Roots and Roofs: Diaspora Voices. Interview with Doobee Tor Gbande

 

Question: Can you share your thoughts on owning a home in Nigeria? Is this something you’re looking to do within the next 3 – 5 years? 

Answer: I would love to own a home in Nigeria within the next 3-5 years, mainly because it is my country of origin and it will be fulfilling to show my country to my family from abroad. Owning a home will make travel plans to Nigeria more convenient, having everything you will need in one place will be a very satisfying feeling, it will make me feel more confident about traveling home

Question: If you were to buy a home in Nigeria, What option would you use, Outright Purchase (Paying the full Amount), Developer Payment Plans (A structured payment plan with 0% interest but is usually short term), or Mortgages (Paying over a long period with interest) 

Answer: A structured payment plan i think will work best for me because if it is interest free and structured to my financial state, also, i like the idea of building my home with a developer. It gives me a sense of flexibility.

Question: What are some obstacles or concerns you think exist or have heard diasporan Nigerians talk about when it comes to buying a house in Nigeria? 

Answer: The number one thing is the “time frame”. I have heard most developers do not commit to the time they have told their clients a property will be completed. Also, communication & transparency is something i see as an obstacle or concern.

Question: Describe your ideal journey towards owning a home in Nigeria. What would ease the process for you and make you feel confident and secure during the home purchase journey?

Answer: Again, communication & full transparency. I know it will be challenging buying a home in Nigeria when i mainly reside in a different time zone, i am also very much aware that mishaps happen, however, continous communication with my developer on everything going on during the process of purchase will be ideal for me. Noting should be “sugar coated” . That will give me a great deal of satisfaction and rest of mind.

Question: What would be your motivation to buy a home in Nigeria? To live in, retire back home, or have something when visiting rather than using a hotel, or as an investment? 

Answer: Definitely to have something when visiting because logically, i wwould buy a home that has everything i will when visiting Nigeria.

Question: What specific locations do you find most appealing for purchasing a property? Are there regions or cities you believe offer better investment opportunities or living conditions?

Answer: Growing up in Nigeria, we lived in Gwarimpa estate and i sort of fell in love with the place. I also had friends and relatives i would visit in Maitama, Wuse 2, Garki and Minsters Hill. I have also heard some places on the outskirts of Abuja are really great too. That been said, i will also take into consideration any other more affordable and safe options provided by my developer.

Question: When looking to buy a property, what are the top 3 things you consider before nodding your head to proceed with the transaction? For instance, some people will only buy properties in an estate. 

Answer:

1. The first thing you will consider: Location, it could be a house, an estate, high rise building. The location of the property will be my first priority. Safety is my biggest concern.
2. The second thing you will consider: Price - I would like an affordable home with less maintenance.
3. The third thing you will consider: Size - If i am traveling to Nigeria with my immediate family abroad, i would want to have a home that makes everyone feel comfortable.

Question: In your opinion, how does the process of buying property in Nigeria compare to that in your current country of residence? Are there particular practices from abroad that you think could be implemented in Nigeria to improve the home-buying experience? 

Answer: In Toronto, the process of buying a home involves, but not limited to, going to your bank to take out a mortgage which i think is very similar to buying a property in Nigeria. However, in some reigons in Canada, sometimes we have “Government incentives/Grants” where you receive 5% or 10% of your home purchasing price for a down payment for first time home buyers only. Which also depends on your yearly household income. I think establishing such an incentive in Nigeria will encourage more people to purchase a home.