The short-term rental market in Nigeria is booming, especially in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. With the rise of business travel, tourism, and the growing preference for flexible accommodation, homeowners now have a golden opportunity to transform their properties into profitable shortlets.

If managed properly, a shortlet can generate steady rental income while offering guests a comfortable alternative to hotels.

This guide explores everything you need to turn a home into a money-making shortlet in Lagos and Abuja, from property preparation to marketing and guest management.

 

Why Shortlets Are in High Demand in Lagos and Abuja

The demand for shortlets in Nigeria has skyrocketed due to several factors:

• Business travelers – Professionals visiting for meetings or projects prefer furnished apartments over hotels.
  
  

• Tourists and expatriates – Visitors seek affordable, homely spaces with privacy and flexibility.
  
  

• Local demand – Nigerians relocating, renovating, or attending events often book short-term stays.
  
  

Hotspots for shortlets include:

• Lagos: Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ikeja

• Abuja: Wuse, Maitama, Gwarinpa, Asokoro
  

These locations attract high booking rates thanks to accessibility, security, and amenities.

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the Property for Guests

A successful shortlet in Lagos or Abuja must feel like a home away from home.

✔️ Furnishing: Invest in modern, stylish, and durable furniture.
✔️ Amenities: Provide essentials like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, smart TVs, kitchen appliances, and reliable power backup.
✔️ Safety: Install secure locks, CCTV, and fire safety equipment.
✔️ Cleanliness: Maintain hotel-level hygiene with professional cleaning services.

 

 

Step 2: Ensure Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Before listing your property, confirm compliance with Nigerian tenancy laws:

• Tenancy regulations: Adhere to Lagos State and FCT tenancy rules.

• Tax obligations: Register with tax authorities and remit applicable taxes.

• Community rules: Ensure your estate or neighborhood permits shortlets.
  
  

Step 3: Set the Right Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break your profitability.

• Market research: Compare rates of similar properties in your area.

• Dynamic pricing: Adjust rates based on seasons, events, and demand spikes.

• Discounts: Attract longer stays with weekly or monthly deals.
  
  

 Example: A 1-bedroom shortlet in Lekki can earn ₦80,000–₦120,000 per night, while a 2-bedroom in Maitama may fetch ₦80,000–₦170,000 per night.

 

 

Step 4: Market Your Shortlet Effectively

Visibility is everything in the short-term rental market.

• Online platforms: List on PXSTAY,  Airbnb, Booking.com, and local property platforms.
  
  

• Professional photography: Use high-quality images to showcase interiors.
  
  

• Compelling descriptions: Highlight location, amenities, and unique features.
  
  

• Social media marketing: Promote via Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp travel groups.
  
  

Step 5: Deliver an Excellent Guest Experience

Happy guests = repeat bookings + positive reviews.

• Seamless check-in: Offer flexible and easy processes.
  
  

• Hospitality touches: Welcome packs, toiletries, and city guides go a long way.
  
  

• Communication: Respond promptly to inquiries and guest needs.
  
  

• Encourage reviews: Build trust through strong guest feedback.
  
  

Step 6: Manage the Property Efficiently

Decide whether to self-manage or outsource:

• Self-management: Handle bookings, cleaning, and guest relations yourself.
  
  

• Professional managers: Hire a shortlet management company in Lagos or Abuja for convenience, at PXPROPERTYHUB / PXSTAY we offer flawless property management as one of our core services.
  
  

• Maintenance: Regularly service appliances, plumbing, and power systems.
  
  

Step 7: Maximize Profitability

Boost earnings beyond nightly rates:

• Upselling services: Offer airport pickups, car rentals, and guided tours.
  
  

• Loyalty programs: Give discounts to repeat guests.
  
  

• Occupancy optimization: Balance pricing and availability to reduce vacancy periods.
  
  

Turning a home into a profitable shortlet in Lagos or Abuja requires careful planning, compliance with local laws, and a strong focus on guest satisfaction. By preparing your property, pricing competitively, marketing smartly, and delivering exceptional service, you can tap into Nigeria’s fast-growing shortlet market and earn consistent, passive income.

👉 At PXPROPERTYHUB /PXSTAY , we help property owners especially those in the diaspora, set up and manage their shortlets in Lagos and Abuja for stress-free, profitable returns.

📩 Contact us today for a free income estimate on your property.

www.pxpropertyhub.com

www.pxstay.com