Firm Urges Investment In Emerging Property Markets

Real estate stakeholders have urged Nigerians to prioritise early investment in emerging property markets to maximise returns and build long-term financial security. The call was made during a business seminar organised by Pineleaf Estate and Properties Limited and hosted by Ākurueunō Investment.

The chief host, Archbishop Onyekachukwu Nzekwesi, said the seminar was designed to equip the participants with practical knowledge on identifying and maximising investment opportunities within Nigeria’s real estate sector. He noted that real estate remains one of the most accessible and widely adopted forms of investment in the country, adding that individuals who own residential or commercial properties are already participants in the investment ecosystem.

Nzekwesi emphasised the importance of timing and location in property investment, advising investors to look beyond already developed, high-demand areas and instead focus on emerging locations with strong growth potential.

According to him, early acquisition in developing areas allows investors to benefit from rising property values driven by infrastructure expansion and population growth.

In his keynote address, Dr Kennedy Iwundu, associate professor of forensic accounting, identified late market entry as a major challenge for investors, noting that many individuals invest in “closed markets” where profit margins have already been maximised by early entrants.

He explained that such investments often result in limited appreciation and reduced liquidity, making it difficult for investors to achieve meaningful returns.

Iwundu also highlighted structured investment models designed to improve accessibility and returns in the sector, including short-term investment plans with defined returns, land banking opportunities and buy-back arrangements to enhance liquidity. He added that property development schemes, where investors finance building projects managed by developers within a defined timeframe, are also gaining traction.

The seminar also examined regional investment trends, with a focus on growth corridors in the South-East and South-South regions, including cities such as Enugu, Awka, Imo and others.

Speakers noted that early investments in cities such as Abuja and Lagos have historically delivered significant returns, underscoring the need for foresight and long-term planning. Participants were also introduced to upcoming large-scale development projects, including a proposed estate in Anambra State, expected to benefit from planned infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that successful real estate investment depends on access to accurate information, early entry into developing markets, and strategic planning.