EBONYI STATE HOUSE SET TO INVESTIGATE COLLAPSE OF CENTENARY HOUSE.

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has begun probe into the collapse of a 60 million centenary tower under construction in Abakaliki the state capital.

The Committee on Works has swung into action to uncover the remote and immediate causes of the collapse of the edifice, which is presently perceived as a huge embarrassment to the government and people of the state.

Every worker that was involved in the construction, especially the contractor and the state Ministry of Works, have been summoned to make statements on the matter.

FIABCIU URGES NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW REAL ESTATE POLICY.

The World President of the International Real Estate Federation, FIABCI, Mr Flavio Gonzaga Nunes, has obliged the Federal Government to review the sector’s policy in order to hasten the development of real estate in Nigeria.

Nunes attesting to the fact that the real estate is a slow developing process, however advised the government to fast-track its activities in ensuring that there is massive improvement in the sector in years to come.

Using OLOJA ESTATE as a case study; this is an estate that has been proposed, kicked off in compliance  with all necessary policies in real estate operating Nigeria and the world. For more information on OLOJA ESTATE  please call 08033979778 or visit http://goo.gl/OEUzTn.

LAFARGE INTRODUCES; 'BUILDING BETTER CITIES' PROGRAM.

A major player in the cement industry, the Lafarge Group, aggregates and concrete business, has restated its commitment to urbanization through its ‘Building better cities’ programme. The group said contributing to building better cities was its ambition, which was driving its innovation and embedded in its modernized logo. It said in a statement on Thursday, “Lafarge has placed innovation and performance at the heart of its strategy. Its ambition is to contribute to building better cities by developing value-added products and construction systems, as well as solutions and services to meet some of the great challenges of urbanization. 

PHOTOS FROM YOMI CASUAL'S HOUSE WARMING PARTY.

Omoniyi Makun, popular designer known as Yomi Casual, and the younger brother of comedian AY,  got himself a four bedroom duplex in Lekki some weeks back and had a small house warming party on Sunday May 4th. A Designer is a glorified  name for a 'Tailor'. If he can write his name on the list of property owners in Lekki why can't you do the same in OLOJA ESTATE in Epe while you can afford to. For more information on OLOJA please call 08033979778. Please more pictures after the cut...

STAKEHOLDERS EXPRESS FEAR OVER PROPERTY BUSINESS IN ABUJA.

Stakeholders in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja, have said that the real estate business may be jeopardized by the recent terrorist attacks on the city.

Reports reveal that the profligacy and flamboyant life styles of the political class and their cronies have also helped to accentuate the assumption.

With the spate of bombings in the territory, especially the most recent being the dual strikes on Nyanya, stakeholders fear that the city may begin to experience a downturn in property business.

According to them, a lot of people, particularly those living in the suburb are already contemplating relocation, irrespective of the financial prospects in the city.But we here at GOT Formation Limited are offering all opportunity to invest in real estate in lagos with out the fear of vandalism by radicals. There are lands to be given away @ OLOJA ESTATE just indicate interest and its your.For more information please call 08033979778. 

REDAN TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Samuel Afolayan, has restated the commitment of the body in providing mass and affordable housing for the downtrodden of the society.

According to him, the massive shortfall in the housing stock was a source of serious concern to members of the association, hence, the need to create the enabling environment that would facilitate the provision of mass housing for the people.

According to him, REDAN as a major player in the construction sub-sector of the economy should be proactive in issues concerning housing provision.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADVISED TO REPAIR BAD ROADS BEFORE RAINY SEASON.

The Lagos State Government has been urged to ensure that most of the bad roads in the state were rehabilitated before the rainy season sets in fully.

According to reports, the life span of any road is not expected to be more than 25 years, but many of the roads in the state have gone past their prime.

A motorists, Balogun Olushina, said that most of the roads in the hinterland, have gone completely bad, adding that this development has resulted in heavy traffic along these routes.

