Embrace future-ready housing models or risk neglect, developers told

Real estate developers have been advised to embrace a future-ready housing model or risk being left behind, neglected or abandoned in a rapidly evolving housing landscape.

Festus Adebayo, chief convener of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), who gave this advice, noted that the traditional approach to housing development, which focused largely on basic structures, can no longer meet the demands of modern living, rising urbanisation, and emerging technological shifts, particularly in energy and mobility.

Adebayo’s advice is part of preparations for the 20th edition of the housing show, which he described as Africa’s largest housing and construction event, bringing together stakeholders across the housing value chain, including developers, policymakers, financial institutions, and sundry investors.

He stated that the housing sector must undergo a significant transformation to remain relevant in the face of global trends such as electric mobility, renewable energy integration, and smart home systems.

“The future of housing is no longer just about providing shelter. It is about delivering complete living systems that integrate energy, mobility, technology and affordability. Developers must begin to build homes that are ready for the future, not just suitable for today,” he said.

According to him, one of the most critical areas requiring immediate attention is the integration of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure into residential developments. With the global transition towards electric mobility, homes built without EV readiness could soon become outdated.

Developers must therefore begin to incorporate EV charging points, upgrade electrical systems, and design estates that can support both residential energy needs and emerging mobility solutions.

“In the near future, homeowners will not only ask about water and electricity, but also if they can charge their vehicles at home. Developers who fail to anticipate this shift will face declining demand,” Adebayo noted.

Beyond mobility, he stressed the urgent need for developers to adopt energy-integrated housing solutions, particularly solar-powered systems with battery storage, as a response to Nigeria’s persistent power challenges.

Adebayo also called for a shift toward alternative building materials and industrialised construction methods, including prefabrication and modular housing, to reduce costs, accelerate delivery, and address Africa’s growing housing deficit.

He urged developers to embrace smart home technologies, climate-responsive designs, and water sustainability systems to improve efficiency, reduce long-term living costs, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

“Housing must evolve from isolated residential units to integrated communities that combine living, working, and commercial activities, thereby reducing transportation pressure and improving urban productivity,” he advised.