A widening dispute over property taxation, valuation and revenue enforcement in Sabon Gari, Kano State, is putting additional pressure on landlords and tenants as property owners say rising government charges are driving up the cost of accommodation and doing business.

Chairman of the Sabon Gari Landlord/Caretaker Association, Kano State, Basil Nnamdi Ulasi, said landlords were not opposed to paying legitimate taxes but alleged that increased assessments, multiple levies and aggressive enforcement had placed property owners under growing financial pressure.

According to Ulasi, the additional costs are eventually transferred to tenants through higher rents.

“Landlords are the ones collecting the money, but when the cost of running the property increases, they have to look at the rent. If government is increasing the charges, somebody will bear the cost,” he said.

Landlords Protest Rising Property Charges

Ulasi alleged that property-related charges had increased significantly, with some landlords who previously paid between N15,000 and N20,000 in local government charges now receiving demands of N500,000 or N800,000.

He said the association had previously negotiated payments of about N100,000 in local government charges, alongside state government payments of about N500,000 and N200,000, but claimed that the financial demands had risen significantly.

The association, he said, could provide previous payment receipts to demonstrate the changes.

Landlords Challenge Property Valuations

The dispute has also extended to property valuation.

Ulasi alleged that some government officials attempted to assess properties without adequate involvement of their owners, resulting in valuations landlords considered unrealistic.

He cited one property which he said could be worth between N60 million and N70 million but was allegedly assessed for taxation purposes at about N700 million.

Such assessments, according to Ulasi, could produce tax obligations that do not reflect the actual economic value or income-generating capacity of properties.

How Rising Costs Affect Tenants

Ulasi explained that the impact becomes clearer at the individual property level.

He gave the example of a landlord with six flats generating about N200,000 each, amounting to N1.2 million in rental income.

From that income, he said, the landlord still has to meet tax obligations and other operating expenses, leaving less money for maintenance, repairs and other property-related costs.

The association chairman said this creates a chain in which increased government charges raise landlords’ operating costs, prompting rent adjustments that eventually affect tenants.

For residents and businesses already facing higher living and operating expenses, the additional rent burden could further increase costs.

The association has therefore called for the harmonisation of taxes so property owners do not receive separate demands from multiple government authorities.

“We suggested that they should unify the taxes, call us and let us see what they are doing. Each tax should be in one place, then we pay with a human face,” Ulasi said.

Tax Dispute Moves To Court

Ulasi said the association wrote to government authorities and sought meetings to resolve the valuation and taxation disagreements.

The landlords subsequently approached the courts seeking clarification on the legality and procedures surrounding property valuation and taxation.

According to Ulasi, the association was advised during the proceedings to engage professional property valuers and meet with government representatives to pursue a resolution through dialogue.

He alleged that following the court proceedings, government officials accompanied by security personnel moved into parts of Sabon Gari.

Ulasi claimed that some shops were sealed and association members, including the vice chairman and secretary, were arrested and taken to a police station before being arraigned.

He said the alleged enforcement action changed the dispute from a disagreement over taxation into a broader confrontation involving government authorities, security agencies and property owners.

Ulasi further alleged that some landlords and traders subsequently paid the amounts demanded to avoid further confrontation.

Landlords Raise Infrastructure Concerns

The taxation dispute is also taking place against the backdrop of concerns over infrastructure in Sabon Gari.

Ulasi said the area had suffered from inadequate water supply despite being a densely populated commercial district.

“Sabon Gari has been lacking basic infrastructure for a long time. We don’t have pipe-borne water. People buy water from Mai Ruwa,” he said.

He said some landlords had drilled boreholes to provide water for tenants but alleged that such private infrastructure efforts also attracted additional local government charges.

According to him, this has created concerns among property owners who pay taxes while also spending their own resources to provide services for residents.

Ulasi acknowledged improvements in electricity supply but said water and roads remained major concerns.

He alleged that nearly 90 per cent of roads in the area were not motorable, although some were undergoing rehabilitation.

Trader Relocation Adds To Congestion

The association also linked the area’s challenges to the relocation of traders from Yankura to the New Road area.

Ulasi attributed the relocation to the Kano State Road Traffic Agency, KAROTA, saying it had transformed parts of New Road into a congested commercial zone.

He disputed claims that traders moved there simply because of better business opportunities, saying they were relocated to facilitate construction work at their previous location.

According to him, trading activities now begin as early as 5am, with traders occupying parts of the road and creating traffic congestion.

“The whole road is blocked from five o’clock in the morning. If you come here, you cannot be able to pass,” he said.

He also linked the congestion to security concerns, alleging thefts and break-ins involving shops and houses in the area.