PAUCITY OF FUNDS, OTHERS AFFECTING INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS.-LASG .

The Lagos State Government has explained that its infrastructural provision efforts are being constrained by some factors beyond its control, including paucity of funds, difficult topography and poor attitude by residents. The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said during his ministry’s yearly press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday that more could have been done if the state had access to more funds, noting that the many projects were competing for the available resources. According to him, the state’s topography poses major challenges to infrastructure development, especially as it concerns roads construction, adding that the government was constantly conducting soil tests with the result that many road projects were often subject of massive soil replacement, a situation that had enormous cost implications.

FEDERAL LIES! FG RESERVES N8.3 Bn FOR CONTRUCTION OF HOUSING UNITS.

Minister for finance and the coordinating minister for the economy, Ngozi Okojo-Iweala recently said that the Federal Government has set aside the sum of N8.3 billion for the provision of housing units.

According to her, this is line with the vision of the Goodluck Jonathan administration to provide affordable housing for the masses.

On the other hand, stakeholders have expressed fear that the type of house units that would be built may end up eluding those it was originally meant for, judging from past experiences where houses that were supposed to be for the down trodden, were taken over by the opulent and later rented out to the poor at exorbitant cost.

How long will the government continue this lies,deceit,fraud etc. Do not believe any word of it.You can own your own land @ OLOJA ESTATE and pay at your convenience.For more information please call  08033979778.

SUSTAINABLE URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE CAN FORSTER ECONOMIC GROWTH,SAYS UN REPORT.

Developing sustainable urban infrastructure benefits not just the environment, but can also boost economic growth and social stability, according to a United Nations report released last week, which stresses the need to transition to resource-efficient technologies in cities, given scarce natural resources. The report, ‘City-Level Decoupling: Urban Resource Flows and the Governance of Infrastructure Transitions,’ argues that sustainable city infrastructures can sustain economic growth while using fewer resources. Around three-quarters of the world’s natural resources are already consumed in cities, and the proportion of the global population living in urban areas is set to rise to 70 per cent by 2050. The study says much greater effort is needed to support new and improved infrastructure for water, energy, transport, waste and other sectors – generally located in and around cities – to wean the world off unsustainable consumption patterns, and avoid serious economic and environmental implications for future generations. For instance, the report says that the introduced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Lagos, Nigeria has contributed to a 13 per cent drop in carbon emissions from urban transport. Around a quarter of commuters on the route use the service and journey times have been cut by up to 50 per cent.

MINISTER PLEDGES GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUILDING MATERIALS FIRMS.

With the introduction of technologically advanced wire rod and alloy steel long product rolling complex for manufacture of value added coils by Messrs Sand and Sun Industries Limited, a new dimension may have been added to the history of steel business in the country. The launch of commercial production of mild steel wire rod in Nigeria by the firm was part of forward integration of the processes and boost to export of Ferrous and Nonferrous alloys (aluminium alloys, copper alloys, Tin alloys, lead alloys and Wire rods).

FALANA SEEKS JUSTICE OVER ABUJA LAND DEAL.

In a bid to get justice, a Lagos based human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has petitioned National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Justice Lawal Gummi over the ownership of a landed property located in Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In two separate petitions, Falana sought investigations into the circumstances under which a judgment delivered over the ownership of the land was executed. The petitions were written on behalf of Mr. Imonkhuede Ohikhuare, whom he said was the owner of the land and the N1bn property built on it. - See more at: http://bizwatchnigeria.ng/falana-seeks-justice-petitions-njc-over-abuja-land-deal/#sthash.MWxa8jOQ.dpuf

ZAMFARA SETS UP COMMITTEE TO COMPENSATE LAND OWNERS.

Following Federal Government’s approval for a University in Gusau, the Zamfara State government has constituted a committee for the assessment of farms, lands, and trees for the payment compensation to landowners within the proposed site. The formation of the committee was contained in a statmene issued by the State’s Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Lawal Jibril Jangebe. Reports indicated that the committee was approved by the state governor, Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar. 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO INAUGURATE N960bn WORKERS HOUSING SCHEME.

