The situation is intense! Everywhere you turn, whether it’s on your family WhatsApp group or that loud discussion at the bar, the talk is always the same; Japa. Our best and brightest minds are leaving the country.

But forget the sad side of the story for a minute. For those of us still in the real estate game, that is the agents, the builders, the landlords, and the investors, this Japa wave isn’t just a challenge; it’s a massive, confusing opportunity.

The big question everyone is asking is, With all these people leaving, should I still put my money down on property in Nigeria?

At myplace.ng, we connect you (the agent, the owner, the buyer, the engineer) to the ground truth. Here is the koko (the main point) on how the Japa effect is changing the market and where the real money moves are.

The Real Koko: Diaspora Money is Holding the Market

If you think the market is collapsing because people are leaving, you’re looking at the wrong numbers.

The people who Japa’d are now sending crazy money home in foreign currency. This diaspora investment is the new backbone of our market, and they aren’t just buying anything.

• The Land Rush: As a result of high inflation, Nigerians abroad are using property, most especially prime land in places like Ikoyi, Lekki, and even emerging areas like Epe to protect their savings. Land prices in these choice locations are rocketing because this money is steady.
• The Luxury Lift: They are looking for high-end, secure properties they can retire to, or that they can use as a short-let during holidays. This has created a serious boom in the luxury and serviced apartment segment.

Your Takeaway: If you’re buying or selling land in a premium location, the foreign currency flow is your new market driver.

Agent & Landlord Strategy: Forget the Old Rental Game

If you are a landlord or agent dealing with regular two-bedroom flats in the city centre, you are feeling the heat.

Many young professionals who used to rent those apartments have left, leading to higher vacancies in some areas.

How to Beat the Vacancy Blues:

• The Short-Let Goldmine: Instead of chasing long-term tenants, pivot to short-let apartments. Diaspora visitors and remote workers are always looking for clean, safe, and fully serviced flats for a few weeks or months. The yield on short-lets can often double what you get from a regular annual rent.
• Go Global, Go Digital: If you’re an agent, your business is now global. You need to be using virtual tours, professional photography, and remote closing systems. If you can’t service a client in Canada, you’re leaving money on the table.
• The Law is Changing (Agents Must Know): The government is getting serious about exploitation. Regulations like the Lagos Tenancy Bill 2025 are pushing for mandatory agent registration (LASRERA) and potentially capping agency commission. If you’re not licensed, you are operating illegally.

High Cost Versus New Cost

To our engineers and construction teams: the Japa Effect is forcing the industry to get smarter because the cost of materials is not smiling.

• Build Smart, Not Just Big: The diaspora client wants a house that saves them money and stress. This means solar power, water treatment, and smart home technology. Properties with these features can sell for up to 15% higher because they solve our Nigerian infrastructure issues.
• The Affordability Crisis is Your Opportunity: It’s tough to build affordable homes with costs rising by over 12% annually. However, the government is looking for developers to tackle the massive housing deficit. If you can innovate with cost-effective building techniques or alternative materials, you will be the next market leader.

Final Thoughts

The Japa wave is scary, but it has injected the Nigerian real estate market with stable, foreign currency-backed demand. The money is here. The question is, are you positioned on myplace.ng to connect with it.