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Anthony Obadina
25/06/25
5 mins read
That luxury shortlet some foreigners and diasporans booked last weekend with the high-thread-count sheets, scented diffusers, Netflix subscription, and elegant furniture. It most likely wasn’t built or owned by a hotel chain. It was probably owned by a private investor just like you. Or more accurately, someone who took the same opportunity you’re considering now and acted on it.
The shortlet market in Lagos is booming, and thousands of Nigerians especially diaspora returnees, professionals, and first-time investors are cashing in. The biggest mistake you could make is thinking that you’re too late.
This article reveals the truth most people won’t tell you: the best time to buy shortlet property wasn’t five years ago. The best time is right now!
The shortlet market in Lagos is booming, and thousands of Nigerians especially diaspora returnees, professionals, and first-time investors are cashing in. The biggest mistake you could make is thinking that you’re too late.
This article reveals the truth most people won’t tell you: the best time to buy shortlet property wasn’t five years ago. The best time is right now!
7 Talking Points for Shortlet Investors
Let’s break it down not from thehype of marketers, but from the calm, calculating lens of a seasoned investor.
1. It’s Not Just a Place to Sleep. It’s a Business
When some foreigners and diasporans slept in that tastefully furnished apartment-hotel last week, they were paying for far more than a mattress. They were also funding someone else’s business.
Shortlets today are:
-Automated revenue machines
-Booking-ready from day one
-Low-risk, high-yield investments
Most Lagos shortlet investors with AM Realty make between ₦600,000 and ₦1,500,000 per month depending on property location and quality. That’s cash you handed over… and someone else received it.
Shortlets today are:
-Automated revenue machines
-Booking-ready from day one
-Low-risk, high-yield investments
Most Lagos shortlet investors with AM Realty make between ₦600,000 and ₦1,500,000 per month depending on property location and quality. That’s cash you handed over… and someone else received it.
2. Lagos Shortlet Guests Spent Over ₦212 Billion Last Year
Let’s talk some numbers. According to 2023 market estimates:
-There were over 2.1 million shortlet bookings in Lagos
-The average guest spent ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 per stay
-Cumulative market volume crossed ₦212 billion
Every one of those bookings was income for investors. The only question is: why wasn’t it you?
-There were over 2.1 million shortlet bookings in Lagos
-The average guest spent ₦50,000 to ₦150,000 per stay
-Cumulative market volume crossed ₦212 billion
Every one of those bookings was income for investors. The only question is: why wasn’t it you?
3. Ownership Is Changing and You’re Being Left Behind
Traditional real estate was once reserved for the wealthy. But tech-enabled platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and property management firms like AM Realty have changed that.
Now, ordinary people are:
-Buying 1- and 2-bedroom units in Anthony, Ikeja, Surulere, etc.
-Partnering with AmRealty to furnish and manage
-Earning income while keeping their jobs or managing their own businesses
Owning a shortlet isn’t a dream anymore. It’s an entry-level wealth tool.
Now, ordinary people are:
-Buying 1- and 2-bedroom units in Anthony, Ikeja, Surulere, etc.
-Partnering with AmRealty to furnish and manage
-Earning income while keeping their jobs or managing their own businesses
Owning a shortlet isn’t a dream anymore. It’s an entry-level wealth tool.
4. The Rise of New Generation Investors
The owner of the apartment people are staying in doesn’t need to wear a suit or have a front desk to welcome guests. He might live in London, Abuja, or even next door. Welcome to the era of the invisible owner/investor.
These investors:
-Own 1–3 fully serviced apartments
-Collect money every money via bank transfers
No tenants. No rent arrears. No drama.
These investors:
-Own 1–3 fully serviced apartments
-Collect money every money via bank transfers
No tenants. No rent arrears. No drama.
5. How Much Could You Be Earning Right Now?
Let’s assume you own a 1-bedroom shortlet in Brooke’s End, Anthony.
-Average booking rate: ₦45,000/night
-75% occupancy (23 nights/month)
-Monthly income = ₦1,035,000
Even after costs like cleaning, service charge, and management, you might still take home ₦750k to ₦900k monthly. Now ask yourself: when was the last time your bank savings, fixed deposits or treasury bills earned you ₦900,000 in 30 days?
