Lagos residents face growing stress as rising house rents continue to push the cost of living higher. Occupants struggle with the steady hike in rent prices, which has forced many people to move to nearby states because they can no longer keep up.
Through an in-depth interview conducted by NBG Africa, estate surveyors, valuers, real estate managers, landlords, legal practitioners, and renters shared their experiences. Many of them explained that paying rent in Lagos has become difficult and inconvenient.
A renter, Jamiu, said, “Lagos is getting expensive; if you cannot pay, you have to find your way to Ogun State, Mowe, or go back to your state.” 
Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Olusanjo Fawole, explained why rent continues to rise in Lagos. He emphasized that the city has become too expensive for many residents. He said people now move out because they can no longer cope with the high cost. “If what you earn annually cannot get you accommodation, then it’s a problem,” he said.
Speaking on high rental costs, he explained the concept of market trends. According to him, market forces should guide property pricing. However, he made it clear that landlords ultimately decide how much they charge. “In terms of who determines how much I want for rent, it rests solely at the doorstep of the landlord,” he said.
Over the past five years, the average cost of a three-bedroom apartment has increased by over 150% in areas like Lekki, Agege, Alimosho, Yaba, Surulere, Ikeja, and Victoria Island.
Another renter, Gift, shared her frustration: “Rent is like 300,000 Naira to 700,000 Naira. Is it worth it for the places I see? Not exactly.”
Another resident added, “Rent in my area is around 1.2 million to 1.5 million Naira, and to be honest, it’s not really worth the price.”
Estate Surveyor and Valuer Dare Olatuji explained how professionals determine rental value. He said they compare similar properties and consider existing rent prices in the area. “When we carry out valuation, we look at comparisons… the rent a property commands and then compare it with others,” he explained. He also noted that even if a building looks better, valuers still consider surrounding properties before setting a price.
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Lagos residents complain mostly about the extra charges attached to rent. These charges include agency fees, legal fees, and agreement fees. These costs frustrate renters because they come as part of the same process.
During the interview, renters expressed anger over these charges. Many questioned the purpose of agency and agreement fees, especially when some landlords collect both. They described the situation as unfair.
One renter said agents create most of the problems in Lagos. According to the renter, agents often demand payment before showing available houses.
Many renters also claimed that agency fees sometimes match the actual rent. They insisted that agents should not charge such high amounts. First-time renters especially feel the burden, as they often pay almost the same amount for rent and agent fees. This issue continues to frustrate many people.
Olusanjo Fawole clarified that real estate transactions should only include agency and legal fees. He stressed the importance of proper legal backing in every agreement.
Legal practitioner Adejumo Jubril also shared his perspective. He explained that agents mainly sell information and help connect tenants to properties. “Most tenants connect to a property through an agent, and you should not deny a laborer his due,” he said. However, he raised concerns about agents who exploit the system by charging fees as high as the landlord’s rent.
When NBG Africa asked who is responsible for the high cost of rent, many respondents said landlords often do not know that agents charge such excessive fees.
This situation shows that some agents have turned the process into an exploitative system, collecting more money from people searching for housing in Lagos.
Real estate valuers also pointed out that the law sets a standard. Agents should not charge more than 10%, and Lagos State now proposes reducing it to 5%.
The rising cost of rent in Lagos continues to push residents to their limits. Many people now struggle to afford decent housing, while others have already moved to nearby states in search of relief. Landlords, agents, and market forces all play a role, but the lack of proper control and transparency keeps the system unfair for renters.
Renters want fairness, reasonable charges, and a system that reflects the true value of what they pay for. Until authorities enforce clear regulations and reduce exploitative practices, the cost of living in Lagos will remain a heavy burden for many.
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