As short-term rentals continue to grow across Lagos, concerns around service quality, management and value delivery are drawing increasing attention within Nigeria’s real estate sector. Speaking on the evolving market, senior property lawyer and real estate executive Kofoworola Beckley Esq has stressed the need for professionalism, strategic location and hospitality-level service in the short-let business.
Kofoworola, who is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bak-Eldorado Realtor Beckley, said short-let rentals are often misunderstood as a passive real estate investment rather than what they truly are, a hospitality business that requires structure, trained management and consistent service delivery. A law graduate of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, she has built her career around property law, legal drafting and conveyancing, with a strong reputation for transparency and positive client relationships.
According to her, many of the challenges facing the short-let market in Lagos stem from poor management. She noted that there have been several cases where guests paid for accommodation but did not receive the level of service promised. This, she explained, weakens trust in the market and discourages repeat bookings. “Short-let owners must understand that guests are paying not just for space, but for experience,” she said.
Beckley explained that location remains one of the strongest drivers of return on investment in short-term rentals. Drawing comparisons with international travel destinations, she pointed out that experienced travellers visiting countries like South Africa naturally choose short-let apartments in prime areas close to hotels, shopping centres, nightlife, supermarkets and major business districts. Locations such as Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose Arch, Camps Bay, V&A Waterfront, Sea Point and Umhlanga are popular because they combine accessibility, security and lifestyle appeal.
She believes the same logic applies to Lagos. Areas such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi and Ikate, she said, remain the most attractive short-let destinations because of their proximity to commercial centres, entertainment hubs and essential services. “In short-let rentals, location is not optional; it is fundamental,” Beckley noted.
Beyond location, she raised concerns about pricing and service alignment in Lagos’ luxury short-let segment. Beckley argued that when guests are charged premium rates, such as ₦500,000 for a three-bedroom apartment in areas like Banana Island, the service must reflect that cost. At such rates, she said, guests should enjoy hospitality standards comparable to established hotels, including clean and well-maintained rooms, regular linen and towel replacement, professional housekeeping and responsive guest support.
“Providing a furnished apartment alone is not enough,” she said. “Short-let accommodation should deliver a full hospitality experience. Premium pricing must come with premium service, consistency and attention to detail.”
Kofoworola added that improving Nigeria’s short-let sector will require a shift in mindset among investors and operators. Competitive pricing, strategic location and hotel-standard service, she said, must work together. When properly managed, she believes short-let rentals can offer strong returns while also enhancing Lagos’ reputation as a globally competitive destination for business and leisure travellers.
With her background in property law and her focus on ethical practice, Beckley said her goal remains to help raise standards across the real estate industry and ensure that both investors and guests benefit from a more structured and trustworthy short-let market.