Reports have revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan will on Wednesday inaugurate the N960 billion housing scheme for affordable accommodation for Nigerian workers.

It was gathered the housing scheme partnership between the NLC and the private property developer, Kriston Lally EPC Nigeria Limited will be for Nigerian workers in all the 36 states including the FCT.

Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Alhaji Mustapha Madawaki, the Managing Director of Kriston Lally EPC, disclosed last weekend said the housing scheme to be launched same day would be for members of the labour union that indicate interest in the scheme.

OGUN STATE STEP UP CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

Set to redefine the state’s land value as well as encourage investments, the Ogun State Government has speed up several construction projects under its urban renewal scheme. The state urban renewal programme has had its cost as some properties had to be demolished. “There will be loss of property by some people to create right of way for the new roads. Vehicular and pedestrian movement will be slowed down around the construction sites. Many people whose homes and businesses are beside the roads may find it difficult to access their premises. Many property owners voluntarily demolished their structures once they are marked to be affected by the road construction,” according to senior government officials.

CONSTRUCTION AT LEKKI FREE ZONE AFFECTS PROPERTY VALUE.

Lekki Free Trade Zone, a global business haven along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos State, has become a thriving real estate market since Dangote Group and Progress Maritime Limited commenced the construction of their refinery-cum-petrochemical plant and tank farm development, respectively.

Reports gathered reveal that the construction of the Dangote refinery attracted to the area, Progress Maritime Limited and others, including Obat Oil and Eko Resort.

The developments have created a boom in the property market in Ibeju Lekki and the Lekki Free Trade Zone area.

But we don't seem to understand that we are going the same road we went years ago when all the oil companies moved into Apapa.I don't know what we should be happy about. How can humans leave close to refineries,tank farms and petrochemical plant?This is hazardous and in my honest opinion Land in that area are suppose to experience  devaluation sharply, what do you think?

Landlords in Ibeju Lekki it's time to make that switch to OLOJA ESTATE in Epe. Stay far away for such polluted environment while you can. For more information please call: 08033979778.

RESORT SAVINGS TARGET 2753 HOUSING UNITS IN FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR.

Resort Savings and Loans Plc will deliver more than 2,753 housing units in Lagos and Ogun States in the first half of this year.
Managing Director, Resort Savings and Loans Plc, Mr Abimbola Olayinka, said the housing units would be built under mortgage terms as part of efforts to make housing affordable for Nigerians.
According to him, the 2,743 housing units will include the current development of the Resort Estate Ofada, with over 400 housing units, tastefully finished two and three bedroom terrace bungalows, which Nigerians will be able to access at affordable prices. Another is the Resort Pearl Garden Sangotedo, which will have at least 80 housing units.
He noted that it its bid to strengthen its position in the housing sector, the bank is partnering with a lot of developers in either financing their projects or providing mortgage facilities to the off-takers at affordable interest rates.
Giving an insight into the existing and on-going projects and partnership with developers, Olayinka added that some of these estates include the Teju Royal Garden Estate Okokomaiko, which has over 600 housing units of one and two bedroom terrace bungalow, three bedrooms semi-detached and three bedrooms fully detached bungalows. Apart from the accessibility of the estate due to the current development of the Lagos-Badagry Express Road as well as the proposed Rail track to link Marina Lagos end, the price of the houses are very affordable.
He outlined other where the bank has on- going projects and partnership to include the Dreamville Estate, Owode –Ibese road, Ikorodu, which has over 120 housing units in various stages of development, Dabis Royal Estate off Allen Avenue Ikeja, South-drift in Lekki and Gracious Gardens among others.
He noted that the bank has been able to bridge the housing gap by creating over 4,000 housing units in recent period.

FG DID NOT FORESTALL WORK ON SECOND NIGER BRIDGE.-MINISTER.

