By Dennis Isong

When Tunde got his real estate license, he thought the deals would start rolling in immediately.

He imagined himself closing sales, posing for Instagram photos with happy clients, and earning commissions that would make his friends jealous. But three months later, he hadn’t sold a single plot of land.

He was frustrated, tired of hearing “I’ll get back to you,” and wondering if real estate was even for him.

If this story sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many new agents in Nigeria experience the same reality.

The truth is that learning how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent takes patience, strategy, and the right kind of exposure.

Nigeria’s property market is dynamic, competitive, and full of opportunities, but only those who understand how to position themselves can thrive.

This article will show you practical steps to not only survive but also grow as a new real estate agent in Nigeria.

1. Understanding the Nigerian Real Estate Market

Before diving into sales and marketing strategies, every new agent must first understand the market they are operating in.

Nigeria’s real estate market is not a one-size-fits-all environment.

Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other cities all have their own rhythm and buyer behavior.

Lagos, for instance, is known for its fast-paced property transactions and high demand for both residential and commercial properties. Abuja, on the other hand, attracts more high-end and government-influenced deals.

As a new agent, your first task is to understand your local market thoroughly. Who are the people buying and selling? What kind of properties move faster? What are the trending areas?

For example, in Lagos, areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Ajah, and Epe are currently in high demand due to ongoing infrastructure development and the influx of investors.

Knowing this helps you target the right clients instead of marketing blindly.Also, familiarize yourself with property documentation, government policies, and titles like Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan.

Many new agents lose clients simply because they can’t confidently explain the meaning of these documents.

Knowledge gives you authority, and authority builds trust—a key ingredient for every real estate sale.

Understanding the Nigerian real estate market is like learning the traffic pattern of Lagos.

Once you know where the shortcuts and hold-ups are, you move faster and smarter.

2. Building Your Brand and Credibility

In real estate, people don’t just buy properties—they buy trust. And as a new agent, trust doesn’t come automatically. You have to earn it through consistency, authenticity, and visible professionalism.

Start by creating a strong personal brand.

This doesn’t mean expensive marketing campaigns or flashy suits; it means positioning yourself as reliable and knowledgeable.

Use your social media pages to educate, not just advertise.

Share tips on property buying, warn people about scams, and celebrate your clients’ successes.

Over time, your audience begins to see you as a genuine guide, not just a salesman.

Many new agents make the mistake of posting only “land for sale” flyers without building any real connection.

The Nigerian audience is more likely to buy from people they know, like, and trust.

So, while others are shouting “Buy now before the price increases,” you should focus on telling stories—stories about people who invested early, stories about community development, or even your personal journey as a realtor.

Additionally, ensure you have a clean online presence.

Create a professional WhatsApp display, have a neat profile picture, and use a consistent business name across platforms.

When someone Googles you or your business, they should see something credible.

Offline branding matters too. Attend networking events, property exhibitions, and seminars.

Hand out your business cards professionally.

Dress neatly and speak confidently. Every impression counts because in this business, one good connection can lead to multiple referrals.

Building credibility also means associating yourself with reputable real estate companies or developers.

When clients know you represent a trusted brand, it strengthens your position.

Remember, in Nigeria’s competitive market, people may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Your professionalism, honesty, and humility are the real marketing tools that attract clients again and again.

3. Mastering Marketing: Online and Offline

Marketing is the heart of every real estate business. Without marketing, no one knows who you are or what you sell.

As a new agent, mastering both online and offline marketing strategies is what will set you apart from others.

Let’s start with online marketing. The internet has become the biggest real estate marketplace in Nigeria.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube are no longer just for entertainment—they are where deals happen.

If you understand how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent, you must learn to use these platforms effectively.

Create engaging content. Instead of simply posting “Land for sale at Ibeju-Lekki,” show the location in a short video.

Talk about nearby developments, show access roads, and explain why the land is a good investment.

