09/09/2021
Banana Island is a man-made island in Ikoyi, Lagos. From an aerial view, the island is actually shaped like a banana, hence its name. The Island is a gated community and the most expensive real estate in the most exclusive area in Nigeria.
Despite the sluggish economy and rampaging inflation, the Lagos real estate market is holding its own with Banana Island as the preferred location for the most luxurious residential projects.
Waterfront plots in Banana Island are especially desired for the Lagoon view. With demand outstripping supply prices have risen inexorably. Indeed, some waterfront plots in Banana Island are on the market at N1.2million per square meter. For instance, Misa Limited has DIRECT instructions from the owners to sell two waterfront plots in Banana Island:
1. 4800sqms at L9 with federal certificate of occupancy and Lagos State Regularisation - N5bn.
2. 1134sqms at J60D with federal certificate occupancy - N1.4bn
What is fueling this demand? First and most important is the excellent infrastructure in the estate, access control, great security, green areas and the good maintenance culture. There is also an active residents association that monitors and enforces building regulations.
The premium on waterfront plots rose further recently on pronouncements by the authorities that owners of such plots may increase their plots by sandfilling to a point approved by the government. For example, the buyer of Plot L9 mentioned earlier may extend the plot by a further 2000sqms at a significantly lower cost than the N1.2million per square meter market rate.
All in all, it seems prices in Banana Island will continue to rise.