Real Estate and Women: Breaking the Barriers to Property Ownership in Nigeria

ESV Obiora Charles Okafor,

In Nigeria today, owning property is one of the most powerful forms of wealth creation and financial independence. Yet, for many women, this path remains blocked by a combination of cultural, financial, and institutional obstacles. The ability to own land or a home is more than a symbol of status it is a foundation for long-term security, access to credit, and a tangible inheritance for future generations. However, despite growing awareness about gender equity, real estate ownership among women in Nigeria still lags behind significantly.

Traditionally, land and property rights in Nigeria have been dominated by men. In many communities, cultural norms assign ownership and inheritance of land to the male lineage, often sidelining women regardless of their financial capacity or family role. This exclusion has been reinforced by customary laws that operate alongside Nigeria’s formal legal system, particularly in rural areas. Even in urban centers, women who have the means to purchase property sometimes face suspicion or social judgment, as independence is still viewed by some as a threat to traditional gender roles.

The challenge does not stop at cultural perception. There are economic and legal systems that also limit women’s participation in the real estate space. Many women, especially those working in informal sectors, find it difficult to access credit facilities or mortgage financing. Without collateral, stable income, or supportive policies, their ability to purchase or invest in property is significantly curtailed. Although Nigeria’s constitution supports equal rights, the practical application of these rights is inconsistent, especially when it clashes with customary practices that have been in existence for long.

Despite these challenges, Nigerian women are gradually pushing against these barriers. In Nigeria today, both in the private and public sectors, we have women who are leading in blue-chip real estate organizations. Also, in recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in female-led real estate cooperatives, where women pool resources to purchase land and develop residential estates even in high-brow areas. This growing sense of urgency is helping to shift perceptions and create new possibilities for women inclusion. Additionally, some private developers have started recognizing women as an important market demographic, offering more flexible payment structures and marketing campaigns targeted at female buyers.

Yet, progress remains slow. Many women are still unaware of their rights to own and inherit property. Even those who attempt to assert their claims can be met with resistance, prolonged legal battles, or family pressure. The absence of widespread education and strong advocacy on these issues continues to hold many back from taking that first step towards property ownership.

The need to break the cycle is urgent. When women own property, they gain not only economic security, but also the power to make decisions about their future. Property ownership strengthens their bargaining power in households, improves their access to finance, and enhances their social status. It also contributes directly to national development, as empowered women are more likely to invest in their families, communities, and businesses.

In a fast growing country like Nigeria, where the housing deficit is high and economic pressure is mounting, denying women the opportunity to participate fully in real estate is not only unjust it is unwise. Ensuring that women have equal access to property must move beyond policy promises and become a reality backed by education, legal protection, and cultural change. Only then can real estate serve as a true vehicle for empowerment and equity across all genders.

ESV Obiora Charles Okafor, an Abuja-based Estate Surveyor and Valuer, is the Principal Partner of Obiora Okafor & Associates.