Off-Plan vs Ready-Built Properties in Nigeria: Which is Smarter in 2026?

One question dominates every investor call we receive at House Unlimited Nigeria in late 2025:
“Should I buy off-plan or ready-built in 2026?”
The answer is not the same for everyone.
Off-plan buyers are currently locking in 30–45% capital gains before completion.
Ready-built owners are already collecting ₦20–40 million annual rent in prime locations.
Both strategies are working — but they suit completely different timelines, risk appetites, and cash-flow needs.
Here is the definitive 2026 comparison — with fresh data, real examples from our portfolio, and a clear verdict for five buyer profiles.

1. Price Difference (The Biggest Gap Ever)
Off-plan is now 25–45% cheaper than the projected completion price — the widest margin in five years.
Property | Off-Plan Price | Ready-Built Equivalent | Projected Off-Plan Value at Completion (2027) | Built-In Gain
| 5-Bedroom Mansion, Katampe | ₦420M (foundation stage) | ₦680–720M | ₦720–780M | ₦300–360M
| 4-Bedroom Terrace, Lekki Ph 1| ₦380M (carcass stage) | ₦520–580M | ₦620–680M | ₦240–300M
| 3-Bedroom Flat, Gwarinpa | ₦68M (off-plan) | ₦95–110M | ₦115–125M | ₦47–57M
Verdict: Off-plan wins on pure capital gain — if you can wait 18–36 months.

2. Cash Flow & Rental Income
Ready-built wins hands-down for immediate income.

Location | Ready-Built Annual Rent | Gross Yield | Off-Plan Yield Until Completion
Lekki Phase 1 Terrace | ₦28–35M | 6.5–7.5% | 0%
Guzape Duplex | ₦22–28M | 7–8.5% | 0%
Gwarinpa 3-Bed Flat | ₦7–9M | 9–11% | 0%

If you need cash flow to service other loans, pay school fees, or simply sleep better at night, ready-built is smarter.

3. Risk Profile — 2026 Reality Check
Off-plan risks have dropped dramatically because of new laws and escrow accounts, but they still exist.

Risk Factor | Off-Plan Risk Level (2026) | Ready-Built Risk Level
Developer default | Low (escrow mandatory) | Zero
Construction delay | Medium (6–12 months common) | Zero
Finishing quality surprise | Medium | Zero (you see it)
Title issues | Low (C of O in progress) | Very low (already registered)
We only work with developers who bank with GTB or Zenith escrow accounts — your money is safe even if the developer runs into issues.

4. Payment Flexibility
Off-plan wins again.

Feature | Off-Plan | Ready-Built
Initial deposit | 20–30% | 50–70%
Payment duration | 18–48 months @ 0% interest | Usually 6–12 months max
Early-bird discount | 8–15% off | Rare
Dollar payment option | Yes (locks rate) | Very rare

5. Lifestyle Factor

• Need to move in before December 2026? → Ready-built

• Getting married in 2027 and want a brand-new house? → Off-plan

• Want to customize finishes, smart-home wiring, pool size? → Off-plan (most developers allow changes up to carcass stage)
  

Real 2025–2026 Deals from Our Portfolio
Best Off-Plan Deals Right Now

1. Katampe 5-Bedroom Smart Mansion + Pool + BQ
   Foundation price: ₦420M
   Payment: ₦120M deposit + ₦8.3M/month for 36 months
   Completion: June 2027
   Projected value: ₦720–780M → Built-in gain ₦300–360M
   → View full specs & payment simulator

2. Ajah 4-Bedroom Semi-Detached (Waterfront Estate)
   Carcass stage: ₦350M
   48-month 0% plan
   Projected 2027 value: ₦580–620M
   → Book site visit

Best Ready-Built Deals Right Now
3. Lekki Phase 1 – 4-Bedroom Terrace + Cinema + BQ
Fully finished, move-in tomorrow
Price: ₦520M
Current rent: ₦32M/year (tenant already in place)
→ Take 3D tour

4. Gwarinpa – Renovated 3-Bedroom Block of 4 Flats
   Price: ₦110M
   Generates ₦9M/year net
   Yield: 8.2%
   → View income report
   

Verdict for 2026: Who Should Buy What?

Your Profile | Smarter Choice in 2026 | Why
Investor with 2–4 year horizon | Off-plan | 30–45% locked-in gain
Need rental income immediately | Ready-built | Cash flow from day 1
Getting married or relocating in 2026–2027 | Off-plan | Brand-new home, custom finishes
Risk-averse or over 55 years old | Ready-built | Zero construction risk
Diaspora earning dollars | Off-plan | Dollar plan + highest ROI
Want to live in the house right now | Ready-built | Move tomorrow

The 2026 Hybrid Strategy (Most Popular Right Now)
Many of our clients are doing both:

• Buy one ready-built for cash flow (₦20–30M rent covers living expenses)

• Buy one or two off-plan units for capital growth
  Result = monthly income + massive appreciation in 2027–2028
  

Final Recommendation
There is no universal “better” choice — only the one that matches your timeline and goals.
If you want the highest possible return on capital in 2026–2028 → go heavy on off-plan.
If you want peace of mind and instant income → choose ready-built.
The smartest investors are doing a 50/50 split.See every off-plan and ready-built property side-by-side here → houseunlimited.ng/offplan-vs-ready
Still confused which one fits you?
→ WhatsApp “OFFPLAN or READY?” to +234 904 375 2708 — we reply in under 5 minutes with a personalised recommendation.
→ Or book a free 15-minute strategy call: calendly.com/houseunlimited/2026
Don’t guess. Let the numbers decide for you.
House Unlimited Nigeria – Your Property, Your Timeline, Your Profit