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If you are coming to Lagos temporarily for a short or long-term business trip or exam, here’s the best way to get a Shortlet Apartments for Vacation Stays in Lagos Nigeria.
The first thing you want to secure is a place to stay.
Hotels are expensive, and you may be worried about having to rely on eating out for meals.
In such cases, shortlet apartments are recommended.
I will introduce some points to consider when choosing, from setting a budget and choosing an area to things to note about the contract. Let’s have a comfortable stay in Lagos!
Shortlet Apartments for Vacation Stays in Lagos Nigeria
What is a shortlet apartment?
Shortlet apartments are fully furnished, with internet access and home appliances, so you can start living comfortably right away. Utility fees are often included in the rent, and there is no need to open the water taps. The contract period is flexible and can be set from one day, week or month (30 days) or more. Another attractive feature is that you can set your tenancy period in shortlet increments. Shortlet apartments are convenient for vacation stays in Lagos.
Who is a shortlet apartment suitable for?
Comparison with hotels and regular rental properties
Shortlet apartments are more suitable for long-term stays than hotels, and the contract procedures are easier than for rental properties. They have larger living spaces and kitchens than hotels, so you can cook your own meals and save on living expenses. Shortlet rent is often a little higher than rental properties, but a major advantage is that there is no deposit or key money required, and initial costs can be kept low.
Shortlet apartments can be used in a variety of situations, such as for short-term business trips, sightseeing, studying abroad, or as temporary housing while moving. They are suitable for people who value the comfort and privacy of home rather than the luxury and extraordinary experience of a hotel.
[Related Article] Shortlet rental Apartments In Lagos Nigeria: How to choose the Best Houses
Recommended areas to stay in Lagos
Lagos is a large city with many areas each with their own unique characteristics, but here we will introduce three areas that we particularly recommend.
Ikoyi/Victoria Island
Ikoyi and Victoria Island are both hubs where business and entertainment come together and are particularly well-connected among other areas of Lagos. They also have a wide range of shopping facilities, making it ideal for short stays. There are various types of shortlet apartments available, so you can choose one that suits your needs and budget.
Lekki
Lekki is the center of youth culture and fashion and is recommended for those who want to experience the latest trends in Lagos. There are many shortlet apartments with sophisticated designs, so you can live comfortably.
Lagos Mainland
Lagos Mainland is an area with many spots where you can experience traditional Nigerian culture, such as food and fashion. It has an old-fashioned downtown atmosphere and a quiet living environment and is characterized by the fact that it is easy to find reasonably priced shortlet apartments.
How to choose a shortlet apartment according to your budget
Let’s take a look at the different types of shortlet apartments you can choose from depending on your budget. Below are the average price ranges for a studio apartment.
Economy Class
Standard Class
High class
Economy Class
Economy-class shortlet apartments cost around 50,000 to 150,000 naira per day. They are recommended for short-term stays who want to keep costs down as much as possible. Facilities are limited to basics, and they are often located a little far from the city center. However, if you choose a property with good transport access to your destination, you will be able to live comfortably.
Standard Class
Standard-class shortlet apartments cost around 150,000 to 250,000 naira per day. Prices are higher depending on the location, but they come equipped with Wi-Fi, a washing machine, a simple kitchen, a refrigerator, and other amenities. They are popular with people staying in Lagos for business, long-term tourism, and study.
High class
High-class shortlet apartments cost over 250,000 naira per day. They are located in the city center and are equipped with high-end furniture and the latest home appliances. They also have a solid security system, and some offer concierge services, fitness gyms, swimming pools, and lounges. You can expect a hotel-like stay.
Points to consider when choosing a shortlet apartment in Lagos
- Location matters
- Facilities Check
- Price Considerations
- Security matters
Location Matters
The most important factor in choosing a shortlet apartment is the location. Think about the lifestyle you want to live in Lagos and consider the convenience of commuting to work or school, as well as transportation to tourist spots. Places inside Lagos with good access to major stations are particularly popular, but the good location is reflected in the rent, so it is important to choose the best property by considering the balance between your budget and location. For example, Ikoyi and Victoria Island are convenient, but the rent is also higher.