Nigerians love visuals; when they see what you are talking about, they connect better.

Consistency is key. Post regularly, respond to messages quickly, and build conversations.

Attend local community events, visit estates under development, and meet with landowners or developers. Sometimes, the best deals come from word-of-mouth or face-to-face meetings

Don’t be afraid to go live on Instagram or Facebook to answer people’s property questions.

It might feel awkward at first, but every live session builds visibility.

You can also run paid ads on social media to reach a wider audience, especially Nigerians in the diaspora who are constantly searching for reliable property agents in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities.

Ensure your ads are well-targeted and have clear calls to action.However, online marketing alone is not enough.

The Nigerian real estate market still thrives on personal connections and trust built offline.

Attend local community events, visit estates under development, and meet with landowners or developers. Sometimes, the best deals come from word-of-mouth or face-to-face meetings.

Offline marketing could also mean printing flyers, putting up banners in strategic locations, or collaborating with local businesses.

For example, you can partner with surveyors, lawyers, or building contractors who can refer clients to you.

The more people you connect with, the wider your sales network becomes.

Ultimately, effective marketing is about visibility and communication. You must always be in front of people’s minds, both online and offline.

The day they decide to buy, you should be the first person they remember.

4. Learning the Art of Selling

Selling real estate is not just about showing land or houses—it’s about understanding human psychology.

Every buyer has a reason behind their decision, whether it’s security, investment, comfort, or prestige.

Your job as a new agent is to identify that reason and help them achieve it.When meeting a potential buyer, don’t rush to talk about price.

Start by asking questions: “What exactly are you looking for?” “Are you buying to build or for investment?” “What’s your preferred location?” These questions make clients feel understood, and when they trust that you have their interest at heart, they’re more likely to buy from you.

Follow-up is another powerful sales skill many agents ignore.

In Nigeria, clients rarely buy immediately. They often need time to think, confirm from others, or compare prices.

That’s where follow-up messages come in. Send polite reminders, share updates, or send them new listings. But avoid being pushy; people hate being pressured.Your presentation also matters.

When showing a property, be enthusiastic but realistic. Avoid overpromising. If there are challenges like poor roads or pending government approval, mention them and provide solutions.

Clients appreciate honesty, and it often leads to referrals even if they don’t buy immediately.

Negotiation is another critical part of learning how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent. Nigerians love to negotiate, so don’t take it personally when a client offers a ridiculously low price.

Stay calm, know your facts, and explain the value behind the price. For instance, you can say, “Yes, this property costs a bit more, but it’s already fenced and close to the expressway, which increases its resale value.”

Facts always win arguments.You should also learn to close deals effectively. Many agents lose clients at the point of decision because they hesitate to ask for commitment.

Once you sense serious interest, move the conversation toward payment or documentation. Confidence and clarity are signs of professionalism.

Every successful sale, no matter how small, is a big win. Celebrate it. Share your success stories (with permission), and use them as testimonials for your next clients.

In real estate, one sale done right can open doors to ten more.

5. Growing Beyond the First Sale

Selling your first property is an exciting milestone, but it’s only the beginning.

To truly succeed in Nigerian real estate, you must learn how to grow and sustain your business.

Start by building relationships, not just making sales. Stay in touch with your clients even after they’ve bought property.

Call them occasionally, send greetings during festive seasons, and keep them updated about new opportunities.

A happy client will always refer new buyers to you.

In fact, most top realtors in Nigeria get more than half of their business from referrals.

Invest in continuous learning. Attend real estate training, webinars, and workshops.

Read books on sales, marketing, and personal development.

The more you know, the more confident you become.

Nigeria’s property market keeps evolving—new laws, new technologies, new trends—so staying updated keeps you ahead.Technology is another tool for growth.

Use CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools to organize your contacts and follow up systematically.

Use Google Maps to understand property locations, and use WhatsApp broadcast lists to share new listings.

These small efforts make a big difference.

