Does safety matter when you buy land? Of course, we all agree that it does. If you’re buying land in Umueri in particular, you may want to know how safe it is for real estate investment before proceeding with the move.
In terms of financial safety, is your money and investment safe? For physical safety, can you even go to this town without worrying about security threats? And what about government policies? Are they in your favor as a real estate investor?
These are all valid concerns, especially since real estate is a long-term investment that requires careful planning. If you’re considering investing in Umueri, you’re making a smart move by researching its safety first.
So, let’s break it down and see whether Umueri is a safe choice for real estate investment.
Where is Umueri and Why is it Attracting Investors?
Umueri is a town in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is located near Anambra’s capital, Awka, and is a neighbor to Aguleri, another historically significant town. Umueri has been gaining attention in recent years, especially in the real estate sector. Why?
First, it hosts the Anambra International Cargo Airport. This newly developed airport in Umueri has sparked a surge in real estate interest, as airports often improve the economic value of their surrounding areas.
Next, is the rate of growing infrastructural development going on in and around the town. The Anambra State government has been investing in roads and utilities in Umueri, making it more attractive for businesses and individuals looking to own property.
Of course, we can’t leave out the next reason which is affordable land prices. Compared to Awka, Onitsha, or even Nnewi, Umueri still offers relatively low land prices, which makes it a great investment option for early investors.
Then, there’s an expansion of the urban area. As major towns in Anambra become congested, areas like Umueri are seen as the next best alternatives for residential and commercial real estate expansion. So, more investors move there to invest.
Is Your Money Safe When Investing in Land in Umueri?
One of the biggest concerns when buying land in Nigeria is the risk of land fraud. So, how does Umueri fare in this aspect?
Land Ownership Issues
Like many towns in southeastern Nigeria, land in Umueri is often owned by families and communities rather than individuals.
One of the biggest risks in land investment in Nigeria is buying land with unclear ownership or legal disputes. In Umueri, there have been reports of land conflicts, especially between Umueri and its neighboring town, Aguleri. These disputes often arise from unclear traditional land boundaries.
However, you can avoid trouble by ensuring:
- The land has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or other recognized government title.
- You conduct proper due diligence through the Anambra State Ministry of Lands before making any purchase.
- You work with a trusted real estate firm or legal professional to verify the authenticity of the land.
Land Appreciation and Future Value
Real estate investments in Umueri have a strong potential for high returns on investment (ROI) due to increasing demand. With the airport’s increasing economic activities, property values in the area are expected to increase exponentially.
According to real estate trends in Anambra State, land prices in developing areas like Umueri have increased by over 50% in the past three years, and experts predict even higher growth in the next decade.
However, to ensure financial safety:
- Invest in land with proper documentation to avoid legal issues.
- Consider properties in secure, developing areas that have a history of steady appreciation.
- Work with reputable real estate agencies rather than individual sellers to avoid fraud.
With the right precautions, Umueri presents a great financial opportunity for real estate investors.
Also Read:
- Read This Before You Buy Land in Umueri, Anambra State
- The 5 Best Places to Buy Land in Anambra as a Nigerian in the Diaspora
- 5 Emerging Locations for Real Estate Investment in Southeast Nigeria
How Physically Safe is Umueri for Real Estate Investment?
Aside from financial safety, can you actually visit Umueri and feel secure? Security is a major factor in any real estate investment. Even if your property appreciates in value, no one wants to invest in an area where they don’t feel safe.
Security concerns in Nigeria vary by location, and some areas in the southeast have seen cases of insecurity due to communal clashes and criminal activities. However, Umueri has been relatively stable.
Here’s why:
1. Government Security Measures
Governor Soludo has prioritized security in Anambra State since taking office. Some key actions include the deployment of more security forces to several parts of the state. In that regard, there has been an increased presence of police and vigilante groups to combat crime.
The government has also initiated the banning of illegal roadblocks and “toll collection” by criminals. Many investors used to be discouraged by extortion, but recent measures have reduced these activities.
There are also community security partnerships. Here, the state government collaborates with traditional rulers and community leaders to maintain law and order.
2. Communal Stability
Under physical safety, you also want to ensure that the community is not having heated community clashes internally or externally with neighbouring communities.
