Conversation With Akinkunmi, Real Estate Investment Consultant

Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector has expanded rapidly over the last decade, driven by urbanization, population growth, and evolving economic activity. Demand spans office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use projects, while new peripheral markets continue to emerge. In this conversation, real estate investment consultant Godwin Akinkunmi shares his journey, investment philosophy, views on affordability, and the policy shifts he believes can unlock broader, sustainable growth in the industry.

Background and Approach to Real Estate

“I’m a real estate investment consultant and sales professional with a passion for helping people build wealth through real estate,” Akinkunmi explains. With a background in Accounting, he leverages financial and analytical skills to assess property value, risk, and long-term potential. Professionally, he has worked with Uvest Realty, a real estate development and investment company, contributing to sales and marketing while connecting clients to high-value opportunities.

He also co-founded Block15 Realty, a prop-tech startup designed to bridge gaps between investors, developers, buyers, and agents through a transparent and accessible marketplace. “Real estate represents opportunity and legacy,” he says. “It’s not just buying or selling; it’s empowering people to make informed decisions that secure their future.”

Akinkunmi began his real estate career in 2022 in Lagos and has since expanded into growth corridors in Ogun State and Ibadan. His focus: emerging locations with strong fundamentals and room for appreciation.

Early Challenges—and the Turning Point

Like most newcomers, identifying the right audience and articulating value were initial hurdles. “I faced doubts, rejections, and tough market realities. I overcame them through consistency, learning, and mentorship,” he notes. He invested in understanding sales psychology, improved his communication, and prioritized relationships over quick wins. Over time, a clear system and track record started drawing serious buyers and investors.

Affordability Amid Rising Prices

High land and housing costs remain a major concern in Lagos. Akinkunmi attributes this to rapid urbanization, infrastructure concentration, and limited land supply. Still, he believes affordability is relative. “There are emerging locations around Lagos and Ogun where people can start small and grow. The key is education. Many overlook promising opportunities because they only look at already-developed areas,” he explains. His strategy is to identify where growth is quietly taking shape, helping clients enter early—before prices spike.

Policy Priorities: Government’s Role

Akinkunmi emphasizes that enabling policies are essential to a healthy real estate ecosystem. Priority areas include:

• Infrastructure development: roads, power, and transport that open new corridors.
• Regulatory clarity: simpler, faster land titling and reduced bureaucracy.
• Public–private partnerships: scalable, affordable housing programs with credible developers.
• Mortgage support: broader access to financing so more households can own rather than rent indefinitely.

Local Production of Building Materials

“Local production is a game-changer,” he says. Strengthening domestic manufacturing of cement, steel, finishing materials, and related inputs can cut construction costs, stabilize pricing, and create jobs. Reduced import dependence would make projects more predictable and homes more affordable, while stimulating the wider economy.

What Sets His Work Apart

At Uvest Realty, Akinkunmi highlights a culture of transparency, education, value-based selling, and speed—particularly in development and allocation—so clients experience efficiency throughout their investment journey. Personally, he prioritizes clarity and trust. “I focus on authentic communication and relationship-driven sales, ensuring every client understands what they’re buying and feels confident in their decisions,” he notes.

He credits mentorship for sharpening his craft and mindset. “I’ve learned the essence of patience, credibility, and consistency in sales. Real estate success isn’t just about transactions—it’s about relationships, impact, and presenting yourself with excellence.”

Vision: Real Estate for Everyone

Akinkunmi wants to dismantle the belief that real estate is only for the wealthy or highly experienced. “Real estate is for everyone. With the right strategy, mindset, and guidance, people at different income levels can participate,” he says. He advocates early starts—especially for young people—careful market education, and attention to emerging locations with strong infrastructure prospects. He also champions transparency across the industry so clients fully grasp the value behind each transaction and trust the process.

Closing Thoughts

Expanding access to real estate in Nigeria will require consistent investor education, developer credibility, and a supportive policy environment. For Akinkunmi, empowering individuals to build wealth and legacy through property is both a business mission and a contribution to national development. He believes that with better infrastructure, clearer regulation, local manufacturing strength, and improved mortgage systems, the industry can deliver broader affordability and long-term prosperity.