More Investors Choosing Planned Estates Over Bare Lands in Mabushi – Wisdom Kwati

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

As land prices continue to rise across Abuja, the real estate conversation in Mabushi is beginning to shift. While undeveloped plots remain in high demand, a growing number of investors are turning towards planned estates with proper layouts, zoning, and infrastructure, in search of long-term value and better risk protection.
One of the projects drawing attention in this space is Ellington Villa, a new development by Wisdom Kwati Smart City, located in the fast-growing Mabushi district. Unlike many traditional land offerings, the estate is designed to support both private custom builds and structured housing types, including terrace homes, semi-detached duplexes, and apartments.

Industry experts say the shift is being driven by a combination of rising development costs and buyer experiences with poor or delayed infrastructure in loosely regulated areas. “People are no longer just buying land and waiting. They want to know what’s possible with it, how fast they can build, and whether the area supports rental income or resale,” says Wisdom Kwati, Chairman of Wisdom Kwati Group.
“Mabushi is already central and growing rapidly,” Kwati said. “But what we’re seeing now is that buyers are becoming more cautious. They want to invest in places with clear plans, verified titles, and real layouts, not just coordinates in the bush.”

Recent data from the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) shows that land transaction activity in the Mabushi-Katampe corridor has steadily increased, with planned estates making up a larger portion of new registrations since 2022. Experts say this is partly due to the expanding Outer Northern Expressway, the proximity to key areas like Wuse and Jabi, and a growing interest in shortlet and rental income models.

Ballah Baba Yakubu, CEO of Wisdom Kwati Smart City, says the company designed Ellington Villa with that flexibility in mind. “Some people want to build and live. Others are targeting shortlets or annual rent. Some even buy to resell at a profit after developing a unit. That’s the market now , people want more control and faster returns.”

The estate is also part of a growing trend toward mixed-use residential planning in the FCT, where investors are no longer satisfied with just land, but are seeking predictable outcomes and scalable options.
Zara Kwati, General Manager, says the demand is now coming from a wider group. “You have working professionals, returnees from the diaspora, and even retirees looking for reliable places to put their money. They ask clear questions now: Is this estate zoned? Will I be able to build what I want without stress? How long before infrastructure reaches here? People are planning ahead.”

One of the recurring issues in the Abuja property space has been the marketing of bare land in areas with no clear road network, drainage plans, or verified documents. This has led to long delays in project execution and, in some cases, financial loss for unsuspecting buyers. Developers who offer structured layouts with verified land use and planning approvals appear to be gaining stronger trust.
Ballah Baba Yakubu believes the shift is a sign that the market is maturing. “What buyers want now is visibility, they want to know that when they pay, development is moving. That’s why planning is key. At Ellington Villa, everything is mapped out before we even open it to the market.”

As more infrastructure continues to move into Mabushi, including road expansion and better linkages to key business zones, analysts expect that estates with solid planning and multiple usage options will be better positioned to benefit from Abuja’s ongoing urban spread.
For many investors, the priority is no longer just about land ownership, it’s about location, documentation, usability, and time to value. And in fast-growing districts like Mabushi, planned estates like Ellington Villa are gradually becoming the preferred choice.