Every December, Nigerian airports buzz with excitement. Flights from London, Houston, Toronto, and Dubai are packed with people coming home, sons and daughters of the soil, suitcase in hand, eager to reconnect with family, friends, and food they’ve missed all year.
But there’s always that one question that nags at every returning Nigerian:
“Should I rent an apartment or just stay in a short-let?”
It’s a fair question, and the answer depends on more than just budget. It’s about convenience, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay. In this article, we’ll help you weigh your options; from the hidden costs of renting to the flexibility of short-lets — so you can make the best housing decision for your next trip home.
Why the Housing Question Even Matters
Before we get into numbers, let’s understand why this is such a common dilemma.
For many Nigerians in the diaspora, coming home isn’t just a vacation, it’s an emotional return. It’s weddings, birthdays, church services, family meetings, and sometimes, business meetings too. But not everyone wants to burden relatives by staying in their homes for weeks. At the same time, renting a full apartment just to stay for a few weeks can feel unnecessary.
The sweet spot between both worlds convenience and comfort has given rise to Nigeria’s booming short-let market.
Option 1: Renting an Apartment — Stability, but at a Cost
At first glance, renting looks like the smart move. You get a home you can always return to somewhere that’s truly yours whenever you visit. It’s ideal for people who visit multiple times a year or plan to relocate permanently soon.
But there’s more to renting in Nigeria than paying rent.
1. Upfront Cost Is High
Most landlords in Nigeria require at least one year’s rent upfront. In cities like Lagos or Abuja, that could mean paying anywhere from ₦1.2 million to ₦3 million (or more), depending on the location and apartment size.
If you’re staying just a few weeks or months, that’s money sitting idle in walls you won’t use.
2. Maintenance and Utility Bills
Renting comes with hidden costs. You’ll likely handle water bills, electricity, cleaning, and sometimes even security. And if you’re not around year-round, you might end up paying for services you don’t use.
3. No Flexibility
Once you’ve signed that tenancy agreement, you’re locked in even if you realize later that the location isn’t right or you’re staying shorter than planned. That’s a major downside for people whose travel schedules can change.
4. The Good Side
However, renting can make sense if you’re planning to move back soon or you visit often enough for it to be worth it. Having your own apartment gives you privacy, consistency, and control — no bookings, no cancellations, no changing prices during the holidays.
If you want a base in Nigeria you can personalize or even furnish to your taste renting gives you that stability.
Option 2: Short-Let Apartments — Flexibility Meets Comfort
Short-lets are now the heartbeat of temporary housing in Nigeria.
From Lekki to Wuse and from Port Harcourt to Ibadan, short-let apartments have become the go-to solution for travelers, expats, and Nigerians returning home for brief visits.
So why are short-lets gaining popularity among the diaspora crowd?
1. Pay for What You Need
Unlike renting, you only pay for the exact number of days or weeks you’ll stay. No long-term commitment, no agent stress.
You can find furnished apartments starting from ₦35,000 per night in mid-range areas, and up to ₦120,000 per night for premium spaces in highbrow locations like Ikoyi or Maitama. For a three-week stay, that’s roughly ₦700,000–₦1.5 million which might sound like a lot, but it’s still far cheaper than paying a full year’s rent.
2. No Setup Hassle
Short-lets are move-in ready. You get furniture, Wi-Fi, kitchen utensils, cable TV, and sometimes even a cleaner.
For diaspora Nigerians who are used to Airbnb or serviced apartments abroad, this model feels familiar and that comfort matters after a long flight.
3. Flexibility and Choice
You can move between cities, try different neighborhoods, and even book online before arriving in Nigeria. If you’re attending family events in multiple cities say Lagos and Ibadan short-lets give you that freedom without extra commitment.
4. Perfect for Family Visits
Short-lets are ideal for families who prefer privacy. Instead of cramping into a relative’s spare room, you can host guests, cook your own meals, and live on your own terms.
For many returnees, it’s a chance to rest and still feel at home.
ALSO READ: Top Short-let Agents in Lagos Nigeria
The Real Estate Trend Behind It All
Nigeria’s short-let market is growing fast and it’s largely driven by diaspora returnees and business travelers. Platforms like PropertyPro and Airbnb have made it easier to find verified short-let listings, compare prices, and book from anywhere in the world.
According to Airbnb‑dataAccording to Airbnb‑data for the Abuja region, December is the peak season for occupancy in short‑term rentals, with October often being the lowest. Another study on the short‑term rental market in Lagos found high occupancy rates (block‑of‑flat type properties had an occupancy RII of 0.914) for short‑lets.
Many short-let operators even adjust prices during this period due to high demand.
That’s why booking early matters. If you’re planning to return in December, start searching and securing your apartment by late October or early November to avoid the price surge.
When Renting Still Makes Sense
Let’s be fair — short-lets aren’t always the answer. For some people, renting is still the smarter move.
Here’s when it makes sense to rent:
- You visit Nigeria several times a year and want a consistent home base.
- You plan to relocate within the next year.
- You have business interests or family obligations that require frequent presence.
- You want to avoid seasonal price hikes during festive periods.
In these cases, you could even consider buying property or co-owning a serviced apartment with family members to reduce long-term costs.
ALSO READ: 8 Steps To Start a ShortLet Rental in Nigeria
When Short-Let Wins
If your visits are short, unpredictable, or leisure-driven, short-let apartments will save you money, time, and stress.
You can book, stay, and leave — no paperwork, no agents, no utility bills.
Plus, most short-let providers offer customer support, concierge services, and even airport pickups to make your stay smoother. The best part? You can test different neighborhoods before deciding where to buy or rent permanently later. It’s a low-risk way to explore the housing market firsthand.
Security and Verification: What to Watch Out For
One thing Nigerians abroad worry about when booking accommodation is fraud — fake listings, duplicate photos, or nonexistent properties.
That’s why it’s important to use verified platforms or deal only with trusted property agents.
Verified platforms help reduce that risk by confirming property ownership, validating agents’ identities, and offering safe payment channels.
So, What’s the Final Verdict?
If you’re staying in Nigeria for a few days or weeks, a short-let is your best bet convenient, flexible, and cost-effective.
If you’re staying for months or plan to return often, renting (or even buying) might be smarter in the long run.
The key is to align your choice with your travel frequency, budget, and comfort needs.
Short-lets win for flexibility. Rentals win for permanence. Either way, Nigeria’s real estate market now offers enough options to fit your lifestyle whether you’re back home for Christmas, or forever.
Final Thoughts
Coming home should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you choose a short-let or a rental, what matters most is finding a space that fits your rhythm somewhere you can rest, recharge, and reconnect with the people and places that made you.
The next time you pack your bags for the holidays, plan ahead. Compare options. Check verified listings.
And remember — home is not just where you stay, it’s where you feel at peace.