Current ratings from Global Habitat Network a United States of America based real estate ratings agency show that Nigeria’s Capital City, Abuja is now the 5th most expensive city in Africa. Despite the high-ratings for Abuja, it is important to mention that not all parts of Abuja are expensive. In this article, we will however focus on where the “BIG BOYS” stay in Abuja; the most expensive real estate locations in the Federal Capital Territory.
ASOKORO
Asokoro is the location of choice for most serving Ministers and top government officials. It is recognized as Abuja’s most exclusive district. One of the stand points of this area which easily makes it our hottest zone is its strategic location. Asokoro is ultimately close to the seat of power not only in Nigeria but the entire West African region. It houses Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) secretariat, National Intelligence Agency, World Health Organization (WHO) Office e.t.c. Also, Aso Rock Villa, the seat of power in Abuja is situated in Asokoro. Asokoro is not just for anybody even if you think you are rich you may still need to cut that rich coat according to your size due to the cost of living in Asokoro. Many comfortable Nigerians can’t even rent an apartment in Asokoro not to talk of owning a land. Rents start from N5million for 2bedroom flats. A plot of land sells for between N150million-N200million, while a 5bedroom detached house have price at average of between N300million-N400million.
MAITAMA
Maitama is one of the major districts of Abuja, it is in the phase 1 development plan of the federal capital territory. The area is home to most Embassies and High Commissions and as a result it is easily noticeable that most people who live in Maitama are Diplomats, Ministers, and Government Functionaries, Former or Serving Governors and their families. The Dome, Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, British Council, Transcorp Hilton and Ministers hill are some of the distinguishing places in Maitama. Maitama District is to the north of the city, with the Wuse and Central Districts lying to its southwest and southeast. You may want to liken Maitama to Victoria Island in Lagos. Maitama is touted to house some of the most expensive properties in the capital city. A 4bedroom duplex sells for between N300million-N400million, while a 5bedroom detached house sells for between N500million-N600million. Bigger houses in Maitama like 6bedroom and 7bedroom mansion sells for between N800million-N1billion.
WUSE
Wuse falls in the phase 1 development plan of the Federal Capital Territory and it is divided into zones (Zones 1 – 7). There is also Wuse II which is different from Wuse Zone 2 which makes it an expansive area. Notable places in Wuse include Wuse Market, AP Plaza, Banex plazas, Emab Plaza, General Post office, FRSC, NAFDAC, FERMA, Sheraton Hotel, Rockview Hotel, SilverBird Cinema, EFCC and AGIS. Wuse II is very close to Maitama and also shares its exclusivity.
The area is one of the busiest places in the city. Wuse has most of Abuja’s upscale restaurants and hospitality centers. It’s where you’ll find the Exclusive stores, Juice Place 2, Quarter Café, Woks and Koi, The Nail Bar or Bloomsbury Plaza among other high flying places where the big spenders in town love to frequent. This district competes with Maitama for living costs but is more of a commercial district. A 4bedroom duplex in Wuse sells for an average of N250million-N300million, while a 5bedroom detached house sells for N400million-N500million.
GWARINPA
Gwarinpa is believed to be the largest housing Estate in West Africa. This probably is the only area on our list that can accommodate the average civil servant. It is home to many upper middle class folks who want a decent alternative to Maitama or Wuse 2. Gwarinpa District is in phase 3 development plan of Abuja. It became popular when Gwarinpa Housing Estate in the district was built. There is also another residential area called Life-Camp in the Gwarinpa district. Most Construction companies in Abuja have staff quarters in Life-Camp. Gwarinpa is about 15 minutes’ drive to the Central business district and about 20Km from the Abuja Airport. Gwarinpa is mainly a residential area though some businesses especially service oriented businesses like banks and eateries are springing up very rapidly. Most of these businesses are located on the three major roads in Gwarinpa. The roads are 1st avenue, 2nd avenue and 3rd Avenue. Within Gwarinpa Estate there are also some small estates. These include Federal ministry of works and housing Estate, War College Estate, FHA Estate, Citec villas, Abuja Model City etc. A 3bedroom flat sells for between N30million-N40million, 4bedroom duplex sells for between N120million-N150million, while a 5bedroom detached house sells for between N200million-N300million.
GARKI DISTRICT
The Garki District is the area in the southwest corner of Abuja, having the Central District to the north and the Asokoro District to the east. The District is subdivided into units called “Areas”. Garki uses a distinctive naming convention of “Area” to refer to parts of Garki. These are designated as Areas 1 to 11. Garki II is used to differentiate the area from Garki Area 2. Garki is presently the principal business district of Abuja. Several buildings of interest are located in this area. Some of them include the General Post Office, Abuja International Conference Centre located on Herbert Macaulay Way, Nicon Luxury Hotel. The Army Headquarters, Air force Headquarters and Navy Headquarters are all located in the Garki District. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) which oversees and runs the Administration of the Federal Capital Territory is located in Garki. The Office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is located in Area 10. Other places of note include the Central Bank of Nigeria, Arts and Culture Centre and The Nigerian Police Mobile Force Headquarters in Area 10. The Abuja Municipal Area Council, which is the local Government administration, has its headquarters in Area 10. The new United States Embassy is also located in the Garki district. A 3bedroom apartment in Garki sells currently for between N35million-N40million, while a 4bedroom duplex sells for between N100million-N150million and a 5bedroom detached house for between N200million-N250million.