The minister of environment, Mrs Lawrencia Mallam has described as false media reports quoting her to have said the federal government kicked off work on the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge without consideration for the Environmental Impact Assessment Law (EIA) and that the ministry has consequently stopped work on the project.

The Minister in a statement signed by the ministry’s deputy director, press, Mr Ben Goong, said there was no record in the Ministries of Environment or Works or the consortium handling the project indicating that the minister of environment has suspended work on the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The statement read: “ At the press conference which held on Friday the 25th of April, 2014 at the instance of the courtesy visit of the Turkish Construction Forum on the minister, His Excellency, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria told the minister that his country is interested in seeing that Turkish Construction Companies operating in Nigeria comply fully with the environmental laws of Nigeria.”

“In response to that statement, the minister of environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam told the visiting delegation that the Nigerian government has placed a high premium on environmental issues, and that is why government itself has to follow due process by obtaining an interim certificate of Environmental Impact Assessment on the 2nd Niger Bridge”.

OLOJA ESTATE:PURE GOLD FOR YOU TO MINE.

How will you like to diligently pay  20k  for a plot of land every month for 36 month which sums up to 720k only to be told that you can get 5 million for the same product if you wish to sell. Isn't that GOLD? What are you waiting for? Subscribe with us now and get a plot of Land to mine for gold.Its cheap, its affordable, it real. For more information please call: 08033979778.

JUMP ON THE BAND WAGON OF SUCCESS.

It is said that success is contagious, that is why at GOT Formation Limited we infect people we meet who allow us with success. By subscribing with our product you have aligned your progressive ladder that will take you to a pinnacle height.
It is imparative that you get involved and take advantage of the on going promo to get yourself a good plot of land @ Oloja Estate.Outright sales is N 525,000 per plot but we offer flexible payment plan that will enable you to pay as low as N 20,000 every month for a period of 36 months.Subscribe now before property appreciates.
For more information please call: 08033979778 or Visit:http://goo.gl/OEUzTn.Thank you.

OLOJA ESTATE;BEAUTY AT YOUR FEET.

Not quite long ago,Lekki/Ajah rose from the shadows of Ikoyi/Victoria Island's development. A plot of land in Lekki/Ajah now sells for minimum of 50 million naira from as low as N 500,000 couple of years ago.
By a similar trend,Epe is fast rising from the shadows of increasing development in Lekki/Ajah.Its is therefore your turn to  join the league of propertty owners in Lagos state while it is very much affordable as GOT Formation Limited offers you the opportuniy to be a part of Oloja Estate in Agbowa (Epe LGA). 
It is imparative that you get involved and take advantage of the on going promo to get yourself a good plot of land @ Oloja Estate.Outright sales is N 525,000 per plot but we offer flexible payment plan that will enable you to pay as low as N 20,000 every month for a period of 36 months.Subscribe now before property appreciates.
For more information please call: 08033979778 or Visit:http://goo.gl/OEUzTn.Thank you.

PERSISTING CEMENT PRICE HIKE:PROSPECTIVE HOME OWNERS LAMENT MISERY.

Despite the fact that Nigeria’s four major cement companies (Dangote Cement, Lafarge, Ashaka and CCNN) reported a 23 percent growth in full-year 2013 revenues to N522.5 billion, as growing economic activity fuelled demand for the building material. Prospective homeowners and property developers are lamenting about the hardship they presently face, as a result of the persisting rise in the cost of cement nationwide.

Investigations monitored by GOT Formation Limited reveal that, a 50kg bag of cement, now sells for between N1, 700 and N2, 100 as against N1, 650 and N1, 800, the prices for which it was sold in last quarter of 2013.

Further reports reveal that the persisting increase in the price of the product must have been as a result of high demand for cement and the inability of manufacturers to meet up with demand. Added to this is that dealers in cement have continued to take advantage of the increasing demand for the product to hike the price of cement.

