Don’t Buy All Bushes: How to Spot a Goldmine Land

When buying land, it’s easy to get drawn into a deal because of a seemingly low price, but not all cheap land will appreciate, even in your lifetime. Many factors contribute to land value, and location is the most critical aspect. Some areas may remain undeveloped and unprofitable for generations, while others will grow exponentially in value quickly. So, how do you know which land is a true goldmine?

Let’s go into the factors that can help you identify the next land investment opportunity in Nigeria.

1. Location, Location, Location: The Key to Goldmine Land

The first rule of land investment is that location will always be the biggest factor in its potential for appreciation. No matter how cheap a piece of land might seem, if it’s located far from major development, infrastructure, and growth, its value may never increase significantly.

Proximity to Key Landmarks

A piece of land far from major roads, airports, rail stations, or commercial centres is unlikely to appreciate. However, land near popular landmarks and key locations such as expressways, universities, and industrial zones can see rapid value growth.

For instance:

• Ogun State: One of the reasons Ogun State is developing quickly is its proximity to Lagos. It is located right next to the state, making it an attractive destination for both residential and commercial developments. Areas like Abeokuta and Ota are becoming bustling urban centres because of the influx of people looking to buy land near Lagos but at a more affordable rate.
• Epe, Lagos: Once considered a rural area, Epe is rapidly developing due to its proximity to Lekki and the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The presence of industries and ongoing infrastructure projects like the proposed airport further enhance the potential for value growth in the area. This makes Epe one of the smartest places to buy land for future appreciation.
• Ibeju Lekki: Another area to watch is Ibeju Lekki, which is experiencing explosive growth due to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Pan Atlantic University. These industries are creating thousands of jobs, driving demand for residential and commercial land in the area.

Look for Areas Close to Express Roads, Universities, and Major Developments

When considering land investment, think like a smart investor: focus on areas that are near express roads, universities, or industries. These places are often positioned for rapid development, offering a high return on investment in the long term. For example:

• Lekki has transformed into one of the most desirable places to live in Lagos, primarily due to its proximity to top-tier residential areas, businesses, and tourist destinations.
• Ikeja, also known for its centrality, has attracted several multinational companies, making land in this region highly sought after.
• Ajao Estate, Magodo, and Surulere in Lagos are also prime examples of how proximity to established landmarks like airports, schools, and businesses contribute to skyrocketing land values.

2. What Makes These Areas Fast-Developing?

When you’re evaluating cheap land, don’t just look at the price — look at what’s driving the development of the area. Areas close to major industries, universities, or urban projects are far more likely to experience exponential growth.

Here’s a breakdown of industries and projects that drive rapid development:

• Lekki Free Trade Zone: The Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) is a game-changer for Ibeju Lekki. With the construction of large-scale projects like the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port, and Smart Cities, the region is expected to become a hub of economic activity, boosting land values.
• Dangote Refinery: This mega-project, the largest single-train refinery in the world, is located in Ibeju Lekki and will create thousands of jobs, increasing demand for land in nearby areas. Investors who purchase land in Ibeju Lekki today stand to benefit from the economic growth it will drive.
• Eko Atlantic City: Eko Atlantic, located along Lagos’s coastline, is a new city being built on reclaimed land. It promises to be a financial and commercial hub with skyscrapers, hotels, and leisure spaces. This project will undoubtedly increase the value of surrounding lands, especially in nearby neighbourhoods like Victoria Island and Lekki Phase 1.

3. Why Land Banking Is the Smart Strategy

If you want to invest in land for the long term, land banking — buying land in areas that are expected to appreciate — is a strategy you should seriously consider. While land in remote locations may seem like a bargain, if it’s not in an area with significant development potential, it may not generate the returns you expect.

The key takeaway is:

• Invest in land that’s on the outskirts of major urban developments, not just in random “bush” areas. The right piece of land will be a goldmine as long as it’s located in an area that has a clear growth trajectory.
• Smart investors identify emerging hotspots early before they are fully developed and prices skyrocket.

4. What to Look for in the Ideal Investment Location

• Proximity to major roads and highways: Land located near highways or express roads is ideal because transportation accessibility is one of the biggest drivers of development.
• Universities and educational institutions: Areas close to universities or colleges often appreciate in value due to the steady influx of students, and staff, and the demand for housing.
• Industries and commercial hubs: Industrial zones and commercial hubs like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, industrial parks, or technology hubs are great indicators of future development.
• Urbanization trends: Keep an eye on areas being developed into new towns, residential estates, or business districts. Cities like Ajao Estate, Magodo, and Abuja are excellent examples of where rapid urbanization has boosted the value of land.

Be a Smart Investor

Not all cheap land is a goldmine, but by focusing on the right locations, you can identify areas that will see massive value increases over time. Look for land close to express roads, universities, industries, or popular landmarks that are driving development. As a smart investor, you should always keep an eye on areas that may seem like “bush” today but are on the cusp of becoming the next big thing in real estate.

Invest wisely and stay ahead of the curve. When you invest in the right land in the right location, you’re setting yourself up for a rewarding return on investment. Happy investing!