Another aspect of growth is specialization.

Over time, identify your niche. You can focus on residential sales, luxury homes, commercial property, or land banking.

Specializing helps you build expertise and attract the right clients.

Finally, maintain integrity. In an industry full of scams and half-truths, honesty will set you apart.

Always verify your information before marketing a property.

If you don’t know something, say so and promise to find out.

Never compromise your name for quick profit.

As your reputation grows, so will your income. You’ll start getting calls from Nigerians in the diaspora, referrals from satisfied clients, and invitations from developers who want you on their team.

That’s when you’ll realize you’ve moved from being a new agent to a trusted professional.

Conclusion

Learning how to market and sell real estate in Nigeria as a new agent is not about luck or magic. It’s about consistency, knowledge, and the willingness to grow.

Every call you make, every post you share, every deal you close—no matter how small—takes you one step closer to becoming a top realtor.

Like Tunde in our story, every beginner faces challenges, but those who keep learning, adapting, and building relationships eventually find their place in the industry.

Real estate is not just about selling land or houses; it’s about connecting people to their dreams.

And when you do that with integrity and passion, success naturally follows.

So, whether you’re just starting out or trying to revive your career, remember to stay visible, stay credible, and never stop learning.

The market is big enough for everyone—but only those who play smart and stay consistent truly thrive.

• Dennis Isong is a Top Realtor in Lagos. He helps Nigerians in the diaspora own property in Lagos, Nigeria, stress-free. For inquiries, WhatsApp/Call +2348164741041.

By Dennis Isong

When Segun got admitted into the University of Lagos, his parents were overjoyed.

But their excitement quickly turned to frustration when they started looking for accommodation.

The school hostels were full. Agents were quoting outrageous prices. One-bedroom apartments meant for young couples were now being shared by four undergraduates.

Segun’s father, a civil servant, couldn’t understand how student housing could be such a goldmine—until he saw the crowd of parents and students at Yaba, begging landlords for spaces.

That was his moment of realisation. Student accommodation, once considered a simple rental business, had quietly become one of the most profitable real estate niches in Nigeria.

And at the center of this boom are the universities themselves.

Let’s explore the Top Universities Driving Student Housing Investment in Nigeria, how they are shaping this growing market, and why investors are rushing to build around them.

1. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Where Demand Never Sleeps

If you live in Lagos, you already know that UNILAG is more than a university; it’s a small city.

With over 50,000 students and limited hostel spaces, the demand for off-campus housing has been consistent for years. Yaba, Akoka, Bariga, and even Shomolu have become mini real estate hubs simply because of UNILAG.

Every year, thousands of students search for decent accommodation near the school. Landlords and investors are taking advantage of this by converting old family houses into student apartments or building new hostels with shared amenities.

Areas like Alagomeji and Fadeyi have also seen steady rental growth because many students prefer comfort and proximity to the campus.

Interestingly, some property developers now design hostels that look more like serviced apartments—with constant electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and security—because they’ve realised that middle-class parents are willing to pay extra for safety and convenience.

The result is a small but vibrant ecosystem of property managers, food vendors, laundry services, and transport providers—all thriving because of UNILAG’s population.

For real estate investors, this is a signal: where there are thousands of students and limited on-campus accommodation, the opportunities are endless.

2. Covenant University – The Private-Sector Effect

Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, has done something remarkable—it has shown investors that the private education system can be a powerful driver of property value.

Unlike public universities, Covenant offers structured academic calendars, high discipline, and a stable academic environment.

This consistency has made Ota and its surrounding areas a magnet for real estate development.

While most Covenant students stay on campus, the ripple effect of the university’s growth has attracted other educational institutions, training centers, and businesses to the area.

Investors are now developing modern student apartments and staff housing in anticipation of expansion.

The Ota property market today looks very different from what it was 10 years ago. Many Lagos investors are buying land or building small blocks of flats around Canaanland because the road connectivity to Lagos has improved.

