Market Watch: An introduction to Abuja’s high end locations

0

Quick geography lesson on Abuja.

The Federal Capital City (FCT) of Nigeria is divided into districts. These districts are usually grouped into phases according to the timeline of the development of the FCT. In Phase 1, the following five districts were developed: Central, the Garki, Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro.

Five districts were also developed in Phase 2: Kado, Durumi, Gudu, Utako and Jabi. The Phase 3 districts are Mabuchi, Katampe, Wuye and Gwarimpa. Phase 4 Districts are currently under development.

There are some locations, which are not technically in the FCT, but because of their close proximity have enjoyed some level of development. These districts are known as Suburban Districts: Nyanya, Karu, Gwagwalada, Kubwa, and Jukwoyi. abujamasterplan.wordpress.com also identifies another location grouping which it calls ‘Satellite settlements.

It says, “Along the Airport Road are clusters of satellite settlements, namely Lugbe, Chika, Kuchigworo and Pyakassa. Other satellite settlements are Idu (the main industrial zone), Mpape, Karimu, Gwagwa, Dei-Dei (housing the International Livestock market and also International Building materials market)”.

The Phase 1 Districts of Abuja

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which of these Districts can be termed as a ‘luxury location’ for residential property? The Phase 1 Districts of Asokoro, Maitama and Wuse (particularly the extension known as Wuse 2) easily qualify. The inclusion of  Jabi in Phase 2 leads to some argument. The interesting characterisation of the area by an Abuja insider is ‘Jabi is like Lekki compared to Ikoyi’.  We have however decided to include Jabi in our grouping of high-end locations.

Maitama: Maitama is home to most embassies and High Commissions. Politicians, rich business men, expatriates, Ambassadors and diplomats are those who reside here. Top government officials live in and around, ministers hill. It has assumed some notoriety because a number of Maitama properties have been involved in EFCC cases.

It is divided into two sections, main Maitama and the extension. Maitama landmarks include; Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Towers, the British Council,  Nigerian Communications Comission (NCC),  and Millennium park. Maitama is known for its peaceful atmosphere and green lush parks especially during rainy season.

The Major roads are Murtala Mohammed way, Shehu Shagari Way, IBB way, Agoyi Ironsi Street and Gana Street.

Major Attractions/pull- built like a G.R.A, conducive neighbourhood, serene environment, top security, goad roads, good and favorable electricity supply.

Average property prices

3 BEDROOM FLAT Terraces Detached Semi-detached
N45-N55 million N300-N350 million N450-N600 million N350-N450million

Wuse 2: 

Wuse is known as the vibrant business district of Abuja. It is also the most popular district in Abuja – divided into main Wuse and Wuse extension aka Wuse 2 – and is home to some of the most expensive apartments in the FCT. Wuse District is the north western part of the city, with the Maitama District to its north and the Central District to its south.

The atmosphere in Wuse is quite energetic at night and during the day, as young people are known to converge in Wuse frequently. Social life in this district is lively especially around Wuse 2,

Major Attractions/pull- Easy access to infrastructure like top hospitals, supermarket, good security coverage, schools and clubs.

3 BEDROOM FLATS Terraces Detached Semi-detached
N45-N50 million N300- N350 million N450- N500 million N350- N400million

Asokoro: 

Asokoro is home to most serving ministers and top government officials.

Some of the major roads in Asokoro include Mutala Mohammed Way, Yakubu Gowon Cresecent, Maitama Sule Street, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Kwame Nkrumah Crescent, and Nelson Mandela Street.

Major Attractions/pull- Aso Rock, Multinational organizations (Ecowas, World Bank, United nations), Aso villa, Top military barracks (security), Government liaison buildings, steady power supply, good roads and proximity to government hospitals.

3 BEDROOM FLAT Terraces Detached Semi-detached
N30-N45 million N300- N400 million N450- N650 million N350-N450million

Jabi Lakeside:.

Jabi District is adjacent to Utako District. Jabi District is categorised as one of the newer suburbs that is growing in popularity especially among the young and upwardly mobile. It is mostly a modern residential area that houses some of the most beautiful homes in Abuja. This is definitely a district to watch as it is growing and expanding quite rapidly. The atmosphere is quiet, peaceful and safe and is about a 10 min drive to the Abuja City center. Notable landmarks are; Jabi Park and Lake. The Jabi Lake Mall which houses the Shoprite and other stores is a major pull in the area.

Jabi is about 13minutes drive from the Central business district and about 30 minutes from the Abuja airport. The major roads that transverse Jabi are the Obafemi Awolowo Way, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway and Alex Ekwueme Street.

Major Attractions/pull- lake side is the major attraction, mostly occupied by expatriates,

3 BEDROOM FLAT Terraces Detached Semi-detached
N30-N45 million N80-N120 million N300-N400 million N150-N200million

 

Culled from: The Castle Lifestyle Magazine