There’s a conversation I kept bumping into throughout 2024, i have been putting addressing it off until yesterday.

Conversions around “Rental properties are a waste of money. "I’d rather build hotels or malls. Or even better, shortlets”

If you’ve ever said or heard this, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a valid thought in today's fast-paced economy where quick returns are idolized. But let’s take a moment to breathe, think long-term, and look at the bigger picture.

Now, let’s break this down.

Imagine this…

You spot a piece of land in a location you know is going places. The signs are all there — new roads coming in, estates springing up, a university down the road, maybe a shopping hub taking shape.

You act fast. You buy it.

Now, you have some spare funds, so you develop it. You put up 5 units of 4-bedroom apartments — solid, beautiful structures. Cumulatively they're is set to generate ₦7–₦10 million annually in rent.

Im going somewhere with this, stay with me......

Fast forward 5 years…

The land value has most likely appreciated by at least 200% (depending on the area).

And those buildings? They’ve tripled or quadrupled your asset value.

So what do you have?

✅ A consistent, sustainable income (from rent) — that’s your short-term win.

✅ A constantly appreciating asset (the land and building) — your long-term win.

✅ A social impact — because someone, somewhere, gets a roof over their head thanks to you.

Let’s talk real for a moment:

Not everyone can afford to buy a home outrightly in Nigeria currently.

In fact, most Nigerians can’t.

But they still need homes — safe, clean, secure homes. And you, dear investor, have the power to provide that.

That’s not just business. That’s impact.

“But Tenants Are Stressful!

Yes, we’ve all heard the stories — late payments, property damage, all sort of drama from tenants from the pit of hell.

Tenants that act as though they were ordained the weapons that must fashion against you.

I totally get that feeling. I watched my former employer lose sleep over tenants issues.

But here’s the thing: You don’t have to deal with that yourself.

Just like my former employer you can use property managers.

They’re trained to handle tenants, ensure maintenance, enforce agreements, and basically take the headache off your plate while you sip chilled zobo and watch your account grow.

“But I Prefer Hotels, Malls, or Shortlets”

Beautiful. No shame in that. We need all of them in the economy.

But can we pause and reflect for a second?

🍃Hotels are Great — but your staff need somewhere to sleep.

🍃Malls are Wonderful — but those shop attendants also need homes.

🍃Shortlets? Perfect investment choice — but you’ll still need long-term tenants when the shortlet season slows.

See where I’m going?

Rental housing is the spine that supports every other flashy structure.

And while hotels and malls serve industries, rental properties serve humanity.

Think About This…

🍃When that young graduate gets their first job and needs a place to stay...

🍃 When that family relocates from another state to start afresh...

🍃When a single mother is searching for a safe neighborhood for her children...

It’s your rental property that stands as a solution.

You’re not just investing. You’re solving a national problem — Nigeria’s massive housing deficit.

Dear investor, Don’t stop building homes. Even if others don’t see the wisdom in it yet. Even if the trend is pushing you elsewhere.

Rental properties will never fail the wise investor.

They’ll serve you today, and they’ll serve you tomorrow.

And when done right, they’ll serve your children their children and the children of others.

Your properties aren’t just bricks and mortar. They are shelters. Lifelines. Legacies.

With love, wisdom, and sense, Princess Umeadi – The LandProfessor