How to Invest in Short-Let Apartments from Abroad
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Short-let apartments have become one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing real estate opportunities — and for diaspora Nigerians, they offer an exciting way to earn consistent, foreign-denominated income without being physically present.
Whether in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, the demand for short-term rentals continues to rise due to business travelers, digital nomads, and tourists seeking comfort over hotels. But how can you invest safely from abroad?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.
1. Understand the Short-Let Business Model
Short-let properties operate on daily or weekly rental terms, generating higher returns than traditional long-term leases.As a diaspora investor, you can earn passive income from:
Airbnb rentals
Corporate bookings
Holiday and event stays
Average occupancy rates in top Nigerian cities range from 65–85%, depending on the season and location.
2. Choose Prime Locations
Location determines profitability. The best-performing short-let areas combine security, accessibility, and amenities.
Top-performing zones include:
Lagos: Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ajah.
Abuja: Wuse 2, Maitama, Jabi, Gwarinpa.
Port Harcourt: GRA Phase 2, Peter Odili Road.
Proximity to major business districts, malls, and airports ensures higher bookings and repeat clients.
3. Work with a Trusted Property Consultant
As a diaspora investor, you can’t inspect every property personally.Partner with a verified real estate consultant like Zikan Prop Solutions who will:
Conduct physical inspections and share video reports.
Handle negotiations and documentation.
Manage furnishing, marketing, and maintenance.
A reliable consultant helps you avoid overpriced or fake listings while ensuring a smooth investment experience.
4. Verify Ownership and Legal Documents
Before purchase or lease, confirm all legal documents:
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent
Survey Plan and Deed of Assignment
Approved Building Plan
Your consultant should facilitate verification at the state’s Land Registry. Never proceed with payment until this step is complete.
5. Decide: Buy or Lease
You can invest in short-lets in two main ways:
Buy-to-Let: Purchase a property, furnish it, and rent it short-term.
Lease-to-Let: Lease a property for 3–5 years, convert it to short-let use, and earn from daily rentals.
Buy-to-let provides long-term equity growth, while lease-to-let requires less capital upfront but still yields strong returns.
6. Furnish for Comfort and Style
Interior design plays a major role in booking success.Furnish with:
Quality beds and modern décor.
Smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and inverters or generators.
Functional kitchens and 24/7 water supply.
Zikan Prop Solutions offers turnkey furnishing services for diaspora investors — handling setup from design to delivery.
7. Register on Reliable Platforms
List your property on trusted platforms for visibility and income:
Airbnb
Shortlet Apartments NG
Jumia Travel
Ensure your property meets safety, cleanliness, and photography standards before listing.
8. Set Up Remote Management
Your short-let business can run smoothly from abroad with:
A property manager for guest check-ins and cleaning.
Online payment integration for seamless revenue collection.
Monthly performance reports on occupancy, income, and maintenance.
Zikan Prop Solutions provides comprehensive short-let management, letting you earn while we handle operations.
9. Calculate Your ROI
The beauty of short-let investments lies in high returns.For example:
A ₦60M apartment can generate ₦700K–₦1M monthly (≈ 12–18% annual ROI).
A ₦25M smaller unit can earn ₦400K–₦600K monthly.
Your actual returns depend on furnishing quality, pricing strategy, and location.
10. Build for Scale
Once your first unit is profitable, reinvest in more.Many diaspora investors start with one property and build a portfolio of 5–10 units over time, managed remotely.
Diversify across locations and property types to maximize stability and long-term value.
Final Thought
Short-let apartments offer one of the most lucrative and flexible real estate opportunities for Nigerians abroad. With the right consultant, transparent verification, and solid management, you can build consistent income — even from thousands of miles away.
Start your short-let investment journey today with Zikan Prop Solutions — your trusted real estate partner for verified, high-return projects.
🏢 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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