Connecting market transactions to real, amazing April perspectives

Like a flash of lightening, the first quarter of 2016 has given way to the second which begins with April that is traditionally a month when many real estate transactions occur. This may be attributed to change in weather in most locations, but essentially, it signifies a fresh beginning for most people of faith.

Nigeria is approaching the first year anniversary of the new government in the country. Despite observable volatility, naira appears to be holding its value. Fuel queues are thinning out and there’s a sense of stability. All eyes are on Nigeria from across the globe. In Quarter 1 of 2016, the market saw international investors beginning to test the waters with increasing commercial Grade A office enquiries.

Some market operators still believe that there’s a real opportunity for those who understand how to identify and uncover the opportunities that do exist, insisting that people must continue to live in homes and many are on the look-out for good value properties to invest in as owner occupiers and, in more cases, as investment to retain their value against inflation.

Corporate organisations too will continue to rent good quality properties and though businesses may shrink, those who remain will expand and some rapidly. New businesses will become more profitable, as they get more conservative.

Though market remains volatile, uncertain, challenging and ambiguous, some players remain optimistic and one of such chronic optimists is Fine and Country, a relatively new entrant into the Nigerian real estate marketing and advisory space, that has etched its name in gold with great and successful deals.

“At Fine and Country, we are not cautiously optimistic; we are very optimistic about the unfolding opportunities in this volatile, uncertain, challenging and ambiguous market place. We advise developers and investors to become attentive and adaptive; to enlist top advisors and agencies and remember that cheap may end up costing them more. This is not the time to be tentative about presenting their property intelligently”, says Udo Okonjo, CEO/Vice Chair, Fine and Country West Africa, advising further that buyers should become more  assertive and assured in April as there are deals to be had.

For the soft-spoken lady CEO who has distinguished herself with successful closing of deals even in tough times when the market is in downside, it is about “bravery not bravado”, explaining that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

“Bravery not bravado will be key in the months ahead. But it’s intelligent information, strategy and execution that will underpin brave decisions and make the difference in outcomes”, she says, disclosing that in order to support professional developers, her company in partnership with the Institute of Real Estate Excellence will be hosting a ‘High Impact Real Estate Marketing Series’ next month.

The series, according to her, is a one-day industry knowledge session targeted at emerging and established premium real estate developers; individual investors looking to position their developments in a challenging market and  anyone planning to get into real estate developments or trying to achieve sales results and profit in a tough and changing market place.

Fine and Country is a leasing agent for the iconic and innovative Nestoil Tower which Okonjo describes as  one-of-a-kind, LEED-certified Grade A office in the heart of Victoria island, Lagos targeted at exceptional, forward thinking business and corporates that require an office space that reflects their business ethos, existing clients, and also the type of prospective clients they want to attract and retain.