Facilities Check
Facilities are an important checkpoint for stress-free daily life. Make sure the property has everything you need, such as a kitchen, washing machine, refrigerator, and internet connection.
Price Considerations
Prices vary greatly depending on the location, facilities, and quality of the property. Another important point to consider is whether utilities and internet fees are included. Even if you don’t have to pay the initial costs associated with a typical rental property, such as a security deposit and key money, you may still need to pay cleaning fees and key replacement fees. It’s also important to estimate the overall cost of your stay, taking into account living expenses such as food and daily necessities.
Security matters
For security, check to see if there are auto-locks and security cameras. If you’re looking for comfort, we recommend choosing a newly built or renovated property.
Things to check before signing a contract
- Check the minimum contract period
- Cancellation Policy
Minimum contract period
When choosing a shortlet apartment, it is essential to check the minimum contract period. Generally, some shortlet apartments require a minimum contract of three days. This is based on a fixed-term lease agreement that determines the contract period according to the time of moving in, and there is no system for contract renewal. Even if you want to extend the contract, if there is a new tenant, you may have to move to a different room in the same apartment.
If you are planning on staying for a long time, make sure the contract period suits your needs. Choosing a shortlet apartment that offers flexible contract periods can help you avoid any issues later on.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation policy refers to the precautions and cancellation fees that come with canceling a reservation. Policies vary depending on the property and management company, and depending on the time of cancellation, you may not be able to get a refund of any prepayments. It is important to fully understand the regulations regarding changes to or cancellations of your application, and mid-term termination after moving in, before signing a contract.
Are there any options other than shortlet apartments?
- Living in a shared apartment
- Choosing a private lodging
Weekly apartments can be rented on a weekly basis, making them ideal for very short stays. Some properties also allow daily use, but because initial costs such as cleaning fees are required in addition to the rent, they may seem more expensive than a hotel for stays of one or two days. However, for stays of around a week, they tend to be more cost-effective than a hotel. As with shortlet apartments, they are fully furnished with furniture and appliances, so they are appealing in that you can start living there immediately.
Living in a shared apartment house
A shared house is a style of living where multiple tenants share a home. Each tenant is assigned a private space, and there are shared spaces such as a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. The natural communication between tenants is an appealing feature, and it is suitable for people who are looking for intercultural exchange and new encounters. Another advantage is that sharing reduces rent and utility costs, making it cost-effective, and the contract terms are relatively flexible. Many share houses allow for contracts starting from one month, making them suitable for medium to long-term stays.
Choosing a private lodging
Private lodgings are rooms or homes that are rented out for a short period of time by individuals and can be easily booked through platforms such as Airbnb. They come in a wide range of locations, facilities, and prices, so there is something to suit everyone’s needs. They are perfect for travelers looking for a local experience in a homely atmosphere or for those looking for a longer stay with a budget and the ability to cook their own meals.
If you’re staying in Lagos for a short period of time and want to save money, we recommend a shared house!
If you are planning to stay in Lagos for more than three months, how about a shared house? A three-month stay in a shortlet apartment can be quite expensive, but you can find a shared house in a convenient location for around 50,000 to 60,000 naira per month. If you use the money you save on entertainment and delicious food, you can enjoy your life in Lagos even more.
Conclusion:
When choosing a shortlet apartment in Lagos, consider location, facilities, and price comprehensively. The key to success is to thoroughly research the property in advance and understand whether it has the necessary facilities and the total cost including living expenses. Whether your purpose is business, training, or tourism, we hope you will enjoy living in Lagos while enjoying a different daily life!
Contact us now for your shortlet and other real estate needs in Lagos Nigeria
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