-Average booking rate: ₦45,000/night
-75% occupancy (23 nights/month)
-Monthly income = ₦1,035,000
Even after costs like cleaning, service charge, and management, you might still take home ₦750k to ₦900k monthly. Now ask yourself: when was the last time your bank savings, fixed deposits or treasury bills earned you ₦900,000 in 30 days?
6. Shortlet vs Land: The Clear Winner
Let’s make a simple comparison:
-Plot of Land in Sangotedo, costs ₦75M, ₦0 monthly return, Appreciation only (maybe ₦2M) in a year
-1BR Shortlet in Anthony, costs ₦75M, ₦850k monthly return, Over ₦10.2M in bookings in a year
Land is important, but it’s only a long-term play. A shortlet works today and grows tomorrow.
-Plot of Land in Sangotedo, costs ₦75M, ₦0 monthly return, Appreciation only (maybe ₦2M) in a year
-1BR Shortlet in Anthony, costs ₦75M, ₦850k monthly return, Over ₦10.2M in bookings in a year
Land is important, but it’s only a long-term play. A shortlet works today and grows tomorrow.
7. “But I Don’t Have Time to Manage a Shortlet…”
That’s the beauty of it you don’t need to.
With AM Realty’s end-to-end shortlet management model:
-We source and build properties in high-demand zones
-We handle furnishing, listing, guest services
-You receive income reports monthly
It’s real estate + automation. You own. We operate. You earn.
With AM Realty’s end-to-end shortlet management model:
-We source and build properties in high-demand zones
-We handle furnishing, listing, guest services
-You receive income reports monthly
It’s real estate + automation. You own. We operate. You earn.
8. Your Network Is Already Funding the Industry
Think about it:
-Your co-workers booked a shortlet for last weekend’s wedding
-Your cousin in Canada is using a shortlet for Christmas in Lagos
-Your old classmate is hosting interns in a shortlet unit in VI
In essence, your circle is already spending on shortlets. Wouldn’t you rather own a property that welcomes them?
-Your co-workers booked a shortlet for last weekend’s wedding
-Your cousin in Canada is using a shortlet for Christmas in Lagos
-Your old classmate is hosting interns in a shortlet unit in VI
In essence, your circle is already spending on shortlets. Wouldn’t you rather own a property that welcomes them?
9. This Is Not Airbnb Hype. It’s a Structural Shift in Real Estate
The Lagos property market is evolving:
-Hotels are overpriced and inflexible
-Working professionals want privacy and comfort
-Diaspora Nigerians prefer local apartments to hotel routines
Shortlets solve all that and make money for you in the process.
-Hotels are overpriced and inflexible
-Working professionals want privacy and comfort
-Diaspora Nigerians prefer local apartments to hotel routines
Shortlets solve all that and make money for you in the process.
10. What You Should Do Now
If you’re serious about wealth creation, not just asset ownership, follow these steps:
Decide to Own a Revenue-Generating Asset: Land is good, but a shortlet is better for cashflow.
Partner with the Right Firm: AMRealty helps you buy in the right area, furnish to global standards, and manage for optimal returns.
Start Small, Scale Smart: One unit now is better than waiting for perfection. Use income from one to buy your second.
Decide to Own a Revenue-Generating Asset: Land is good, but a shortlet is better for cashflow.
Partner with the Right Firm: AMRealty helps you buy in the right area, furnish to global standards, and manage for optimal returns.
Start Small, Scale Smart: One unit now is better than waiting for perfection. Use income from one to buy your second.
CONCLUSION
You’ve probably stayed in a shortlet, admired the setup and paid the bill just like foreigners and diasporans do.
Next time, flip the script. Be the one who receives, not just the one who pays. The market is ready. The tools are in place. The buyers are booking.
Let your next real estate move be the one that earns while you sleep and while others sleep in your property.
Give us a call now: 07068560860
Next time, flip the script. Be the one who receives, not just the one who pays. The market is ready. The tools are in place. The buyers are booking.
Let your next real estate move be the one that earns while you sleep and while others sleep in your property.
Give us a call now: 07068560860
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