Why Rainy Season is the Best time House-hunting in Lagos

There is a saying, ‘when it rains, it pours’, this saying aptly capture the city of aquatic splendor, Lagos. When it rains in Lagos, roads and drainages in different parts of city become flooded, vehicles get stuck, and traffic builds up. Poor drainage in one of the major reasons rain has become a constant menace in Lagos, due to the fact that it is a low-lying area surrounded by a sea of water.
A report by UN-HABITAT’s report, ‘The State of African Cities 2010: Governance, Inequality and Urban Land Markets’, revealed that more than 25 per cent of Africa’s population, of about one billion people, who live within 100 km from the coast will be at risk from sea level rise and coastal flooding over the coming decades due to climate change. Areas such as Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lagos Island are more vulnerable to flooding because they are really close to the Atlantic Ocean.
Real estate agents have also confirmed that rainy season is the best time for house hunting or purchase because it reveals the flaws of the property. It is also important to inspect the area to determine if it becomes flooded during the rainy season or not. It will also help you to know the level of flooding in the area where you plan to live.
• House hunting during the rainy season helps you to find out if the roof of house is leaking or if there are defects in the ceiling. It also helps you to know if quality construction materials used in building the property.
• House hunting during the rainy season helps you as a tenant or investor to know if there is usually power outage whenever it rains. It is a common scenario for lights out to occur whenever it is raining but if the power outage lasts for up to 24 hours then that is a red flag to consider.
• House hunting during the rainy season enables you to find out if the environment is safe and conducive. Flooding often leads to blocked drainages and gutters in some areas which can result in the breeding of mosquitos and other insects within your vicinity. Foul odours can also create a nuisance which will be unhealthy for occupants of the building.
It is advised to always engage a competent professional, preferably a realtor or building surveyor to check out the property for clues and other defects before making any commitment on price.