Association Seeks Unified Tax System

The Sabon Gari Landlord/Caretaker Association wants the Kano State Government to intervene in the dispute and supervise revenue collection activities in the area.

The association is seeking a unified taxation framework, transparent property valuation, a single payment system and greater involvement of property owners in determining the basis for assessments.

Ulasi also appealed for improved water supply, roads, security and traffic management, arguing that better infrastructure would make taxation more acceptable to property owners and residents.

“We are begging the State Government to come to our aid, or else things will go from worse to wherever we don’t know,” he said.

The dispute highlights the relationship between property taxation and housing affordability, with landlords arguing that higher government charges can ultimately feed into rents paid by tenants.

The post Sabon Gari Rent Crisis: Rising Property Taxes Push Kano Landlords To Increase Rents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Madrid and other Spanish cities on Friday, demanding parliamentary action to address the country’s worsening housing crisis.

Demonstrators gathered outside Madrid City Hall, rattling keys, blowing whistles and banging spoons against pots as they called for stronger protections for vulnerable tenants. Similar protests were held outside town halls in Barcelona and Cordoba. 

The demonstrations came ahead of a parliamentary vote on housing measures proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government.

The protests were sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from the Madrid apartment where she had lived for 70 years. Her case became a focal point for wider concerns over rising rents, limited housing supply and tenant protections. 

“This is the time to listen to people on the streets and stop making partisan calculations,” Alicia del Rio, spokeswoman for the Madrid Tenants’ Union, said during the protest.

What Was In The Housing Package?

The government’s proposed measures included tighter restrictions on the eviction of vulnerable tenants and restrictions on companies considered to have “speculative” aims from the real estate market until the end of 2028. 

Other measures under consideration included extending protections against evictions until 2030, extending rent controls and introducing tighter rules for short-term rentals. 

Sánchez had urged lawmakers to support the measures, calling for “a sense of responsibility” and asking politicians to put partisan divisions aside.

However, the government faced opposition from several parties in Spain’s fragmented parliament.

Parliament Rejects Housing Decree

The situation changed on Friday when Spain’s lower house rejected the government’s housing decree.

The measure was defeated by 178 votes in the 350-seat chamber after Junts withdrew its support, arguing that the proposals could reduce rental housing supply and increase prices. 

The rejection has added pressure on Sánchez’s minority government as protesters continue demanding action over housing affordability.

Abascal Set To Return Home

Abascal’s eviction had become a major symbol of the housing crisis, but she is expected to return to the Madrid apartment after reaching an agreement with its owner.

Her lawyer said the agreement would allow her to return under a new arrangement with rent similar to what she had previously paid. 

The protests have nevertheless continued, with demonstrators demanding broader changes to Spain’s housing system.

The post Spain Housing Crisis: Hundreds Protest In Madrid, Demand Tenant Protection appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has advised young people, particularly those at the early stages of their careers, to make housing decisions based on their income and financial capacity rather than rushing to secure independent accommodation.

Hamzat gave the advice on Thursday during a question-and-answer session on Nigeria Info FM, while responding to concerns over how a 22-year-old earning ₦100,000 monthly could afford a self-contained apartment or mini-flat costing about ₦1 million in annual rent.

The deputy governor said young Nigerians should not feel pressured to move out and rent their own accommodation immediately after getting a job if their earnings cannot comfortably support the cost.

He explained that living with parents, relatives or other family members was consistent with traditional living arrangements in Nigeria and could provide young workers with an opportunity to establish themselves financially before taking on higher housing expenses.

“Don’t let us misunderstand ourselves as a people. We are cultural people. Do you understand? So, if I start work as a young person and I’m not married, a lot of us live with our parents. A lot of us live with our cousins,” Hamzat said.

He also referenced living arrangements in countries such as Turkey, where young people may remain with family members or share accommodation while building their financial independence.

According to him, there is nothing wrong with starting with modest accommodation and upgrading as income increases.

“So, if you don’t start from the top self-contained, you don’t start from the top. You start from the average depending on,” he said.

Hamzat Sets 40% Rent Benchmark

Hamzat also advised workers against committing an excessive share of their earnings to accommodation.

He said spending more than 40 per cent of one’s income on rent was too high because workers still needed to cover food, clothing, transportation and other essential expenses.

“In fact, if you spend more than 40 per cent of your income on rent, it is too high because you must eat, you must buy clothes, you must do transportation,” the deputy governor said.

He encouraged young people to consider affordable housing options while developing a culture of saving and gradually improving their housing situation as their financial capacity grows.