Property developers have continued to bemoan the high cost of the product, which they claimed is affecting the cost of doing business in the construction industry.

Could developers not explore alternative methodology? my humble thoughts

Written by Ezenwa Francis, GOT Formation Limited.

3 STEPS TO NOTE BEFORE YOU SIGN A JV AGREEMENT.

Recently two multinationals announced they intend to launch a Real Estate joint venture. The companies, Prudent Financial Inc. of the United States and China’s Fosun Group said they were entering into a partnership aimed at expanding both companies and investing in development projects in urban centers in China. Closer to home is the recently announced Lafarge Wapco and LAPO microfinance bank 1billion Naira partnership to build affordable housing for 200 low income earning Nigerians. This type of Joint Ventures exist a lot in the Nigerian Real Estate market, where two industry players partner on building projects for profit. A successful Real Estate Joint Venture strategy is dependent on doing the right thing at the right time.

Joint Venture is an agreement between the landowner and the developer to undertake a real estate project. The Landowner here has the land but do not have the expertise and fund while the developer does not have the right land but have expertise and funds.

THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF JV:

1. Between Landowner and Developer

2. Between Landowner, developer and Funder

3. Between Landowner, developer and contractor

Although Joint Ventures represent a great way to pool capital and expertise and reduce the exposure of risk to all involved, they do present some unique challenges as well. I.e. if party A comes up with an idea that allows the Venture to flourish, what cut of the profits is party A entitled to? Does the party simply receive a cut based on the original investment pool or is there recognition of the party’s contribution above and beyond the initial stake? These are popular questions that arise in the cause of a Joint Venture. This is why a contract is crucial for avoiding trouble later; the parties must be specific about the intent of their joint venture as well as its limitations.

A joint venture can terminate at a time specified in the contract, upon the accomplishment of its purpose, upon the death of an active member, or if a court decides that serious disagreements between the members make its continuation impractical.

Upcoming developers commonly use Real Estate Joint Ventures. However notable developers such as UPDC and Megamound have also adopted this strategy. A Real Estate Development Joint Venture Agreement sets out what each party will contribute, both in money and effort, and sets out each party’s duties and obligations. It also sets out what happens if the parties fall out with each other, as well as covering the division of profits or losses.

Joint Ventures have been in existence since the early 1800’s but become popular in the 1980’s when companies where searching for new strategies and competitive advantages. We have highlighted key points to remember when going into a Real Estate Joint Venture and they are:

1. Step carefully, Choose wisely: This is not a race. Sophisticated Real Estate investing with or without financial backing is about long term wealth creation not short term riches. Pick what works for you and pursue what makes sense to your plan.
2. Follow a proven course of action and always test your strategies: The strategies you adopt will be your own, but the mistakes you avoid can be based on lessons learnt from others who have taken the same path. Make continuous improvement a business goal.
3. Be informed: It’s necessary to know the laws and practices of the Real Estate sector so you don’t run afoul of any one while entering the Joint Venture. Read journals and newspapers in a bid to have information on venture you are trying to enter; research on your partners to know their capabilities and where they would comfortably compliment your efforts.

 In the end, the Real Estate investment decisions, good or bad are your responsibility. You must understand and accept that mistakes are liable to happen; when they do, own them and move forward. Don’t blame others. When appropriate, give yourself credit for lessons learned, gain experience and make progress.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE GREEN.

In recent news there has been the talk of Green Building springing up in Nigeria and most especially in Lagos. Identified so far under construction are; the Nestoil ultra-modern office headquarters being built by Julius Berger Nigeria at a cost of N24 billion which will be located on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island Lagos and projected completion time frame of 24 months and Heritage Place funded by private equity investment firm Actis at a cost of which isn’t explicitly known and constructed by Primrose Development Company (PDC) and Laurus Development Partners. These two projects represent the prime properties that seek to be classified as Green Building receiving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate.  Of which Nestoil Towers claims to have achieved a Sliver LEED rating on its development.

