Lagos is evolving and so are buyer expectations. Between rising energy costs, heavier rainy seasons, and a new wave of quality-conscious homeowners, “nice-to-have” features like solar backup or proper site drainage have become non-negotiable. At Ramos Real Estate, we’re seeing a clear shift: Lagos buyers want homes that are sustainable, cost-efficient, and built to withstand the city’s climate realities without sacrificing comfort or style.
Below is a practical guide to the features today’s Lagos buyers are prioritizing, plus a checklist you can use on your next inspection.
1) Energy Independence: Solar + Inverter First, Generator Second
The cost of power has made energy design a top buying factor.
What buyers want
- Hybrid solar + inverter systems sized for essentials (lights, sockets, Wi-Fi, TVs, fridge) and expandable for ACs.
- Efficient ACs (Inverter ACs), LED lighting, and low-standby appliances.
- Roof orientation and structure that can actually host panels (pitch, anchoring, and shading considered).
- Smart metering to track consumption and optimize solar usage.
Ramos tip: Ask for the solar design report (panel capacity, inverter size, battery bank Ah/kWh) and the list of critical load circuits connected to backup.
2) Water Wise: Boreholes Done Right + Rainwater Management
Sustainability in Lagos isn’t just about saving water it’s about controlling it.
What buyers look for
- Properly lined boreholes with water treatment (sediment + carbon + UV where needed).
- Rainwater harvesting gutters with screened inlets and storage tanks for irrigation and cleaning.
- Greywater reuse (where available) for landscaping.
- Anti-damp design: damp-proof membranes (DPM), cavity walls or coatings, and raised floor levels.
Ramos tip: Inspect tank placement, overflow routes, and pump accessibility. Poor placement = noisy, hard-to-maintain systems.
3) Flood Resilience & Site Drainage: Non-Negotiable on the Island
From Lekki to Ajah, resilience begins at the site level.
Features that matter
- Raised plinth/floor levels above known flood lines and well-graded landscaping away from the building.
- Perimeter and internal drains sized and sloped correctly, with debris screens and accessible inspection chambers.
- Permeable hardscapes (pavers, gravel strips) to reduce surface runoff.
- Sump pumps & backflow preventers in flood-prone zones.
- Neighbourhood drainage that actually connects to functional public drains.
Ramos tip: Visit after rainfall if possible. If not, look for water marks on boundary walls, silt in drains, or mismatched slopes.
4) Building Envelope: Cool, Quiet, and Efficient
A well-built shell reduces heat, noise, and bills.
What to prioritise
- Roof insulation (XPS or rockwool) + radiant barriers under roofing sheets.
- Quality windows/doors with tight seals; cross-ventilation through window placement.
- Shading elements (eaves, verandas, brise-soleil) to cut solar gain.
- Low-VOC paints and moisture-resistant finishes in wet areas.
- Premium waterproofing in bathrooms/terraces (don’t rely on tiles alone).
Ramos tip: Touch exterior walls in the afternoon sun. Excessive heat inside suggests poor insulation or wrong material choices.
5) Smart Home, Smart Bills
Technology should simplify life and shave off costs.
Buyer favourites
- Smart thermostats and zone controls for ACs.
- App-controlled lighting & sockets to kill phantom loads.
- Leak, smoke, and CO detectors for safety.
- Security systems (CCTV, access control) with low-power modes on backup.
Ramos tip: Ensure smart devices are compatible with your inverter/solar system; cheap devices can misbehave on DC-AC conversions.
6) Paperwork, Approvals & Developer Reputation
Resilience starts on paper.
Due diligence essentials (Lagos)
- Title: C of O / Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment, Registered Survey.
- Planning approvals: Lagos State building plan approvals (LASPPPA/LASBCA) and estate drainage approvals.
- Warranties: Roofing, waterproofing, solar equipment, and structural warranty from reputable contractors.
- As-built documentation: MEP drawings, operations manual, and maintenance schedule.
Ramos tip: Buy from developers with handover packs it’s the mark of a professional build, not a flip.
Quick Inspection Checklist (Save This)
Use this 2-minute filter when viewing any property:
- Power: Solar/inverter present? What capacity (kW/kWh)? Which loads are backed up?
- Water: Borehole treatment + rainwater plan? Any damp-proofing details provided?
- Drainage: Raised floor level, working internal drains, discharge route, backflow preventers.
- Envelope: Insulated roof, sealed windows, shading, low-VOC finishes.
- Materials: Coastal-grade hardware, documented concrete/rebar specs.
- Smart & Safety: Leak/smoke detection, CCTV, access control, smart metering.
- Air Quality: Cross-ventilation, kitchen hood ducted outside, no musty smells.
- Documents: Title, surveys, plan approvals, warranties, MEP drawings.
- Estate Management: Service charge transparency, maintenance standards, flood history.
- Neighbourhood Test: Visit after rain (or ask for videos), check commute at peak hours.
How Ramos Real Estate Helps
We don’t just open doors we pressure-test properties against a Sustainability & Resilience Scorecard covering energy, water, drainage, materials, and documentation. Whether you’re buying in Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, or key mainland districts, our advisory focuses on long-term livability, lower lifetime costs, and asset protection.