Lagos Promotes Mortgage Financing

Beyond the issue of rental affordability, Hamzat said the Lagos State Government was promoting mortgage financing as an alternative route to homeownership.

He explained that purchasing a property through a single upfront payment was beyond the reach of many Nigerians, making mortgage financing necessary for expanding access to homeownership.

According to him, the Lagos State mortgage board was established to provide financing options to residents who can demonstrate their ability to repay.

“But, you know, the challenge is we cannot continue to buy houses the way we buy rice and yam. Do you understand? So, we must buy properties using a mortgage, and that’s why we have a mortgage board in Lagos,” Hamzat said.

LASRRA Identification to Support Mortgage Assessment

Hamzat also explained how the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) identification system could support the mortgage process.

He said the system could help establish a resident’s identity, address and place of employment, information that could assist lenders in assessing an applicant’s ability to repay a housing loan.

“So, that’s why we said people must have LASRRA number, so we can know that, okay, you live in Lagos. This is where you live. This is your address. This is where you work. So that there is a credit bill that checks everything that says, okay, you can pay,” he said.

₦7m Property Example

Using a ₦7 million property in Bisedi as an example, Hamzat explained how mortgage financing could allow a prospective homeowner to spread the cost of the property over several years.

He said a buyer could make an initial payment of 10 per cent, equivalent to ₦700,000, and repay the outstanding balance over a 10-year period.

“So, if a flat in Bisedi, which is seven million naira, you pay 10 per cent with 700,000, and over 10 years, you are able to pay monthly,” he said.

Hamzat added that the monthly repayment would depend on the buyer’s income and ability to repay.

“Some people pay 25,000 monthly or 35,000, whatever it is, depending on your income,” he said.

According to him, mortgage financing provides residents with an alternative to paying the full purchase price at once, which many prospective homeowners may not be able to afford.

“That is the way to go because we know that a lot of people will not be able to afford to pay a one-shot deal,” he said.

Hamzat Urges Young People to Start Small

The deputy governor encouraged young Nigerians to begin with housing they can afford while developing a consistent savings culture and working towards eventual property ownership.

He said young workers should not feel that they must immediately secure expensive accommodation when they are just starting their careers.

“But the bottom line is, like I said, the culture of ability to save, so that if people see that you can save money, then I can give you a property.

“It doesn’t have to be, if you are a young person, you can start with one bedroom or even a self-contained, like you explained,” he said.

Housing Affordability Linked to Income

Hamzat acknowledged that housing affordability cannot be separated from the wider economic environment.

He stressed the need to improve residents’ earning capacity so that more Nigerians can afford decent accommodation and eventually own homes.

“What is important is we must also build our economy in such a way that people earn better, you understand, so that everybody can be uplifted, and that is the bottom line,” he said.

He added that reducing the cost of goods and services would also help residents manage their incomes and make more sustainable housing decisions.

“The cost of buying things is what we need to fix first, and then when we fix that, which is what the Federal Government is doing now, then we’ll be able to talk a lot more about other pillars that stop on top of that,” Hamzat said.

The post Lagos Deputy Governor Urges Young Workers to Consider Living With Parents Over High Rent appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The National Union of Tenants of Nigeria (NUTN) has appealed to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to urgently intervene in the worsening housing crisis affecting residents of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.

The appeal was contained in a letter signed by the union’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Ceaser Enwefah, and addressed to the governor in Port Harcourt.

According to the union, the housing situation in the two local government areas has deteriorated into a full-scale crisis, impacting more than 1.5 million residents and placing significant financial strain on families.

Rising Rents Deepen Housing Affordability Challenges

Enwefah stated that approximately 80 per cent of residents, including civil servants, company employees, self-employed individuals and retirees, now spend a substantial portion of their income on rent.

He noted that civil servants earning the national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month, equivalent to ₦840,000 annually, are paying as much as ₦900,000 per year for self-contained apartments.

According to him, rental prices across the state have increased sharply in recent years.

“Rents for double-room apartments have risen from ₦120,000 to ₦520,000 annually, while one-bedroom flats that previously rented for ₦300,000 now cost as much as ₦1.5 million per year,” he said.

Housing Deficit Blamed for Soaring Rent

The union attributed the situation to an acute housing deficit allegedly worsened by the indiscriminate approval of building plan amendments and the conversion of residential properties into commercial facilities.

Enwefah also alleged that some landlords and unregistered house agents were exploiting the shortage by imposing excessive rent increases on tenants.

He warned that the trend has significantly reduced housing affordability and placed many households under severe economic pressure.

NUTN Calls for Immediate Government Intervention

To address the crisis, the union called on the Rivers State Government to suspend further conversion of residential buildings to non-residential uses within the affected areas.