The LEED certification is a process used in the United State which uses five rating systems to address multiple project types (Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Building Operations and Maintenance, Neighborhood Development and Homes). In each of these categories, the project must attain certain prerequisites to earn points that then determines its LEED certification which are ranked as follows; 40-49 points gets you ‘certified’, 50-59 points ‘Silver’, 60-79 Points ‘Gold’ and 80+ gives you a whooping Platinum rating.

Moving on from the brief introduction of these projects and the process of getting a LEED certification, we need to understand what really is a green building? Green building from (Wikipedia) is one which may also be known as green construction or sustainable building refers to a structure and using process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. It most importantly closes cooperation from the design team, the architects, the engineers, and the client at all project stages. Green Building must also provide the basics of all classic buildings such as economy, utility, durability and comfort.

SCHOOL BUILT ON WATER;WHAT A WAY TO TAKE EDUCATION TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED.

For generations, people have lived in the sprawling slum of Makoko on stilts above the lagoon that surrounds Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos. With the aim to bring much needed education to the children of Makoko, Nigerian architect Kunlé Adeyemi designed a school that floats on 256 recycled plastic barrels with support from the UN Development Fund. The three-storey, A-frame structure accommodates 100 children who travel to and from the school by boat. When classes are out, the lower platform is used as a community space: fishermen sit and mend their nets or take naps in the shade.

The floating school has been nominated as one of the 2014 Designs of the Year as part of the London Design Museum’s annual and prestigious Design of the Year Awards: the winners will be announced in June and Architect  Kunle Adeyemi would be representing Africa, as the only African nominee and the only project driven by and specifically delivering innovative African design solutions.

A model of the school has been put on display in the Designs of the Year 2014 Exhibition, which opened to the public on Wednesday 26 March and runs until Monday 25 August. Visitors to the exhibition will be allowed to pick their favorite design from the exhibition and new for 2014 is the Social Vote which will allow international supporters to cast their vote online.

This innovative design solution has created a futuristic fantasy of a water world of homes. Could this be a new way to go for Nigerian real estate?

Written by Temitope Longe

LAGOS 2014 BUDGET;INFRASTRUCTURE AND NIGERIA'S REAL ESTATE.

We are obviously not going to recover from the frenzy of Nigeria’s Mortgage Refinance Company, NMCR; at least not anytime soon. Since it was launched, no week has passed without an item of news, opinion, report, broadcast or sundry details about it– such is the faith our industry has in the scheme.

Experts such as Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, Managing Director, UACN Property Development Company; Mr. Niyi Adeleye, Head of Real Estate Finance, Stanbic IBTC West Africa and others have however hinted that the NMRC, though a welcome development, is not a magic wand.

While their arguments are telescoped by the myriad of other challenges slowing down the industry, my concern has always been; giving the “mathematical wonder” expected of the scheme, where is the land? That is, even if all mortgage seekers receive mortgages at reasonable rates, where are the houses for them to buy? We all know the housing units in large supplies are not those targeted at the average Nigerian. Those targeted at them are not in the city centres, besides the fact that they are also in short supply.

Furthermore, everyone agrees that even the highbrow areas of states such as Lagos are overpriced for corporate and high income clients because of the scarcity of land. The implication is that except something is done about access to land, mortgages may truly be available, but the supply end of affordable homes for mid, mid-low market may remain unmatched. Thankfully, the NMRC is forward-looking enough in this regards, but the impact might not be felt sooner than expected.

1KM TALL KINGDOM TOWER PLANS TO BECOME THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING.

Dubai, Saudi Arabia plans to fetter long champion of all things biggest, longest and most expensive, will soon have some competition from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, could be stripped of its Guinness title if Saudi Arabia succeeds in its plans to construct the even larger Kingdom Tower in Jeddah — a prospect looking more likely as work begins next week, according toConstruction Weekly.

