Introduction
The shortlet business in Lagos is booming — driven by tourism, business travel, and the demand for flexible accommodation.
Unlike traditional rentals, shortlets allow you to earn daily or weekly income, often making significantly more than long-term leases.
If you’re looking to start a profitable venture in Nigeria’s real estate space, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What is a Shortlet Business?
A shortlet is a fully furnished apartment rented out for:
- Days
- Weeks
- Short stays
It’s similar to what platforms like offer, but you can also list your property on platforms like Travla to reach local users.
Why Start a Shortlet Business in ?
Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial hub, making it ideal for shortlets due to:
- High number of business travelers
- Weekend tourists and events
- Expats and remote workers
Popular areas include:
- Lekki
- Victoria Island
- Ikoyi
- Ikeja
How Much Does It Cost to Start?
1. Rent or Property Acquisition
- 1-bedroom apartment: ₦1M – ₦3M/year
- 2-bedroom apartment: ₦2M – ₦5M/year
2. Furnishing & Setup
- Furniture: ₦800K – ₦2M
- Electronics (TV, AC, fridge): ₦500K – ₦1.5M
- Decor & finishing: ₦200K – ₦500K
3. Utilities & Maintenance
- Power (generator/inverter): ₦200K – ₦800K
- Internet: ₦20K/month
- Cleaning & maintenance: variable
Estimated startup cost:
₦2M – ₦6M depending on scale
Step-by-Step: How to Start
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Focus on high-demand areas like:
- Victoria Island
- Ikeja
👉 Proximity to:
- Business districts
- Beaches
- Airports
✅ Step 2: Get a Suitable Apartment
Options:
- Rent-to-sublet (with landlord approval)
- Own property
⚠️ Always confirm shortlet usage is allowed.
✅ Step 3: Furnish for Comfort & Style
Your apartment should include:
- Comfortable bed
- Smart TV
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Fully equipped kitchen
👉 Think “hotel experience”
✅ Step 4: List Your Property Online
List on:
👉 Travla helps you:
- Reach local Nigerian users
- Get bookings without high international competition
✅ Step 5: Set Competitive Pricing
Typical Lagos pricing:
- 1-bedroom: ₦25K – ₦80K/night
- 2-bedroom: ₦40K – ₦120K/night
👉 Adjust based on:
- Location
- Interior quality
- Demand
✅ Step 6: Market Your Shortlet
- Share on Instagram
- Use Facebook ads
- Encourage reviews
How Much Can You Make?
Example:
If you charge ₦50K/night and get:
- 15 bookings/month
👉 Monthly revenue = ₦750K
Even after expenses, profit margins can be strong.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor location choice
- Bad interior design
- Slow internet
- No marketing
- Ignoring customer experience
How Travla Helps You Grow Faster
Listing your property on allows you to:
- Reach targeted Nigerian travelers
- Get more visibility
- Earn consistently
👉 Plus, you can also sell travel-related items alongside your listing.
FAQs
1. Is shortlet business profitable in Lagos?
Yes — with good location and management, it can outperform long-term rent.
2. Do I need a license?
Not always, but check local regulations and estate rules.
3. Can I start with rented apartment?
Yes, with landlord approval (rent-to-sublet model).
4. How do I get my first booking?
- List on Travla
- Promote on social media
- Offer discounts initially
Conclusion
Starting a shortlet business in Lagos is one of the most practical ways to generate steady income in Nigeria today.
With the right setup, location, and marketing — you can build a profitable venture in a short time.
👉 Ready to start?
List your property today on and start earning. Visit Travla.xyz to get started.
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