An investigation of factors influencing maturity levels of property market in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

PurposeThe study investigated the factors influencing maturity levels in the Nigerian property market particularly southwestern Nigeria in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need to identify the factors responsible for the less notable progress in the market in order to proffer measures that will enhance the property market or attract both local and international real estate investors.Design/methodology/approachThe method of data analysis adopted is weighted mean scores. The study sampled estate surveyors, public land administrators and financier, which are represented by the commercial bank. The respondents were presented a list of 40 factors and asked to rank them on a seven-point Likert scale. In order to reduce the variables responsible for the maturity levels into a few factors, factor analysis was employed.FindingsThe factors identified by respondents as the most responsible for the maturity levels observed (those with the highest weighted mean score of 6.52, 6.35 and 6.31) include government policy on interest rate, safety of property right/titles and insufficient property market information. Using factor analysis, the variables were further grouped into six factors namely monetary policy, property right registration, property professionalism, investor friendliness, property data and economic factors.Practical implicationsOn the basis of findings, the study recommends that the government should create an enabling environment for prospective investors/or property owners by taking measures that will improve the ease of doing business at same time enhance the foreign real estate investment. The government should pass enabling legislation that will make real estate financing a feature of the capital market. The Central Bank of Nigeria can help in managing the rate of inflation in order to reduce the cost of the construction materials so that average Nigerian can be able to own property asset. Prominent real estate firms should in conjunction with The Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers develop property data bank on market fundamentals, e.g. rental/capital values, yields, construction cost indices, etc.Originality/valueThe paper provided the information on the factors that will enhance property maturity levels in southwestern Nigeria.