TOP 10 INTERNATIONAL EMEA REAL ESTATE EVENTS.

 Many people skip attending industry events unless they are required to. They usually underestimate the importance of these kinds of events. They find excuses such as busy schedule, expensive tickets etc . Participating at industry events is not just engaging but educating. It is an opportunity to meet most influential names in your industry. We have put together top real estate events in Europe, the  Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Investor confidence in Europe is up sharply this year, with over 70% of investors choosing Western Europe as the most attractive global region for investment purchases. Within Europe, the UK has regained its position as the most popular country for investment this year with a fall in the proportion favouring Germany, last year’s first choice. However, the past two years have seen a sharp rise in interest in commercial real estate opportunities in African cities.  International capital is beginning to focus on Africa’s real estate potential, and developers are now responding to the strong demand for modern shopping malls, offices and hotels. Within Africa, Nigeria has recently emerged as largest economy making Sub-sahara Africa an investment haven. See our annual events picks.

1.    MIPIM – The World’s Property Market: March 11-14, 2014 | Cannes, France

6TH GLOBAL HOUSING FINANCE CONFERENCE.

DIGITAL INNOVATION IN ESTATE AGENCY AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.

Technology and the internet in particular have revolutionized the way we do things. It’s a digital world we live in and there are software applications for just about anything. Lately I scanned and emailed a tranche of my personal documents right from my phone. It is amazing how a phone now does everything a typical 'business centre' can boast of. No wonder this is not the best of time for cyber cafes and business centres.

Herein, we are going to chronicle some software applications that will enhance your real estate or property management business. If you are still analogue, running your Real Estate Agency or Property Management business manually, then it is high time you embraced innovation.  This is not necessarily an endorsement but an attempt to make your work easier and more efficient. Now here is a rundown of Real Estate, Property Management software and companies selling them:

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION IN NIGERIA

In relation to its laws or guidelines to protect the environment, Nigeria has a fundamental conflict between agencies of the State.

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency Act 1988 (FEPA), backed up by the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992 provides the basic rules administered by the Ministry of the Environment.

However, the environmental guidelines dealing specifically with the oil industry, notably the Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN) is a product of the DPR and thus the Ministry of the Petroleum.

A CASE FOR THE HOMELESS.

It seems like homelessness is on the rise all over the world. This is a situation common in third world countries even though such has been noticed  in some economic powers of this world. The individuals are found to be drunks,prostitutes,crack-heads and generally low lives. But recently members of the family of the very rich have appeared in the news as homeless and I wonder if homelessness have crept into lives of those up there.

Typical example are the two present cases in the USA.The picture on the left is the brother of famous Beyounce while the woman on the right is the step mother of the widely celebrated TV Icon Winfery Oprah.

Having had the public contribute to give Beyouce's brother a decent shelter shall we also contribute for Winfery's step Mum? I tireoooooo........

RANA PLAZA SURVIVORS FACE CONTINUED SUFFERING.

Dhaka, Bangladesh - In April 2013, more than 1,100 garment workers in Bangladesh were killed  when the factory they were working in collapsed. One year after the deadliest garment factory accident in history, most survivors and family members of those killed face serious economic hardship, according to a survey published this week. ActionAid, an international non-government organisation, interviewed 1,436 survivors and 786 family members of deceased workers, and found that two-thirds of respondents face significant difficulties buying food, paying rent and making loan payments. Almost three in four Rana Plaza survivors have not been able to work due to physical ailments and trauma. Seventy-six percent of them continue to visit doctors for follow-up treatment, and nine percent said their physical condition continues to deteriorate. Four percent of the respondents are not able to meet their daily needs, the report found, and others have been driven into debt. Thirty-two-year-old Mohammad Milon was one of those working at Rana Plaza when the structurally unsound building collapsed. He injured his back and spine in the accident, and now cannot walk for more than 10 minutes. As a result, his wife Ambia Begum has become the sole breadwinner for the family, which includes a 13-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. Begum, herself an operator at an apparel factory for the past 15 years, earns a fixed monthly salary of 6,200 takas ($80), in addition to as much as 4,000 takas ($52) in overtime pay. She said this sum is not enough for her family, which lives in a tin-shed room in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka. ea

WHEN WILL HOUSES STOP COLLAPSING?