The appeal here is not just student housing—it’s a mix of residential and commercial potential driven by academic growth.

Covenant University represents the new wave of education-led urbanization in Nigeria: where private universities are not only shaping minds but also shaping skylines.

3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – The Old Giant With New Promise

Obafemi Awolowo University, fondly called Great Ife, sits majestically in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

For decades, it has been one of Nigeria’s most respected institutions, attracting students from every part of the country.

But here’s something most people don’t realize—behind the beauty of its ancient trees and iconic structures lies a growing housing challenge that’s creating serious investment opportunities.

Most OAU students struggle to find affordable and decent accommodation close to the school.

The university hostels can only take a small percentage of the total student body.

This gap has given rise to what locals now call “student towns”—neighborhoods like Road 7, Asherifa, and Mayfair, where almost every building is either a student hostel or a mini apartment.

What’s fascinating about Ile-Ife’s property scene is that the investors aren’t just locals. People from Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja are buying land there because they’ve seen the long-term potential.

The rental cycle is predictable—students come, pay upfront for an academic year, and leave. That consistency makes student housing one of the few stable investment options in the region.

Even though the city is not as large or flashy as Lagos or Abuja, its educational reputation guarantees a steady demand for accommodation.

And as long as OAU remains one of the country’s academic giants, real estate investors will continue to see returns there.

4. University of Ibadan (UI) – The Pioneer’s Advantage

The University of Ibadan holds a special place in Nigeria’s educational history.

As the country’s oldest university, it has produced generations of leaders, scholars, and professionals.

But beyond academics, UI has quietly built one of the strongest rental markets in the South-West.For years, Bodija, Agbowo, and Ajibode have been the heartbeat of UI’s student accommodation market.

Landlords who understand the student rental system rarely experience vacancies.

Many properties are paid for months before new sessions even begin.What makes Ibadan unique is its affordability. Unlike Lagos, land and construction costs are lower, making it easier for small and medium investors to build hostels or mini-flats for students.

And with the expansion of the University College Hospital (UCH) and several private schools in the city, the overall demand for housing continues to rise.

In recent times, new developers have started introducing modern “student villages”—purpose-built hostel communities with amenities like solar power, 24-hour water supply, and study lounges.

These developments are attracting attention from diaspora investors who want something sustainable yet affordable.Ibadan’s student housing market is a fine example of how education and real estate can thrive together when urban growth meets affordability.

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – The Eastern Powerhouse

In the eastern part of Nigeria, no university commands as much presence as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Established in 1960, UNN has grown into one of the largest universities in the country, both in population and landmass. With that growth has come a massive housing demand.

Nsukka, once a quiet town, is now buzzing with construction. Students, lecturers, and non-academic staff all need accommodation. Investors who got in early have made huge returns as rental prices have steadily increased over the years.

Neighborhoods like Hilltop, Odenigbo, and Odim are now full of newly built hostels and apartments designed specifically for students.What makes UNN particularly interesting for investors is its stability.

The school rarely experiences prolonged strikes or disruptions, meaning students stay consistent with their rental payments.

The cost of living in Nsukka is also lower than in major cities, so developers can build more for less while still enjoying good returns.

Some real estate companies have even started offering flexible rent payment plans for students, making housing more accessible while ensuring regular income for landlords.

Nsukka’s steady academic rhythm and growing infrastructure make it one of the most attractive university towns for real estate investment in eastern Nigeria.

The Bigger Picture – Why Student Housing Is the Future

The story of student housing investment in Nigeria isn’t just about buildings; it’s about people.

Every year, over 1.8 million students apply to Nigerian universities through JAMB, but only a fraction gets admitted.

For those who do, finding accommodation becomes one of their biggest struggles.

Most public universities have hostels that can only accommodate about 10 to 15 percent of their students. The remaining 85 to 90 percent are forced to seek off-campus housing.

