News
Understanding the Differences: Leasehold vs. Full Ownership Apartments by Dennis Isong
WHEN it comes to purchasing property, one of the fundamental decisions that prospective buyers must make is whether to opt for a leasehold or full ownership apartment. Each type of ownership has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, catering to different preferences, financial situations, and long-term goals.
Leasehold Apartments:
In the heart of Lagos, where the pulse of the city reverberates through its streets, people and businesses, the concept of leasehold unfolded in the neighborhood of Victoria Island.
This vibrant area, known for its mix of commerce and culture, became the backdrop for a story that unfolded at the crossroads of tradition and urban development in real estate.
Ade is a savvy entrepreneur with dreams of establishing a trendy cafe along the bustling waterfront.
Eager to realize his vision, Ade explored the world of leasehold agreements, a path that offered him access to prime real estate without the hefty burden of outright ownership.
Ade found a property owned by a longstanding family in Victoria Island. The family, hesitant to sell their ancestral land, opted for a leasehold arrangement that would allow Ade to operate his cafe while preserving the family’s connection to the place that held generations of memories. Ade transformed the space into a hub for creativity and conversation.
Meanwhile, the family retained a sense of ownership, participating in the cafe’s success while maintaining the historical significance of their land.
The neighborhood, once accustomed to traditional ownership models, began to witness the harmonious coexistence of progress and heritage. The leasehold, in this corner of Lagos, became a bridge between entrepreneurial aspirations and the rich family history.
Ade’s cafe, with its leasehold roots, became a symbol of innovation and collaboration. It stood as a testament to the adaptability of Lagos, where the spirit of entrepreneurship could flourish without severing ties to the past.
The story of Ade’s cafe echoed through the vibrant streets, showcasing how leasehold arrangements could weave a story of continuity and change in the dynamic fabric of Lagos.
Leasehold apartments involve the buyer acquiring the right to use the property for a specified period, typically ranging from 99 to 999 years.
However, the land on which the property is built remains owned by a landlord or freeholder.
In a leasehold arrangement, the buyer essentially leases the property from the freeholder. This means that while they have the right to occupy and use the space, they do not own the land beneath it.
Leaseholders are often required to pay ground rent and service charges to the freeholder. Also, there may be restrictions on making alterations to the property, and obtaining permission may involve additional costs.
The finite nature of the leasehold means that buyers should be aware of the remaining lease duration.
As the lease term diminishes, the property’s value may decrease, potentially impacting resale value.
Leasehold apartments involve the buyer acquiring the right to use the property for a specified period, typically ranging from 99 to 999 years
Full Ownership Apartments:
Sometimes ago in Ikoyi, Lagos, a story unfolded that captured the essence of full ownership in real estate. Ngozi is a successful businesswoman with a vision of creating a haven of comfort and elegance for her family.
Drawn to the serenity of Ikoyi, she embarked on a journey for a residence that would reflect her aspirations. Ngozi came across a penthouse in Azure Heights.
The process of acquiring the property involved careful legalities and paperwork, but as Ngozi received the keys to her penthouse, a profound sense of ownership and accomplishment washed over her.
The expansive living room, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the Lagos skyline, became a canvas for her dreams. As Ngozi settled into her new home, she felt a deep connection to the Ikoyi neighborhood.
Azure Heights, with its full ownership model, allowed her to not only enjoy the lavish amenities within the building but also embrace the exclusivity of belonging to one of Lagos’s most coveted addresses.
Ngozi’s apartment became a symbol of personal achievement, a testament to the possibilities that awaited those who aspired to own a piece of Lagos’s dynamic real estate.
Full ownership, also known as freehold, grants the buyer complete ownership of both the property and the land it stands on. This type of ownership provides greater autonomy and fewer restrictions compared to leasehold.
Full ownership apartments mean that the buyer has control over the property in perpetuity. This includes the freedom to make alterations, additions, and decisions without seeking permission from a landlord.
Unlike leasehold properties, full ownership does not typically involve paying ground rent to a landlord. However, owners are responsible for all maintenance and repair costs, which can be both a benefit and a challenge depending on the individual’s preferences and financial capacity.
Full ownership is often seen as a more secure investment in the long run. The absence of a lease term expiration provides stability, and the property is likely to appreciate over time.
Conclusion
The decision between leasehold and full ownership often hinges on financial considerations. Leasehold properties may have a lower initial cost, but the long-term expenses, such as ground rent and service charges, should be factored in.
Individuals who value autonomy and control over their living space may find full ownership more appealing. On the other hand, leasehold may suit those who prefer a hands-off approach to property management.
Buyers should carefully assess the resale and investment potential of each type of ownership. Full ownership is often considered a safer bet in terms of long-term value, but leasehold properties can still be lucrative if managed wisely.
▪︎ Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041
President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.
At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.
“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.
Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.
During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.
“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.
He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”
Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.
Profile
Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.
The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.
Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.
It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.
“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.
“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.
News
VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.
When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.
“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.
Credit: Punch
Benue Governor Alia dissolves Lobi Stars FC board
BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair
Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Crime2 days agoIndonesia to Repatriate British Grandmother on Death Row, Says Official
-
News2 days agoCustoms Launch Digital Vehicle Verification Platform to Combat Smuggling
-
News2 days agoMoniepoint Managers Break Silence on $200M ‘Miraculous’ Fundraise Backed by DPI, Google, Visa, IFC & LeapFrog
-
Crime3 days agoBauchi: Boy,17, plucks sister’s eyes for money ritual
-
Sports3 days agoGlasgow Rangers appoint Rohl as new manager
-
Business2 days agoHow to Market and Sell Real Estate in Nigeria as a New Agent
-
Sports3 days agoDembele returns for PSG after six weeks out
-
Business4 hours agoDangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident