the link again.
Now Lagos Mainland is home to several residential areas, each with its unique appeal. Whether you seek a quiet or a happening (bubbling) environment, there’s a place for you on Lagos Mainland. Let’s start with the city’s capital, Ikeja.
1. Ikeja
In Ikeja, you are at the centre of affairs; you are close to business areas, recreational centres, and excellent infrastructure. But the rent here, especially in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), can be quite high, but then when you consider the quality of housing and amenities, they justify the cost; after all, luxury comes at a price. We’ll provide a breakdown of the rent prices depending on the kind of house you are opting for later in this post, so don’t stop reading yet.
2. Yaba
Yaba will always make it to our list, because why not? Remember when we said you can find everything from a quiet neighbourhood to a bubbling one on Lagos Mainland? Well, we had Yaba in mind. If you want a peaceful area, then areas like Adekunle, Alagomeji, or Fola Agora are for you. Ebute Metta and Sabo, on the other hand, are available to offer you vibrancy if that’s what you seek. Yaba also offers relatively affordable housing compared to Ikeja.
3. Agege
Agege provides you with budget-friendly housing options to choose from. Although not as luxurious as Ikeja or even Yaba, you have access to easy transportation, and it is a bustling area where you can enjoy city life. There are also decent estates like Maple Estate and County Estate Pen Cinema, among others, that can offer you a desirable residential living condition. In Agege, you are close to schools, hospitals, and malls, so you can easily get what you want.
Fun fact about Agege? Well, it is renowned for its unsliced bread, which became popular a long time ago because of its soft texture and long shelf life. At first, it did not have a name, but people loved it. As it gained popularity, people started calling it Agege Bread, and today, Agege Bread is sold everywhere in Lagos.
4. Mushin
If you’ve heard anything negative about Mushin before this post, allow us to clear that notion in a few sentences and show you why Mushin is not just a popular place to live but a desirable one at that. Mushin is a vibrant and diverse area in Lagos, with some areas as commercial hubs. A major perk of the city is its affordable housing options compared to more central Lagos locations, but Mushin has more than that to offer. The area is well-connected with major roads and public transport, making it easy to access other parts of Lagos.
Now, whether you want to shop on a budget, enjoy day life, or have a taste of vibrant nightlife, Mushin is the location for you. The area also provides its residents with schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities with Estates that make you feel secure and give you a measure of a calm environment. We hope we have been able to convince and not confuse you that Mushin will make a good rental area for you depending on your needs and budget. You can opt for houses around Mushin Town, Palace Road, or Oke-Odo for better amenities, infrastructure, and development.
5. Lagos Island
This is the Lagos Island that is not on the Island. It is situated across the lagoon. While the other Lagos Island is more talked about and has upscale estates and living conditions, the Mainland’s Lagos Island provides budget-friendly rental options and is at a strategic location that makes it easy to access major roads and transportation links.
Some areas, like Apongnon, are known for their lively markets and vibrant street life, while others, such as Idumota, provide essential services for everyday living and cultural sights.
Factors Affecting House Rent on Lagos Mainland
Although Lagos Mainland provides affordable housing options, certain factors exist that influence the price of house rents, making some areas cost more. These factors are:
1. Location
The closer a neighbourhood is to central business areas, the higher the rent. For instance, areas like Ikeja GRA and Yaba, which are close to businesses, schools, and major highways, tend to have higher rental prices than more peripheral areas like Agege.
2. Property Type
The type of property plays a significant role in rent pricing. A serviced apartment in a gated community will cost far more than a “face-me-I-face-you” (shared compound) apartment. Likewise, duplexes, luxury flats, and detached houses come at a premium, while bungalows and flats are generally more affordable.
3. Amenities
Areas with better amenities—such as constant electricity, good roads, security, and proximity to schools, hospitals, and markets—command higher rents. For instance, homes in gated estates or areas with 24/7 power supply, private security, and water facilities will come at a higher cost than homes in less developed areas.
4. Demand
Lagos Mainland is in high demand due to its accessibility and proximity to key commercial areas. As the city’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for housing, which naturally drives up prices.
Range of House Rent on Lagos Mainland
Now to provide a clearer picture of the range of house rent on Lagos Mainland, we’ll provide you with a breakdown of the rental prices in the areas mentioned in this article:
| Neighbourhood | 1 Bedroom Flat (₦) Per Annum (p.a.) | 2 Bedroom Flat (₦) p.a. | 3 Bedroom Flat(₦) p.a. | Duplex (₦) p.a. |
| Ikeja | 500,000 – 800,000 | 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 | 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 | 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 |
| Yaba | 400,000 – 700,000 | 800,000 – 1,500,000 | 1,600,000 – 2,500,000 | 3,500,000 – 5,000,000 |
| Agege | 300,000 – 600,000 | 600,000 – 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 |
| Mushin | 250,000 – 500,000 | 500,000 – 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 | 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 |
| Lagos Island | 600,000 – 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 – 4,000,000 | 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 |
Compare these prices with what Lagos Island offers here (insert a link to the article on house rent on the Island)
FAQs
- Is renting on Lagos Mainland more affordable than on Lagos Island?
Yes, generally speaking, renting on the Lagos Mainland is more affordable than on Lagos Island. The Island is home to commercial hubs and wealthier neighbourhoods, making it more expensive. Mainland areas like Agege offer more affordable housing compared to high-end Island locations like Victoria Island or Ikoyi.
- What is the best area to rent on Lagos Mainland for young professionals?
Yaba is an excellent area for young professionals due to its proximity to tech companies, universities, and co-working spaces. It also has a vibrant social scene and relatively affordable housing options for young renters.
- Are there affordable housing options for families on Lagos Mainland?
Yes, neighbourhoods like Agege offer affordable housing options for families. These areas have schools, healthcare facilities, and good transport links, making them ideal for families.
- How much should I budget for agent fees when renting on Lagos Mainland?
When renting in Lagos, you should budget an additional 10% of the annual rent for agent fees. Some agents also charge legal and agreement fees, which can bring the total to around 15% to 20% of the yearly rent.
- Can I negotiate house rent on Lagos Mainland?
Yes, negotiation is common in Lagos’ rental market, especially if the property has been vacant for a while or if the landlord is eager to find a tenant. Don’t hesitate to make a counteroffer if you feel the asking price is too high.
Conclusion
Unlike Lagos Island, the Mainland is an affordable area to live in with a mix of accessibility and variety. When deciding on a house to rent in Lagos Mainland, take note of the factors that influence rent prices, including location, property type, amenities, and demand.
Whatever your budget might be or your housing needs, you’ll find that Lagos Mainland has something for everyone.