A two-storey building under construction  at Oworonsoki, a suburb in Lagos state collapsed yesterday April 24th leaving 4 children and 6 adults with various degrees of injury. Reports say the children were on the site to help with menial jobs when the building gave way. 
The 10 victims were immediately rushed to the General Hospital Gbagada where they're all receiving treatment.
The question is,when will regulatory bodies start doing their work in order to avert such deadly events?

AVOIDING BEING SCAMMED IN REAL ESTATE.

The Real Estate industry in Nigeria is fraught with various issues or cases of people being duped either by estate agents, con artists and the so called omo-oniles. With the demand for accommodation more than supply, it’s no wonder that some people can be easy targets since they are in desperate need of the properties at the time.

Another reason people get scammed is when an opportunity is too good to pass up. With the high level of fraud committed within the industry, it is imperative that you protect yourself from being a victim. These various scams can be avoided by working with a reputable real estate agent, company or developer.

Some of the common real estate scams perpetuated by omo-oniles is the sale of lands inherited from their parents or grand-parents to more than one person. Since their only source of income is the sale of these inherited lands, their usual style is to prey on lands that have been sold but not yet developed to another buyer. Sometimes, they even sell lands that have been developed half-way to buyers just to keep the income flowing and these buyers find themselves in a continuous battle for possession of the land. A lot of land cases presently in court are in this category and unfortunately, the omo-oniles are nowhere to be found with the monies collected.

IKEJA AT A GLANCE.

In this series, we shall be chronicling different parts of Lagos State vis-a-vis what makes them tick, cost of accommodation, commercial activities and so on and so forth.

Where else can we begin this series than from Ikeja - the Lagos State Capital/Seat of Government. Ikeja is part of what is known as Lagos Mainland. As well as been the State Capital, Ikeja is also a Local Government Headquarter. Official census figure put the population of Ikeja at about 4.5 million people which is keenly contested by the Lagos State Government. However, A United Nation's 2011 data suggests Ikeja is plausibly home to 11.2 million people. Ikeja is one of the most densely populated parts of Lagos State.

A bit of history before we proceed. Ikeja is said to have been founded and named after an Awori hunter called Akeja Onigorun. Notable communities in Ikeja include Ogba, Opebi, Alausa, Maryland, Anifowose, Agidingbi, Oregun, Idu-Iroko, Ipodo, Akiode and Ojodu.

WHY YOU SHOULD DISTRIBUTE YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE YOU DIE.

For those that are aged and rich. How do you secure your investment before you depart from this world?Death is an inevitable phenomenon,thus, it may be wise to prepare for it. This is especially so if a person has any property, landed or otherwise, that could become a source of disputes between families after their death. This underscores the desirability of making a will. A will is a document by which a person directs how his or her estate is to be distributed upon death. What could happen if there is no will? We all know what happened in Bobby Bensons family.
What do you think?

PROCESS YOUR BUILDING PLAN APPROVAL AND C OF O AT HUGE DISCOUNT.

You no be correct Landlord if you no get correct particulars for your building. Ogun state home owners charter ....an opportunity to process your C of O at a huge discount.
If you own a house in Ogun state, you are eligible for this scheme,just follow the steps below:

1. Visit Ogun state home owners' charter registration centre or designated banks to purchase your form for N 5,000 only.
2. You will be issued an invoice upon inspection of your house.
3. Make payment on your invoice within 9 months to benefit from a simple secure and faster way to process the document of your house.

No penalties. Simple requirements. Its once in a life time opportunity! Hurry now while offer lasts!

...an initiative of Ogun state government's mission to Rebuild.