Cost of Building a House in Nigeria from Abroad (2025 Update)
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 6
- 4 min read
Cost of Building a House in Nigeria from Abroad (2025 Update)
Building a home in Nigeria while living abroad is one of the most rewarding — yet financially complex — projects a diaspora investor can undertake. Between fluctuating exchange rates, inflation, and material price hikes, the cost of construction in 2025 demands careful budgeting and verified planning.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the current cost structure, hidden expenses, and smart strategies for Nigerians abroad planning to build a home or rental property back home.
1. Understanding the 2025 Construction Landscape
The real estate and construction market in Nigeria has evolved sharply since 2020.
Key 2025 factors affecting cost include:
Naira depreciation (₦1,500–₦1,700 per USD as of Q1 2025).
Inflation in building materials — cement, iron rods, roofing sheets, and finishing items up by 20–35% year-over-year.
Labour cost increase, especially for skilled artisans (bricklayers, tilers, electricians).
Transportation and logistics surge due to rising fuel costs.
Zikan Prop Solutions continuously monitors these changes to help diaspora clients plan projects within real market realities.
2. Estimated Construction Cost by Building Type (2025)
Below is the average cost range per square meter for different housing types in urban and semi-urban locations:
Property Type | Location | Estimated Cost (₦/m²) | Estimated USD Equivalent ($/m²) |
2-Bedroom Bungalow | Semi-Urban (Ogun, Ibadan, Asaba) | ₦450,000–₦600,000 | $265–$350 |
3-Bedroom Bungalow | Urban (Lagos, Abuja, PH) | ₦600,000–₦850,000 | $350–$500 |
4-Bedroom Duplex | Urban Prime (Lekki, Gwarimpa, PH GRA) | ₦900,000–₦1.4M | $530–$820 |
5-Bedroom Luxury Duplex | High-End Estates | ₦1.5M–₦2.2M | $880–$1,250 |
Mini Apartment (for rent) | Suburban Investment Zones | ₦400,000–₦550,000 | $235–$315 |
Example:A 4-bedroom duplex of 250m² in Lekki will cost approximately ₦250m–₦350m ($150,000–$205,000) depending on finish quality and material sourcing.
3. Key Cost Components
To manage expenses efficiently, diaspora investors should understand what drives total construction cost:
a. Design & Approvals (5–10%)
Architectural drawings, structural, MEP designs.
Building plan approval and development levies.
b. Foundation & Structural Works (20–25%)
Excavation, concrete, reinforcement, blocks, and labor.
c. Roofing & Finishing (35–40%)
Roofing materials, plastering, windows, doors, flooring, paint.
d. Electrical & Plumbing (10–15%)
Conduits, wiring, fittings, piping, water systems, fixtures.
e. External Works & Landscaping (5–10%)
Fencing, gate, driveway, drainage, water tank, septic systems.
4. Hidden or Overlooked Costs
Diaspora investors often underestimate the following expenses:
Exchange rate loss (if you convert foreign currency late).
Site security during and after construction.
Project supervision or site monitoring fees.
Inflation between project phases if construction is prolonged.
Power supply (generator or solar installation).
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we help clients lock in material prices early through verified suppliers to reduce inflation risk.
5. Strategies for Diaspora Builders
a. Build in Phases – Start with foundation and structural works, then move to roofing and finishing later. This helps manage cash flow while protecting your investment from inflation.
b. Use Verified Project Managers – Don’t rely solely on family members. Engage licensed project managers who provide video progress reports, receipts, and cost transparency.
c. Source Materials Smartly – Avoid overpaying by partnering with trusted local vendors. Buying in bulk and direct factory sourcing can save up to 15–20%.
d. Budget for Finishing Quality – Diaspora clients often prefer high-end finishing (tiles, wardrobes, fittings). Plan for at least 30% of your total budget to go into finishing.
e. Choose the Right Location – Land and labor costs vary widely. Lagos Island is pricier than Lagos mainland; Abuja satellite towns offer better cost-value balance.
6. Sample Cost Breakdown (3-Bedroom Bungalow in Ibadan, 2025)
Stage | Estimated Cost (₦) | USD Equivalent ($) |
Land Purchase (600 sqm) | ₦8,000,000 | $4,700 |
Design & Approvals | ₦2,000,000 | $1,175 |
Foundation to Roofing | ₦18,000,000 | $10,600 |
Electrical & Plumbing | ₦3,000,000 | $1,760 |
Finishing & Furnishing | ₦7,000,000 | $4,100 |
External Works | ₦2,000,000 | $1,175 |
Total Estimate | ₦40,000,000 | $23,500 |
(Costs vary based on region, finish, and supervision.)
7. Why Work with a Verified Builder
Many diaspora clients lose money by sending funds to unverified builders or family members. The safest route is to:
Hire registered construction firms with traceable offices and portfolios.
Demand detailed project proposals and BOQs (Bill of Quantities) before funding.
Use escrow-based payment structures that release funds per milestone.
Zikan Prop Solutions partners with certified contractors who deliver end-to-end transparency, ensuring your dream home matches your expectations and budget.
Final Insight
Building from abroad isn’t just about sending money — it’s about managing information, accountability, and execution.
With the right planning and verified professionals, you can build your dream home or investment property in Nigeria confidently — without stepping on-site.
Zikan Prop Solutions provides turnkey diaspora building support: from architectural design to project monitoring, material sourcing, and cost management.
Ready to start building your home in Nigeria from abroad? Visit ZikanPropSolutions.com
🏢 Zikan Prop Solutions
🥇 Certified Real Estate Consultant | Multi Award-Winning Realtor
Helping you make the best real estate purchase & investment decisions.
📱 +234 703 000 3514
📲 IG: @zikanpropsolutions
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