The December Trap: Properties That Look Attractive During the Holidays but Underperform After January
- Zikan Realtors
- Dec 15, 2025
- 4 min read
December is the most deceptive month in the Lagos property market.
On the surface, it looks like opportunity season: discounts everywhere, festive bonuses, developers sounding unusually flexible, and buyers emotionally primed to “close the year strong.” But beneath the Christmas lights lies a pattern seasoned investors know well—the December Trap.
Every year, a subset of properties performs brilliantly only in December… and then quietly underperforms from January onward. These are the assets that look irresistible during the holidays but struggle with price appreciation, rental demand, or resale liquidity once the new year begins.
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we’ve tracked this pattern across Lekki, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, Abijo, Sangotedo, and emerging mainland corridors for over a decade. This article breaks down why the December Trap exists, which properties fall into it, and how smart buyers avoid costly mistakes while others are distracted by festivities.
Why December Warps Buyer Judgment in Lagos
December buying is rarely rational—it’s emotional.
Several psychological and market forces collide:
End-of-year urgency: Buyers want to “own something” before December 31.
Developer pressure: Year-end sales targets must be met to close financial books strong.
Social comparison: People buy because peers are posting property allocations on Instagram.
Bonus money illusion: Extra cash feels “free,” lowering risk perception.
This environment creates a perfect storm where presentation replaces fundamentals.
Category 1: Lifestyle-Heavy, Yield-Light Estates
These are estates marketed aggressively with:
Christmas-themed site tours
Heavily edited drone videos
Promises of “luxury living” without economic backing
Why They Trap Buyers
These developments often prioritize aesthetic appeal over location economics. After January:
Rental demand is weak because the area lacks employment hubs
Capital appreciation stalls due to oversupply
Resale liquidity is poor because end-users, not investors, dominate demand
Zikan Insight:If an estate’s strongest selling point is ambience rather than accessibility or demand drivers, it’s likely a December Trap.
Category 2: Discounted Prices That Aren’t Really Discounts
Developers rarely reduce prices in December. Instead, they re-anchor pricing.
Common December Tactics:
Increasing base prices in October, then “discounting” in December
Bundling fees (documentation, infrastructure, deed) to mask real cost
Offering flexible payment plans that inflate total purchase price
After January, these properties:
Reset to “normal pricing,” exposing buyers who overpaid
Underperform compared to true market value
Become difficult to flip without a loss
Professional Tip:Always benchmark December prices against Q2 and Q3 transaction data, not advertised discounts.
Category 3: Peripheral Locations with Seasonal Hype
December amplifies speculation in fringe areas—especially where infrastructure announcements circulate heavily.
Typical Examples:
Estates “10 minutes from the proposed airport”
Lands marketed around future road expansions not yet funded
Projects riding government rumor cycles
Once January hits:
Speculation cools
Infrastructure timelines extend
Prices stagnate or retrace
Zikan Advisory Rule:If the value proposition depends on what might happen rather than what already exists, proceed cautiously—especially in December.
Category 4: High Service-Charge Developments
December brochures rarely emphasize operational costs.
After January, buyers discover:
Service charges erode rental yield
Short-let demand is seasonal
Long-term tenants resist premium maintenance fees
This results in:
Lower net ROI
Higher vacancy periods
Forced price reductions on resale
Smart Investors Ask:“What is my net yield after service charges—not what the brochure promises?”
How to Spot a December Trap in 15 Minutes
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we use a rapid assessment framework:
Who is the real buyer?Investors or emotionally driven end-users?
What happens to demand in February?If demand collapses post-festivity, beware.
Is pricing anchored in comparables or vibes?Data beats décor.
What’s the exit strategy in 24 months?If resale isn’t clear, reconsider.
What Actually Performs After January
To be clear—not all December purchases are bad.
Properties that consistently outperform post-January share these traits:
Located near active employment corridors
Backed by verifiable infrastructure
Priced within real transaction ranges
Supported by year-round rental demand
These are the deals we quietly help our clients secure while others chase holiday hype.
The Zikan Advantage: Buying Without Regret
As an award-winning Lagos real estate advisory, Zikan Prop Solutions doesn’t sell hype—we engineer outcomes.
We help buyers:
Avoid December pricing illusions
Identify assets that appreciate after the holidays
Structure purchases for leverage, not regret
Enter 2025 positioned ahead of the market—not behind it
December doesn’t create bad properties—it reveals buyer discipline.
Those who buy emotionally celebrate allocations.Those who buy strategically celebrate appreciation.
If you’re considering a December purchase—or reviewing one already made—now is the time for an expert second opinion.
Speak with Zikan Prop Solutions today and make buying decisions your future self will thank you for.
🏢 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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