Nigeria’s real estate industry is in constant search for dynamic answers to the high demand for real estate properties in the country. The industry's recent focus is more on affordable homes and less on luxury structures. One of the emerging answers is the introduction of Modular houses.
What is modular housing in Nigeria? What are the features and advantages? This article explains all you should know about this concept.
What are Modular Homes?
Modular homes are simply factory-built homes or customized homes that are built off-site in a controlled space. The builders design and develop these homes in sections or modules. After completion off-site, the builders transfer the house in modules and assemble them on-site.
On-site, you have your complete house. It is fixed on a permanent foundation. Concrete holds the base in place thereby establishing it as a permanent home. Interestingly, this real estate niche is open to investors
Features of Modular Housing in Nigeria
There are some interesting features to note about modular housing in Nigeria. Some of the features separate the housing from the traditional houses. Some other features are the same as the traditional homes. The features also help to answer questions about the housing system. Here is what you should know:
Modular Houses are Permanent
Modular houses are immovable or at least immobile after installation. Due to its construction method, many assume that the structure is mobile. When developers are done with the construction at the factory, they bring the property in part to the permanent site. Assembling the parts at the permanent site is the next step. There is a foundation and the house connects to this foundation permanently.
Allows for Customization
There is no one-size-fits-all when constructing modular housing in Nigeria. Just like the traditional houses, you can customize the building to your taste. It comes in different shapes, sizes, and designs. It all depends on your budget, taste, and preference. Some developers have a variety of designs. You can pick or submit your choice.
Real Estate Appreciation
Just like traditional homes, modular housing in Nigeria appreciates in value. The environment has the same effect on its appreciation as it does on traditional houses. When the area develops or comes in demand, the value of the property increases.
Also, as an emerging trend, Modular housing in Nigeria will continue to spread. Its nationwide acceptance will add to its value. As long as the quality of the building is certain, you can enjoy the appreciative benefits it provides.
Low Maintenance Homes
Modular housing in Nigeria is also cost-effective for tenants not just the real estate investors. The construction focuses on sturdiness and durability. You have bolts and screws in place of nails. The joints enjoy the power of quality glues for structural integrity. Lumbar materials also add to the durability. Hence, you don’t have to spend much trying to maintain these homes.
Advantages of Modular Housing in Nigeria
Modular housing is new in Nigeria and it needs to overcome some specific challenges and barriers. However, it has many interesting advantages that will attract both home seekers and stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate market. Here are some major advantages of this housing type:
Faster Completion
The first feature of Modular housing is the period of completion. The shorter period of construction compared to traditional houses is a major advantage for modular houses. Time is money in Nigeria’s real estate industry. Hence, the shorter the construction period, the less you have to spend on such projects.
The construction is in controlled indoor spaces. you don’t experience delays due to environmental factors such as storms, rainfalls, or floods. The construction system of building different sections allows constructors to work on multiple sectors simultaneously.
Affordable Housing
Modular housing is an affordable housing option thanks to its construction system. Affordable housing is in high demand in Nigeria, especially in the big cities. Modular houses can be an interesting answer to the residential problems in the country.
The construction of these houses takes considerably less time with less expensive materials. Hence, the needed capital is low, and this affects the price of owning these properties. Modular housing allows you to be a homeowner without financial stress or strain.
Cost Effective and Sustainable Construction.
Cost-effectiveness is another factor that ultimately contributes to the affordability of Modular houses. But for real estate investors, it's even an added advantage separate from its affordable characteristics. You buy the construction materials in bulk, reducing transportation or shipping costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Modular house construction is in controlled spaces that optimize the use of materials and minimize wastage. The fact that it takes a shorter period to complete helps reduce labor costs. Also, it is not as labor-intensive as traditional housing constructions. So you have fewer constructors working for a shorter period. Modular housing is truly cost-effective.
Advanced Tech and Precise Measurement
Modular housing adopts advanced technology in its construction process to give you precise details and design. The use of advanced technology reduces human error during construction. You don’t have to worry about construction defects or delays. The project maintains the required standard.
Obstacles to the Spread of Modular Housing in Nigeria
Before Modular Housing can become a widely accepted real estate property in Nigeria, it needs to overcome certain obstacles. Here are the major challenges facing this concept:
Cultural Resistance
There is a cultural celebration that forms a key part of traditional housing construction in Nigeria. The culture believes in gradual progress and in witnessing the said progress. In some cultures, there are celebrations to mark the housing construction when is at certain levels of completion. Modular housing does not provide this option. Hence, people prefer the old ways because they are more comfortable.
Awareness
If you learned about modular housing only recently, you are not alone. There is little awareness about the concept in and around the real estate industry. Many people, including real estate investors, do not know what the concept is about. Also, knowledge about the construction is limited. Hence, there is no established trust to guarantee the quality of the buildings.
Government Support
Without the help of the government and its policies, it is hard to expand the awareness level or reach of modular housing in Nigeria. Investors need assurance that there won’t be sanctions or regulations that will render the project useless in years to come.
Conclusion
Modular housing can become a popular trend in a few years in its quest to answer the need for affordable housing in the country. One key component that remains the same for both modular and traditional housing is land use. You need to secure land to erect your modular house.
Land Republic is a trusted real estate agency that can help you acquire the right property for your modular house. You can check out the Property section on the agency’s website or contact via +2348122222283.