The organisation also urged Governor Fubara to consider placing a temporary halt on rent increases pending the introduction of new housing policy measures.

“We urge Governor Fubara to suspend rent increases pending the introduction of new policy directives,” Enwefah stated.

The union further advocated the appointment of a substantive or supervisory commissioner to oversee the Ministry of Housing and coordinate efforts aimed at addressing the housing challenges facing residents.

According to Enwefah, previous efforts to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the issue through the ministry had not produced meaningful results.

Affordable Housing Key to Economic Stability

The NUTN executive secretary stressed that access to affordable housing remains a fundamental component of social and economic development.

He referenced the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Nigeria’s Constitution, which emphasise the importance of decent living conditions for citizens.

Enwefah also cited international housing standards, noting that housing costs should remain affordable and proportionate to residents’ incomes.

He warned that failure to address the housing crisis could worsen poverty levels, increase financial hardship and trigger social unrest.

“Nigerians are sacrificing virtually all their earnings to pay rent, leaving many families in severe economic hardship,” he said.

The union called on the Rivers State Government to adopt its recommendations as part of a broader strategy to improve housing affordability, increase housing supply and protect tenants from excessive rent burdens.

Stakeholders have continued to express concern over rising rental costs across major Nigerian cities, with housing affordability emerging as one of the most pressing urban development challenges facing millions of residents.

The post Rivers Tenants Urge Fubara to Address Worsening Housing Crisis in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

…as soaring rent prices push residents out of prime areas, Lagosians turn to the Mainland for relief

With rent prices in Lagos climbing to record highs, thousands of residents are fleeing once-coveted districts such as Lekki, Victoria Island, and Surulere in search of affordable accommodation. The surging cost of living, coupled with rising agent fees and damages charges, has created a rental crisis forcing many Lagosians to downsize or even convert shops into makeshift homes.

Just a few years ago, self-contained apartments in the city could be found for between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000. Today, getting a one-bedroom flat below ₦1 million feels almost impossible. Yet, investigations by Lagos Reporters show that a handful of neighbourhoods still offer functional, budget-friendly apartments without completely sacrificing access to amenities such as schools, markets, hospitals, and transport systems.

Iyana Ipaja remains one of the most active transport hubs on the Mainland, ideal for workers commuting to Ikeja or Oshodi. It offers mini-flats and self-contained apartments at some of the most competitive rates in the city.

Abule Egba, located along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway, continues to attract middle-income families with its improved infrastructure, BRT stations, health centres, and proximity to Katangowa Market. The area’s affordability and connectivity make it a popular choice for residents seeking balance between comfort and cost.

Egbeda, a lively neighbourhood close to Ikeja, combines affordability with modern amenities, reliable roads, and a bustling social scene. It has become a go-to area for young professionals and families looking for decent housing without breaking the bank.

Agege, positioned between Ikeja and Ifako-Ijaiye, benefits from strong transport links, including the new Lagos Red Line rail. With modern apartments and growing commercial activity, it offers affordability and accessibility.

Idimu offers a quieter residential environment connected to Egbeda and Iyana Ipaja. Its peaceful setting and relatively low rent make it suitable for small families and those seeking a calm neighbourhood.

Ayobo and Ipaja, on the eastern edge of Alimosho, are rapidly developing with new estates and better road networks. Their affordability continues to draw tenants seeking long-term housing value.

Ikotun, a bustling district known for its markets and proximity to the Synagogue Church of All Nations, remains one of the most affordable areas in Lagos despite its busy streets.

Mushin, though congested and occasionally plagued by security concerns, still provides mini-flats under ₦800,000, a rare find given its proximity to Yaba, Surulere, and Oshodi.

Alagbado, stretching along the Lagos–Abeokuta axis toward Ogun State, is fast urbanizing with emerging estates and good transport links. It remains a preferred choice for those priced out of central Lagos.

Ikorodu, though distant from the city’s core, continues to offer some of the most affordable rent in Lagos. Its access by road and water, coupled with expanding infrastructure and vibrant local markets, makes it a viable alternative for cost-conscious tenants.

A Deepening Crisis

Findings by Lagos Reporters reveal that Lagos’s rent crisis continues to worsen, with landlords increasing rents almost yearly. Many tenants now spend over half of their income on accommodation, while others resort to shared housing or relocation to the city’s outskirts. Despite these pressures, the Lagos Mainland remains the most realistic option for affordable living  offering a balance of cost, convenience, and community.

By: Lagos Reporter

The post Top Lagos Neighbourhoods Where You Can Still Rent a House for Less Than ₦1 Million in 2025 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.