Here’s How To Start A Profitable Shortlet Business In Lekki With ₦20M

The short-term rental (shortlet) market in Lekki, Lagos is booming and if you have ₦20 million to invest, you can tap into this cashflow-driven business with the right guidance and strategy.

Instead of chasing land or waiting on long-term appreciation, consider a steady income stream that pays monthly, weekly or even daily. Here’s how to do it smartly:

Step 1: Work With A Trusted Agent

First, don’t go into Lekki blindly. A trusted real estate agent will help you rent the right property in the right location close to demand zones like Lekki Phase 1, Ikate, or Chevron.

Step 2: Rent a 2-Bedroom Apartment – ₦7M to ₦8M

Target modern apartments in secure estates with 24/7 power, water, and good road access.

Annual rent for a 2-bedroom in Lekki is around ₦7M–₦8M.

Step 3: Furnish the Apartment – ₦2M

Invest in tasteful but durable furnishings: beds, wardrobes, TV, kitchen appliances, air

conditioners, and modern décor. Think hotel-like experience, but homey.

Step 4: Hire Staff – ₦2M–₦2.4M Annually

You’ll need a dedicated cleaner and a facility manager (or someone that doubles as both). Their

job is to keep the property clean, stocked, and guest-ready.

Step 5: Maintenance & Tools – ₦500K

Invest in tools and emergency fix kits, light bulbs, basic plumbing kits, backup gas, etc. Also,

plan for wear and tear.

Step 6: Service Charge & Electricity – ₦2.5M Annually

Pay your service charge upfront and maintain a prepaid meter with consistent power credit.

Guests won’t tolerate blackouts or water issues.

Step 7: Advertise & Launch

List your property on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and shortlet directories. Run ads on

Instagram and Google to reach high-value guests.

Your Total Investment: ₦19M–₦20M

And from there, your income begins. With consistent occupancy (15–25 days/month), you could

earn ₦1M–₦1.5M monthly, covering your annual costs in less than a year.

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Top Areas in Lagos with Luxury Properties

If you’re seeking high-end living or investment-ready homes, these Lagos neighborhoods offer

premium value, security, and lifestyle.

  1. Banana Island (Ikoyi)
  • Ultra-exclusive gated community
  • Waterfront homes, mansions, and luxury apartments
  1. Ikoyi
  • Old-money prestige
  • Embassies, duplexes, and high-rise residences
  1. Victoria Island (VI)
  • Corporate luxury blend
  • Penthouses, serviced apartments, and ocean-view properties
  1. Lekki Phase 1
  • Trendy and upscale
  • High rental yield, luxury terraces, and duplexes
  1. Oniru (VI Extension)
  • Beach access and shortlet hot zone
  • Stylish apartments and serviced estates
  1. Ikate, Lekki
  • Luxury with lifestyle
  • Popular with upwardly mobile buyers, filled with modern terraces and mini-estates
  1. Lekki County / Megamound Estate
  • Gated, serene, and family-friendly
  • Offers premium duplexes, detached homes, and excellent infrastructure
  1. Ikota, Lekki
  • Rapidly growing with luxury clusters
  • Known for gated estates and smart homes
  1. Osapa London, Lekki
  • High-end suburb feel
  • Contemporary architecture, close to Lekki Phase 1
  1. Ajah
  • Affordable luxury
  • Gated estates, new developments, great for mid-tier luxury buyers

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