Renting in Africa is changing, fast. As cities grow, power and water issues persist, and more Africans abroad look to live or invest back home, the rental landscape is being reshaped. Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, knowing the trends in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, and Johannesburg can help you make smarter decisions.

1. Home Search Is Almost Always Online Now

Tenants in Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra increasingly begin their hunt online, through property apps, Facebook or WhatsApp groups, and listing sites. A blurry photo or vague description is a red flag, especially for people living abroad.

• Landlords: Listing properties with clear, well-lit photos, floor plans or walkthrough videos, and online rent payment options can make a big difference in attracting renters, particularly diaspora or remote tenants.
• Tenants: Online tools let you compare different homes, check out neighbourhoods, and even negotiate remotely. But always follow up with in-person verification or trusted contacts to avoid scams.

2. Flexible Lease Terms Are Gaining Traction

More renters, especially students, professionals living temporarily in one city, and diaspora returnees, prefer short-term or mid-term leases instead of traditional year-long contracts.

• Landlords: If you can offer 3- or 6-month leases, furnished stays, or month-to-month options, you tap into a growing market segment. This can be especially useful in high-demand neighbourhoods or near airports.
• Tenants: These flexible lease options give you mobility without long-term commitments, though they often come with higher monthly rents or advance payments.

3. Modern Amenities Are Nearly Essential

Because of frequent blackouts and infrastructure issues in many African cities, tenants care a lot about backup power, water stability, and connectivity. Features such as inverters, solar panels, boreholes or water tanks, WiFi, and secure parking are now major deciding factors.

• Landlords: Even modest investments, an inverter, stable water tank, or reliable internet connection, can substantially increase your property’s attractiveness.
• Tenants: Paying a bit more for a place that provides reliable electricity or water can save you stress, time, and money in the long run.

4. Rental Prices Are Rising But It Depends on Location

Rent trends vary a lot by neighbourhood:

Lagos

• In upscale areas like Ikoyi or Victoria Island, 1-bed apartments may rent for ₦1 million to ₦2.5 million per month (or ₦12 million–₦30 million per year). Bamboo Routes+2PropertyPro.ng+2 In growth corridors such as Lekki, 1-bed units might cost ₦3–6 million per year. Bamboo Routes+2PropertyPro.ng+2
• More affordable parts of Lagos—such as Gbagada or farther mainland locations—can offer 1-bed units for under ₦1 million per year. blog.kwaba.ng+2PropertyPro.ng+2

Nairobi

• In central or desirable neighbourhoods, 1-bed flats may go for KSh 90,000–KSh 120,000 per month. Listings in Lavington and Kilimani easily hit KSh 80,000–KSh 150,000+. https://www.propertypro.co.ke+1
• More budget-friendly 1-bed or bedsitters may go for KSh 25,000–KSh 40,000 per month, especially in peripheral zones or older estates. property24.co.ke+1

Accra

• In upscale districts like Cantonments or Airport, monthly rents for 1-bed apartments can range from GH₵3,000 to GH₵5,000 (~USD 300–500). Accra Street Journal
• In the suburbs or outskirts—places like Adenta or Amasaman—1-bed units may rent at GH₵800–GH₵1,500 (~USD 80–150). Accra Street Journal

5. Safety and Security Are Often Deal-Breakers

In many African cities, safety remains a top concern for renters. Gated compounds, CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing, lighting, and private security guards are often major deciding factors, sometimes more important than interior finishes.

• Landlords: Investing in even basic security measures (good locks, fences, outdoor lighting) can make your property more appealing—especially to tenants who are abroad or unfamiliar with local conditions.
• Tenants: Always ask what security measures are in place before signing a lease, and consider neighbourhood safety, not just the house itself.

6. Shared Living and Co-Living Are Becoming More Popular

Because of rising rental costs, co-living setups are increasingly attractive, especially for young professionals, students, and those returning from abroad who only need a place to stay temporarily. In Nairobi, bedsitters and shared flats are very common. In Lagos and Accra, co-living is gaining ground in student zones and near business districts.

• Landlords: If you own or manage larger homes, converting them into shared units or co-living arrangements can increase occupancy and rental yields, but you’ll need to manage shared spaces, cleaning, and tenant relationships carefully.
• Tenants: Co-living can keep costs down and provide social benefits, but shared space means less privacy and more coordination with others around cleaning, noise, and common facilities.

7. Trust, Transparency, and Professionalism Matter More Than Ever

Rental scams and misinformation are still common across African cities, and renters (especially diaspora or non-local tenants) are more cautious than ever. Trust-building is now a critical part of the rental process.

• Landlords: Offering formal tenancy agreements, providing official receipts, responding promptly and professionally to inquiries, and being clear about payment and maintenance responsibilities all help build confidence.
• Tenants: Use trusted listing platforms, insist on written contracts, verify the identity of landlords or agents, and avoid paying large cash deposits without receipts or references.

Final Thoughts

The rental market in Africa in 2025 is more digital, dynamic, and demanding than in previous years. Landlords who modernize their properties, embrace flexible rental terms, invest in basic infrastructure (power, water, security), and prioritize transparent communication are more likely to secure good tenants. Meanwhile, tenants, whether local or returning from abroad—must do their homework, balance cost against comfort, and focus on safety and reliability.

In short: renting in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, or Johannesburg this year is about more than just finding a place to live. It’s about choosing a lifestyle, a security setup, and a rental arrangement that fits how people actually live and move in modern African cities.