Housing: Big Homes Decries High Cost Of Land

Abuja real estate firm, Big Homes has called on the federal government to look into the high cost of lands in the federal capital territory, as developers are finding it hard to offer affordable homes to Nigerians.

Managing Director of Big Homes, Mr Topsy Essien stated this over the weekend during the commissioning of a housing project called Mejor Casa in Asokoro, Abuja.

He said the government should make land affordable as there are so many lands lying fallow within the city. “Some people own like 200 hectares allocated to them over 20 years ago, they are not doing anything with it. If we can partner with them it will go a long way. If the land is affordable, with N2.5m, N3.m you can own a home.

Speaking about the commissioning, he said, “Majors Casa is one of our very high-priced projects and we so much cherish this project because it’s a complete package. It has all the services that we offer – from automation to some kind of unique design and comfort.

“It is semi-detached duplex sitting on 2400sqm with detached boys’ quarters each. It is just for two families. One family enjoys a space of 1,250sqm with a big space in the back. It has a playground, and you can decide to build a swimming pool. It’s a unique kind of design. We focused on space instead of building a big house without enough space.”

Essien stated further that other challenges facing the construction industry are price hikes, inflation, and change in valuation, which he said is almost driving developers out of business. “You can do your bill today, even with all your contingency plans, the kind of changes you find in the middle of the way makes it very hard to stay in business. We hope that by next year the economy and currency will be more stable so we can actually predict what the future holds.”

Big Homes Public Relations Officer, Ambassador Ijeoma Bristol in her address expressed delight over the successful completion of the project. She however said; “The economy is not really helping, all part of the economy, construction, hospitality, you name it. There are problems, a lot of stress but Big Homes have managed to stay the course.”

The event coincided with the birthday of one of the directors of the company, Mrs Blessing Nyong-Essien and had friends, associates and clients in attendance.