Victoria Island (VI) in Lagos is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and expensive neighborhoods. It’s a key business district, home to offices, luxury residences, entertainment venues, and waterfront property. If you’re planning to live there, here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay in monthly rent, based on property type, size, and amenities.
What Affects Rent in Victoria Island
Location & Prestige
- VI is highly desirable thanks to its proximity to business districts, top-class restaurants, nightlife, and waterfront views.
- Because it’s a “premium island” location, rent is on the high end compared to many other parts of Lagos.
Property Type & Size
- Rental costs vary greatly depending on whether the property is a studio, apartment (1-3 bedroom), or a full house / detached home.
- Luxury finishes, security, and amenities (like swimming pools, backup power) also drive higher rent.
Lease Terminology
- In Lagos, some landlords ask for annual rent rather than strictly monthly rent.
- Service charges (maintenance, security) and other costs can add to your monthly expenses.
Typical Monthly Rent by Property Type
Using recent data (2024–2025), here’s a breakdown of the typical rental costs in Victoria Island:
Studios / Self-Containments
- Studio apartments on VI go for: ₦1,700,000 (minimum) to ₦4,000,000 (high-end), with an average around ₦3,066,667 per year.
- Converting that to a monthly figure, the average is around ₦255,000 per month (assuming 12-month payments).
One-Bedroom Flats / Apartments
- ₦3,000,000 (min) to ₦14,000,000 (max) per year, with an average of ₦6,810,000.
- That works out to ~₦567,500 per month for the average 1-bed flat.
VIEW ALSO : Cost of Living in Lagos: Island vs Mainland
Two-Bedroom Apartments
- 2-bedroom flats range from ₦5,000,000 to ₦20,000,000 annually, with an average of ₦10,300,000.
- Monthly equivalent for the average 2-bed: ~₦858,000.
Three-Bedroom Apartments
- ₦8,000,000 (min) to ₦30,000,000 (max) yearly, with the average around ₦18,600,000.
- That’s roughly ₦1,550,000 per month for a 3-bedroom unit at the average rent.
Houses / Detached Homes
- Houses on VI average ₦26,130,000 per year.
- That translates to about ₦2,177,500 monthly (if paid on a 12-month basis).
What the Market Listings Say
- On Nigeria Property Centre, some 1-bedroom flats are listed at ₦6,000,000 per year, while others go much higher.
- There are also self-contained (single-room) units listed for around ₦3,000,000 per year.
- According to CleeC Designs, 3-bedroom apartments on VI have average annual rents of ₦18,600,000.
Cost of Living Implications Beyond Rent
Utilities & Service Charges
- In a prime area like VI, utility costs (electricity, water, internet) can be significant. Monthly utilities here average around ₦45,000.
- Service charges on higher-end developments may add a substantial amount to monthly expenses.
Upfront Costs
- When leasing, you should expect agency or legal fees, which can be a 10%-30% of the annual rent and sometimes higher.
- Some landlords may require a security deposit or part of the rent paid in advance.
Is Renting in VI Worth It?
Pros
- Prime Location: Close to business, corporate offices, restaurants, and nightlife.
- High Prestige: Living in VI signals status and offers security.
- Good Infrastructure: Better maintenance, power backup, and amenities than many other Lagos neighborhoods.
Cons
- Very High Costs: Not just rent, but associated costs like service charge and utilities can be heavy.
- Annual Payment Norms: For some units, paying a lump sum annually can strain cash flow.
- Tight Negotiation Margins: Given the luxury market, rent may be less flexible than in more affordable areas.
Tips to Rent Smart in Victoria Island
- Negotiate: Even in high-end areas, you might negotiate rent, service charge, or payment terms.
- Inspect Before Lease: Confirm what utilities and services are covered (water, power, security).
- Budget for Upfront Costs: Save for agency fees, deposit, and possibly a part of the annual rent in advance.
- Consider Payment Frequency: Ask if you can pay monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually instead of a full year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom flat in Victoria Island?
The average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Victoria Island is around ₦508,500, based on recent annual average rates.
How much does a 2-bedroom apartment cost per month on VI?
A 2-bedroom flat in VI averages about ₦858,000 per month, according to market data.
Are there cheaper studio options available on Victoria Island?
Yes — studio apartments (self-contain) can go for as low as ₦1,700,000 annually, which is about ₦142,000/month if spread over 12 months.
How much does it cost to rent a house (detached home) in Victoria Island?
Detached homes or houses on VI average around ₦26,130,000 annually, which works out to about ₦2,177,500 per month if paid monthly.
Do I have to pay service charges in addition to rent?
Yes — many properties in Victoria Island come with service charges, which cover security, maintenance, and other shared amenities. This adds to the total monthly cost.
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