In the case of Umueri, there is relative peace in this regard. Umueri once had historical land disputes with neighboring Aguleri, but tensions have significantly reduced in recent years.
There have been successful peace efforts, and both communities now focus on economic growth rather than conflict.
3. Low Crime Rate
Compared to cities like Onitsha or parts of Nnewi, Umueri has a lower crime rate. Petty crimes exist, but violent crimes are less common. And it is not classified as a high-crime area.
Like any growing town, there have been reports of:
- Land grabbers trying to resell land fraudulently.
- Minor thefts in new development areas.
The solution? The state government, under Governor Charles Soludo, has intensified efforts to improve security, particularly in developing areas like Umueri.
Recent reports indicate that Security forces in the state are working towards reducing Anambra State’s crime rate by over 30% in 2025.
In line with this, the Anambra State Government has increased security patrols around Umueri, especially near the airport and newly developed zones. In other words, the presence of the airport and new businesses has encouraged a more structured security system.
Additionally, there have been fewer cases of land-grabbing incidents in Umueri since 2022, thanks to stricter enforcement of land laws. This makes the area more secure for property buyers.
Overall, if you’re considering living in or visiting Umueri for your real estate investments, it is reasonably safe, especially with proper precautions.
4. Accessibility and Infrastructure Development
One of the biggest security risks in rural areas is poor road access, which makes movement difficult and can increase crime. However, Umueri is experiencing major road development projects, including:
- The Umueri Airport Road, which enhances connectivity to major towns.
- The rehabilitation of key access roads linking Umueri to Awka, Aguleri, and Onitsha.
With these improvements, security concerns related to poor infrastructure are gradually being addressed, making Umueri more appealing for real estate investments.
Government Policies and Support for Real Estate Investors
A pro-investment government can make all the difference in real estate safety. Fortunately, the Anambra State government is actively encouraging real estate development, and Umueri is benefiting from this push.
Land Reforms and Legal Protection
Governor Soludo’s administration has implemented land reforms to ensure transparency in land transactions. Some key policies include:
- Enhancing land documentation processes to reduce fraud.
- Digitalizing land records to make title verification easier.
- Increasing penalties for land fraud and illegal sales.
These policies improve investor confidence and reduce the risk of financial loss.
Infrastructure Development for Investors
Beyond security, the government is investing in modern infrastructure to attract more investors to Umueri. Some ongoing projects include:
- Expansion of the Anambra International Cargo Airport, which will further drive real estate growth.
- Development of commercial infrastructure around the airport to enhance commercial activities.
- Promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to encourage large-scale real estate projects.
With these efforts, Umueri is becoming a more attractive and safer location for investors looking to buy land or develop properties.
Also Read:
- How Land Scams Work in Awka: A Guide to Avoiding Fraud
- Everything About the Awka Real Estate Investment Opportunities
- Read This Before You Buy Land in Umueri, Anambra State
The Future of Real Estate Investment in Umueri
Given the trends, where is Umueri headed in the next 5–10 years?
1. Projected Land Price Growth
Real estate experts predict that land prices in Umueri will continue to appreciate due to:
- How close it is to the international airport, making it attractive for businesses.
- Government infrastructure projects increase land value.
- Rising interest from developers, pushing demand higher.
If you invest now, there’s a strong chance of doubling or tripling your investment in the future.
2. Demand for Residential and Commercial Properties
As more people move to Anambra for business, there will be higher demand for rental properties. This means:
- Building and selling homes will be highly profitable.
- Commercial spaces (shops, hotels, warehouses) will thrive, especially near the airport.
Investors who get in early will benefit the most from this growth.
Final Verdict: Is Umueri a Safe Place for Real Estate Investment?
Based on our analysis, the odds are stacked in the favour of Umueri. It appears to be one of the safest and fastest-growing real estate markets in Anambra State.
While Umueri is not without challenges, its growth potential and increasing security make it a viable choice for investors. As long as you do your due diligence, buying property here could be a smart move with great long-term rewards.
If you’re considering investing in Umueri, now might be the best time to get started before prices soar even higher. If you need professional help with finding the right properties, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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 +2349134056630.