This imbalance has created a multi-billion-naira market that continues to expand every year.

Investors who understand the dynamics of this market are focusing on locations with large student populations, predictable academic calendars, and supportive local infrastructure.

The success stories around UNILAG, OAU, UI, Covenant, and UNN prove that educational institutions can be catalysts for urban transformation.

Beyond profits, student housing investments have social value.

They reduce pressure on university facilities, provide safe environments for students, and create jobs for property managers, artisans, and local businesses.

When managed properly, these projects can become models for community-driven development.

A Short Reflection

When Segun finally settled into his new apartment near UNILAG, he sent his father a simple text: “Dad, I found a place.”What he didn’t know was that his father had quietly decided to invest in a small piece of land nearby.

A year later, he built a six-room student hostel. Within a month of completion, all rooms were occupied.

That single decision turned him from a worried parent into a property investor.That’s how most real estate stories begin—not with big capital, but with observation and timing.

In Nigeria’s evolving real estate landscape, student housing is quietly becoming one of the smartest and most stable investment choices. And at the heart of it all are the top universities driving the demand.

Conclusion

The Top Universities Driving Student Housing Investment in Nigeria—University of Lagos, Covenant University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka—are shaping not just education but also the future of property investment.

From Lagos to Ota, from Ile-Ife to Ibadan, and from Nsukka to other emerging university towns, the pattern is clear: wherever there is a growing student population, there is a growing need for quality housing.

The smartest investors are those who can see the link between academic expansion and real estate opportunity.

Education is one of the few constants in a country full of uncertainties.

Students will always need accommodation. Parents will always seek comfort and safety for their children.

And investors who can meet that need will always have steady income, year after year.If you’re thinking about investing in Nigerian real estate, perhaps it’s time to look beyond luxury apartments and gated estates—and look toward the student hostels that never stay empty.

Because as long as universities keep producing graduates, the business of housing them will never go out of demand.

Dennis Isong is a Top Realtor in Lagos. He helps Nigerians in the Diaspora to own property in Lagos, Nigeria, stress-free. For questions, WhatsApp/Call +2348164741041

The National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents of Nigeria, Fasasi Sharafadeen, says that the new policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria on agent banking will likely put 40 percent Point-of-Sale operators out of business.

The CBN released recently a new operational guidelines for agent banking, which pegged the daily cumulative transactions per PoS agent at N1.2 million.

The CBN warned that any agent found using non-designated accounts for operations would be in violation of the regulation and would face sanctions.

Agents involved in misconduct or fraud will be blacklisted or have their agreements terminated.

The framework further limits individual customer transactions to N100,000 daily, while agent devices must be geo-fenced to prevent unauthorised mobile use.

The CBN announced that implementation of the new agent location and exclusivity rules would begin on April 1, 2026.

Reacting, Sharafadeen, said that one of the most worrying aspects of the policy is the introduction of exclusivity, which restricts agents to operate under only one principal or service provider.

He explained that this move would not only reduce the income of PoS agents but also drive many out of business due to the loss of flexibility and customer trust that currently

He emphasised that the introduction of exclusivity, which restricts agents to operate under only one principal or service provider would not only reduce the income of PoS agents but also drive many out of business due to the loss of flexibility and customer trust that currently defines agency banking operations.

“Today, there are over 3 million PoS terminals in circulation, and about two million active agents. Many of these agents operate multiple terminals from different service providers to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction. The new exclusivity rule will destroy that balance.”

He added that PoS operators usually relied on multiple platforms to ensure steady transactions when one network fails.

“Some agents choose a particular provider because of incentives like free bank transfers, while they use another provider that is faster in withdrawals,” he explained.

This mix guarantees customer experience because even when one service is down, they can still serve their customers through another provider.

”The association president noted that the CBN’s argument for introducing exclusivity to enable easier monitoring and sanctioning of providers in cases of fraud, overlooks the realities of informal sector operations.