We all know that the real estate market is an ever-open market. In Enugu, real estate is a market where you can buy land at any given time, provided the land you want is available and you have the finances.
However, there are times you will most likely get more favorable deals if you buy within those periods. In places like Enugu, particularly, timing can influence not just the price but also the overall purchasing experience.
If you’ve been thinking about investing in land in Enugu, you might be wondering: When is the best time to buy? Well, let’s break it down in detail so you can make the smartest move.
Why Buy Land in Enugu?
First of all, why buy land in Enugu? The simple answer is that Enugu is a great location for land investment. However, on a deeper level, it goes beyond that.
Real estate investors have come to appreciate Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities. Nationally known as the Coal City, Enugu still has the rich history it has always been known for.
Plus, it has continued to serve as an unofficial capital of Southeast Nigeria. Then, there’s the advantage of having a rising population. With this urban expansion and increasing real estate demand, land prices in Enugu have been appreciating steadily.
Generally, Enugu State has seen a reasonable level of annual property value increase over the past five years. Some strategic locations like Independence Layout, New GRA, and Centenary City have even recorded higher increases.
That means the best time to buy land in Enugu is as soon as you can afford it. However, if you want the best deal, some periods are better than others.
Best Times to Buy Land in Enugu
While land is always available for sale, certain times of the year and economic conditions create better opportunities for buyers. Here are the best times to make your move:
1. During the Dry Season (November – March)
The dry season is often the best time to buy land in Enugu for several reasons.
First, land inspection is easier at this time. With little to no rain, you won’t have to deal with muddy roads or flooded areas, which can make access difficult. This way, you’ll find out that you can assess the terrain properly.
Secondly, there’s better road access during the dry season. Enugu’s road networks are good, but some areas still have rough patches. The dry season makes it easier to visit locations that might be hard to reach during the rainy season.
The last point is that there seem to be more sellers in the market at this period. Developers and individual landowners tend to push sales during the dry season because it’s a peak period for construction. With more sellers in the market, you have better chances of negotiating a good deal.
Also Read:
- 5 Best Places To Invest In Enugu Real Estate
- 5 Emerging Locations for Real Estate Investment in Southeast Nigeria
- Where to Buy Land in Idemili at Affordable Prices
2. End of the Year (November – December)
The last two months of the year often present golden opportunities for land buyers. This is mostly when sellers are looking for quick cash.
At this time, many landowners want to liquidate assets to raise money for the festive period. This urgency can work in your favor, as some sellers are willing to offer discounts just to close a deal before the year ends.
Next, developers offer promotions at the end of the year. Once it’s November – December, you’ll see many real estate companies introduce year-end promos and discounts to attract buyers. If you press further, you might even get installment payment plans or reduced costs during this period.
Finally, this season is great for you because of the lower buying competition you will face. While many people spend money on holiday expenses, smart investors take advantage of the season to secure land at great prices.
3. Start of the Year (January – March)
At the beginning of the year, another window of opportunity opens up because people sell land to raise funds for different things.
After the holiday season, some landowners need money to settle school fees, business investments, or personal expenses. This can create opportunities to negotiate good deals.
Also, developers want to clear old inventory at this time. Plus, some real estate companies often start new projects in the first quarter of the year. So, to make way for new developments, they may offer discounts on unsold plots from previous projects. This is where you come in and take advantage of such clearance sales.
4. During Economic Downturns
Sometimes, external economic factors create the best buying opportunities. If the economy is slow and people need cash, they’re more likely to sell at lower prices.
For example, during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, land prices in some parts of Enugu dropped because people were desperate for liquidity. Those who bought land during that period are now enjoying significant value appreciation.
What does this mean for you? If the economy slows down and you have funds available, it could be the perfect time to invest in land.
5. When a Major Development is Announced
New government projects or private sector developments can influence land prices. For instance, the construction of a new road can increase the value of land in nearby areas.
An announcement that the government wants to build a mall or transport terminal can drive demand for land around that location. That’s the same way the establishment of a new university or hospital often leads to land appreciation in the surrounding areas.
If you get in early before the full impact of these developments kicks in, you can buy at a lower price and watch your investment grow gradually.
6. When You Find a Distressed Sale
A distressed sale happens when a landowner needs to sell urgently, often due to financial constraints. These situations present great opportunities to buy at below-market prices.
Signs of a distressed sale include:
- The seller is in a hurry to close the deal. (You have to be careful with this kind of urgency too. Do your due diligence.)
- The price is significantly lower than similar plots in the area. (Also, be sure you are dealing with the rightful owner of the land.)
- The land has proper documentation but is being sold quickly.
If you come across a legitimate distressed sale, you should act fast before someone else snatches the opportunity.
When NOT to Buy Land in Enugu
While there’s no absolute wrong time to buy land, some periods can be less favorable:
1. During the Peak Rainy Season (April – October)
Heavy rains can make land inspections difficult. Some roads may become inaccessible, making it hard to visit the site.
Flood-prone areas become more obvious, but that also means you might not get the best deal since sellers are aware of the disadvantages. However, this so-called disadvantage is also an advantage as it gives you an opportunity to know if indeed the land you want to buy is actually dry.
2. When You Haven’t Done Due Diligence
Never rush into a land purchase without verifying these key details:
Title Documents: Confirm that the land has a C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) or Governor’s Consent.
Survey Plan: Ensure the survey matches what’s on the ground.
Land Ownership History: Check for any land disputes or claims. If there are any, run from such deals.
3. When Prices Have Just Spiked
If a particular location has just experienced a sudden price hike, it’s often best to wait and monitor the market.
Land prices can sometimes fluctuate, so buying immediately after a sharp increase might mean paying more than necessary.
Also Read:
- Follow These Guidelines to Avoid Land Scams in Awka
- Everything About the Awka Real Estate Investment Opportunities
- Where to Invest in Nigeria: Best Cities for Real Estate Investment
Final Thoughts: The Best Time is When You Are Ready
While certain seasons and economic conditions can give you an edge, the best time to buy land in Enugu ultimately depends on your readiness. If you’ve done your research, secured financing, and found the right location, don’t hesitate to make your move.
Always keep in mind that land in Enugu appreciates steadily, and delaying too much might mean paying higher prices later. As the saying goes, “The best time to buy land was yesterday. The second best time is today.”
So, get your funds together and be on the lookout for the best deals. And when opportunities arise, act fast and secure your piece of Enugu’s growing real estate market.
If you would like guidance with finding the best land deals at the right time, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you find and buy the best plots of land in Enugu at the right prices.
To explore any of our real estate investment packages like land banking, retirement plan, kids education investment plan, trade apprenticeship plan or if you want to purchase some plots where you will have residential or commercial buildings, send an email to us at info@affablehomes.com.ng or call 5 Best Places To Invest In Enugu Real Estate.