Real estate investment in the past were primarily reserved for the wealthy,

financially stable individuals with astute financial acumen. However, the dynamics of the market

have changed, offering investment opportunities to a broader spectrum of people,

including the middle class. The Nigerian real estate industry stands out as an excellent

avenue for generating substantial returns, as land has proven to be a valuable asset that rarely

depreciates in value.

But what exactly is land banking?

Why should you consider investing in it? Let’s delve into this
real estate investment strategy that involves purchasing undeveloped land at a

discounted price, with the intention of holding onto it and selling it at a later time

when its value appreciates significantly.
Land banking entails thorough research of the best investment areas, considering

factors such as social infrastructure and population demographics. Investors acquire

properties and patiently wait for their value to soar before selling them to interested

parties at a substantial profit.

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In Nigeria, several prominent real estate development firms, such as PETIK LIMITED,

engage in land banking.
These companies strategically acquire undeveloped land, including farms and greenfield sites,

after conducting extensive research to identify locations with high growth potential.

By accumulating these properties, these firms create portfolios that serve as their “banks.”

This approach ensures developers have a ready supply of land for future real estate ventures.

Consequently, land banking investment firms enable investors to use their funds to purchase

undeveloped land from their land banks, which investors hold onto temporarily,
with the goal of selling them later at a higher price. It is important to note that

land banking is not solely limited to large real estate development corporations;

smaller private investors can also participate, albeit with smaller land parcels due to

capital constraints.

Now, you may be wondering about the potential returns of land banking investments.

While traditional banking investments in real estate investments offer meager interest rates,

land banking investments provide the opportunity for
returns of up to 35% in just one year. Some land banking investment firms even offer a path to a
remarkable 45% return on investment (ROI). The minimum interest rate for such

real estate investments is typically 15%.

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Let’s explore the motivations behind investing in land banking:

Increased Land Value:

Land banking is a prudent real estate investment strategy,

considering that land values tend to
appreciate over time. Unlike other assets that fluctuate, land has the potential for

long-term value growth. Investing in land with significant development potential at its

current or lower market value ensures investors can maximize their returns.

Value Augmentation:

By making improvements to the land, its worth can be enhanced. Obtaining
property development approvals and progressively developing the

land can increase  its real estate investment value and attractiveness to developers,
who may be willing to pay a premium for it. Alternatively, land bankers may choose to finance the
development themselves.

Minimal Start-Up Capital:

Vacant land is typically the most affordable type of real estate investments available.
It only appreciates in value once expansion and development take place. Therefore,

if you know where to find great land deals, you can start your land banking business with

minimal capital. It is a real estate investment that doesn’t necessarily require millions of naira to begin.

Seller Financing Enhances Income Prospects:

Selling property with seller financing allows investors to act as lenders to buyers.

Rather than providing the buyer with upfront funds, the investor
grants perpetual access to the land while accepting cash payments over several months or years.
This approach broadens the pool of potential purchasers, as many individuals are willing to pay a
higher interest rate to acquire the land.

Through seller financing, investors can recoup their initial real estate investment

almost immediately and enjoy pure profit from the remaining payments.

Lower Competition:

In real estate investment Land banking presents an advantage in terms of competition.

Most investors, particularly those with substantial wealth, gravitate towards flashy and

glamorous real estate investments,
such as condominium buildings, house flipping, and multi-unit properties. As a result,
competition is concentrated in these areas, leaving the field of undeveloped land relatively open.
Finding land that meets your requirements can be accomplished quickly, and there is often room
for negotiation to secure a better deal.

Limited Resource:

The fact that land is a finite resource makes it an attractive real estate investment.
While new residential high-rises continue to be constructed, the amount of available land for
ownership remains limited. Consequently, landowners can be confident that their investment will
consistently be in demand, leading to continuous appreciation in value. Investing in land presents
an opportunity for individuals seeking high returns with minimal risk.

Considering the benefits mentioned above, land banking emerges as an appealing

real estate investment opportunity compared to other types of investments. Here’s why:

Secure Investment:

Land is a reliable real estate investment that never goes out of style.

Cost-Effective:

Owning land is a relatively affordable long-term real estate investment that can be tailored to
suit your financial capabilities.

Potential for Rapid Returns:

Land banking allows for the acceleration of returns on investment.

Favorable Tax Rates:

If the real estate investment property is sold after a year, the gains are subject to
lower capital gains tax rates. This results in a reduced tax burden compared to other investments.

Retirement Planning:

Real estate investment aligns with retirement goals, as it provides modest initial
cash flow that gradually increases over time, making it an ideal investment for retirement planning.

Tangible Asset:

Unlike certain investments that can depreciate or become obsolete, land retains its
intrinsic value.

By exploring the world of land banking, you can unlock a secure and potentially lucrative investment
opportunity in the Nigerian real estate market. This strategy allows you to leverage the appreciating
value of land, maximize your returns, and secure a tangible asset with enduring worth in

real estate investment.