Esther Alexander writes on ten places you can find affordable houses to rent in Abuja, whether you’re a newbie in the capital city or someone who is still finding it hard to navigate securing areas with low and affordable rent in FCT.
Despite being the nation’s capital, Abuja has been described by many as one of the most expensive cities in Nigeria due to its high economic activity and presence of global corporations.
However, one must be aware that to live successfully in Abuja, you must stay within your budget, this also includes house rent.
Abuja, over the last few years, has experienced an influx of people from other parts of Nigeria. Notwithstanding, their many concerns have been how to secure good and comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
In this article, we’d focus on some of the fast-rising areas in Abuja where accommodation is quite affordable, especially to low and middle-income earners. Just keep reading.
Jikwoyi
Jikwoyi is one of the fastest-growing satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. It has experienced tremendous population growth because inhabitants of the city and new folks who have just recently relocated to Abuja seek affordable homes.
Jikwoyi is about 17 minute’s drive from the Central Business District of Abuja. Jikwoyi Phase 1, Jikwoyi Phase 1 Extension, Jikwoyi Phase 2, and Jikwoyi Phase 3 are in Jikwoyi.
Commercial banks, for example, GTB, schools, colleges, hotels, eateries, and many small-scale businesses, contribute to the socio-economic activities of Jikwoyi. However, residents experience incessant traffic gridlock because of inadequate road networks. The power supply is abysmal as well.
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 250,000 to 700,000 naira ($692-$1,939) per annum.
Kubwa
You can be rest assured of a 15-20 minutes drive from the Central Business District of Abuja, which is majorly a residential area. The main road is the Murtala Mohammed Expressway. Banks, such as Zenith Bank and Access Bank, eateries, shops, and even the NYSC Orientation Camp, are present in Kubwa. All these, as well as schools, contribute to the daily economic and social activity of Kubwa.
Residents enjoy a decent power supply, and water is readily available. Rent in Kubwa ranges from 150,000 to 1,500,000 Naira ($415-$4,155) per annum for a two-three-bedroom flat depending on the choice location within the area.
The Kubwa area of Abuja is still young, with little development but boasts some very handsome apartments. Although this area is new, it has all the things that one might need – infrastructure laid out and maintained, access to water and electricity, and external accommodations like banks, grocers, and other entertainment facilities.
Dawaki
Dawaki is under the administration of the Bwari Area Council and is mainly a residential area. Located about 20 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja. The Murtala Mohammed Expressway is the major road in Dawaki. It has a decent supply of water and electricity. It is a fast-growing district that has attracted a lot of people looking for affordable accommodation.Real estate developers are also investing in properties in Dawaki, meaning that more affordable houses will be made available. They are providing homes to low-income earners as well as middle-class citizens. Prices of three-bedroom flat costs between 350,000 to 800,000 ($969-$2,216) naira per annum.
Karu Urban Area
Karu is situated at a boundary between Nasarawa State and the FCT. It is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing regions, and the population expansion in Abuja has forced most residents to seek affordable housing in nearby towns. With the presence of several banks and other enterprises, it makes the area an economic powerhouse.
Karu Urban Area and Abuja are connected by a large roadway. Annual rent for a two- three-bedroom flat with electricity and running water is from 250,000 to 700,000 naira ($692-$1,939).
Apo
Apo is majorly residential with some extra commercial activities. Being a rapidly developing district in the Federal Capital Territory, living in Apo is quite easy for both high and middle-income earners. However, there are some areas that even low-income earners can afford.
Kuje
The third area is Kuje. Kuje is a busy market town with a range of roadside stores selling pharmaceuticals, provisions, building materials, ironmongery, tools, phone cards, and music CDs. A peculiar feature of Kuje is a colorful market held every 4 days with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, very fresh meat, other provisions, household goods, fabric, shoes, clothing, smoked fish, and posters displaying European footballers pictured alongside their houses, wives, and cars.
Kuje is seeing a rapid expansion in housing because of its proximity to Abuja and because of the removal of informal settlements along the airport road. Renting an apartment in Kuje will save a lot of money for low or average-income earners.
Orozo
Orozo in the region of Abuja Federal Capital Territory is a place located in Nigeria – some 13 mi or ( 21 km ) South-East of Abuja, the country’s capital. Orozo boasts of high-profile landmarks such as Loyola Jesuit College, Federal Technical College, Federal Treasury Academy, Ave Maria University, and a host of others.
Lugbe
Lugbe is one of the popular suburban settlements in Abuja. It is in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). It is largely residential and densely populated. Lugbe is about a 17-minute drive from the Central Business District of Abuja and a 13-minute drive to the Abuja Airport. It is along the airport road. Lugbe is divided into five districts namely Lugbe South, Lugbe North, Lugbe Central, Lugbe West, and Lugbe East. This makes it easily accessible for working-class people.
Lugbe’s proximity to the city center and also to the Abuja airport has brought it into the limelight and attracted significant development to the area. The area is developing very fast and is a viable area to invest in real estate. House rents are quite affordable in Lugbe, especially for low or middle-income earners.
However, one may experience heavy traffic in Lugbe due to the airport road around. Notwithstanding Lugbe is a good is a good place to live.
Galadimawa
Galadimawa district, located about 17 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja.
Residents enjoy high social and economic activities because of its proximity to several commercial and social establishments like malls, eateries, hotels, and businesses. Schools such as Baze University and the African University of Science and Technology are also situated close to Galadimawa.
It is still a developing district, so the infrastructures are basic. The absence of necessary structures has not discouraged people from moving in because of the relatively affordable accommodation, for the middle class.
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 550,000 to 2,500,000 naira ($1,523-$6,925) per annum. A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 550,000 to 2,500,000 naira ($1,523-$6,925) per annum.
Karshi
Karshi is located in the Federal Capital Territory, a satellite town situated in Abuja Municipal Area Council in Nigeria. Its geographical coordinates are 8° 49′ 40″ North, 7° 33′ 0″ East and its original name is Karshi. Karshi is about 38 km from the Federal capital city of Abuja and 41 km from Karshi to Apo airport (The main gateway to Nigeria).
