Why Detty December Is the Best Time to Invest in Shortlets in Nigeria
- Zikan Realtors
- Dec 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Detty December is no longer a season — it’s an economic phenomenon.Every year, Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt experience an overwhelming influx of:
Diaspora Nigerians returning home
Tourists and foreigners
Event organizers
Influencers
Corporate guests
Extended families on holiday
And there is ONE real estate asset class that benefits the most:
Shortlet apartments.
If you’re living in the UK, US, Canada, or Europe and thinking about entering the Nigerian real estate market, December is the strongest signal you’ll ever get.
Here’s exactly why Detty December is the best time to invest in shortlets — and how diaspora Nigerians can maximize returns.
1. Demand for Shortlets Skyrockets Overnight
From mid-December to early January, bookings surge to:
90–100% occupancy in prime areas
80–90% occupancy in secondary areas
Hotels simply cannot meet demand.Families prefer the comfort, space, and privacy of shortlets.
This creates the perfect storm for investors:
Zero vacancy
Surge pricing
Multiple bookings per day
High repeat clients
If you own one shortlet, you may turn down more guests than you accept.
2. Rental Prices Double — Sometimes Triple
During regular months, a furnished 1-bedroom in Lekki Phase 1 might charge:
₦45,000 – ₦70,000/night
But in December?
₦120,000 – ₦250,000/night depending on the interior and location
Luxury units reach ₦300,000 – ₦500,000/night
That means 3–4 weeks of December income = 3 months of normal income.
No other property type offers such seasonal ROI.
3. Diaspora Nigerians Prefer Shortlets Over Hotels
Why?
Because shortlets feel like home.
They can cook
They can host friends
They have privacy
They avoid hotel restrictions
Larger families stay together
They enjoy luxury at a better price
This behavior guarantees demand every December.
4. Shortlets Work Beyond December Too
Even after the festive rush, shortlets perform well because of:
Business travelers
Tech workers
Oil & gas contractors
Wedding guests
Medical tourists
Conference attendees
Prime locations sustain 60–80% occupancy year-round.
December is the peak, not the only season.
5. Interior Design = Higher Rates + Faster Bookings
Shortlet success has moved beyond ordinary furniture.Diaspora Nigerians want aesthetics similar to what they see abroad:
Neutral luxury palettes
Marble finishes
Quality bedding
Smart locks
Fast Wi-Fi
Stylish lighting
Fully equipped kitchens
A beautifully furnished unit can charge 2–3× more than a basic one — even in the same building.
This is how smart investors win.
6. Shortlets Help Diaspora Nigerians Build Fast Passive Income
You don’t have to live in Nigeria.
Professional managers handle:
Guest check-ins
Cleaning
Security
Repairs
Online listings
Pricing adjustments
Guest communication
You earn, they manage.
Your job is to own the asset.The system does the rest.
7. December Reveals the Best Locations for Shortlet Investment
The most profitable December locations include:
In Lagos:
Lekki Phase 1
Ikoyi
Victoria Island
Oniru
Chevron Drive
Osapa London
Ikeja GRA
Yaba (budget-friendly but high volume)
In Abuja:
Wuse 2
Maitama
Jabi
Gwarinpa
Guzape
In Port Harcourt:
GRA Phase 2
Ada George
Peter Odili Road
These areas show where investors should plant their wealth.
8. Detty December Cashflow Can Finance the Property Itself
Many shortlet owners use December profits to:
Pay off mortgages
Renew facility management fees
Cover maintenance
Reinvest in furnishing upgrades
Save for another unit
The December boom can accelerate your path to real estate ownership.
9. Diaspora Investors Get Insider Deals When Visiting in December
Developers offer:
Inspection opportunities
End-of-year discounts
Flexible payment plans
Priority access to new projects
You can negotiate better because you're physically present.
10. You Can Start with Just One Unit
You don’t need a massive portfolio.Even owning one well-designed shortlet in a good location can:
Pay your bills
Build passive income
Fund future investments
Hedge against inflation
Provide a home when you visit Nigeria
Shortlets are scalable — start small, grow big.
Final Takeaway
Detty December exposes the REAL profit potential of shortlets:If you invest smartly, your December alone can pay for multiple expenses and build a long-term income engine.
For diaspora Nigerians, shortlets are one of the fastest ways to enter the Nigerian property market and begin earning consistent cashflow.
🏢 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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