Soaring House Rents in Anambra State Spark Calls for Soludo's Intervention

The continuous rise in house rents across Anambra State has become a significant concern for residents, with the cost of modest two-bedroom apartments now averaging N1.5 million annually. This represents a substantial increase from the N250,000 annual rate that was prevalent just a few years ago. The surge in rents has led to a deepening affordability crisis, affecting thousands of households throughout the state. A recent investigation by South-East PUNCH revealed that the steady increase in rents is a manifestation of the shelter crisis confronting many residents in Anambra State. The impact of the rising rents is being felt across various urban centers, including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia, as well as semi-urban and rural areas. For instance, a newly completed two-bedroom flat in high-end areas like Awka and Onitsha, which previously cost N500,000 per annum in 2024, now costs an average of N1.5 million. Similarly, an old building that cost N250,000 per annum in 2024 now costs over N850,000 per annum as of March 2026. According to Humphrey Uzor, a house agent operating along Zik's Avenue in Awka, the high demand for two-bedroom apartments is a major factor contributing to their expense. Uzor noted that while a single-bedroom apartment is often viewed as temporary or less desirable, three- and four-bedroom units are typically priced beyond the reach of average tenants. The annual rent for newly built two-bedroom houses averages around N1.5 million, depending on the location, as of March 2026. Some residents and tenants who spoke to South-East PUNCH expressed their concerns about the soaring rents, stating that it has forced many families to relocate to the hinterlands in search of cheaper housing alternatives. Godwin Ike, a resident in Onitsha, stated that the average rent for two-bedroom flats has increased significantly, from between N300,000 and N500,000 in 2022 to between N800,000 and N1.5 million currently. Ike attributed the increase to the introduction of service charges and other fees by landlords, which has made it difficult for tenants to afford. Chisom Uche, another resident living in Okpoko, narrated her ordeal, stating that she moved into the area in 2023 with a rent of N180,000 for a self-contained apartment, but the rent has since increased to over N450,000. Uche attributed the increase to the high demand for housing in the area, as well as the rehabilitation of some major roads and infrastructure by the state government. The Chairman of the Landlords/Tenants Association, Onitsha Branch, Gilbert Igwe, noted that the reason for the rent hike is the high demand for housing, which has led to a shortage of available units. Igwe emphasized the need for the government to increase the housing stock to address the housing deficit, particularly for medium- and low-income earners. The Anambra State Government has announced plans to develop a policy for mass housing to address the housing challenges in the state, in partnership with the private sector. This decision was made during the Anambra State Executive Council meeting at the Light House, Awka, on Monday, according to a press statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor.