Oak Homes, a foremost real estate firm playing at the luxury end of the property market in Nigeria, is expanding its frontiers of influence. The company has unveiled some luxury offerings targeted at Nigerians outside the shores of the country, specifically those in the UK who are desirous of having their own houses back home.
The company is perfecting plans to embark on a road-show to UK by the first week of April during which it will be showcasing some of these luxury offerings at the Hampton by Hilton, Waterloo, London.
“Whatever comfort these our Diaspora brothers and sisters are enjoying outside the country, they would still like to have presence at home. But there has always been this issue of trust. Many of them have had their fingers burnt by uncles, aunties, brothers or sisters who have collected money for them to either build or buy houses for them but never did”, noted Olukayode Olusanya, the Oak Homes CEO.
Olusanya, who spoke at a press briefing in Lagos, explained that the company’s present efforts were aimed to bridge that trust gap, believing that as a company, they have all it takes to do that. “We have track record; we have done it before; we have history of delivering on promise and, again, you can put a face to our offerings”, he assured.
He noted that because of the low entry barrier to real estate business, the market is awash with all manner of developers/investors offering all manner of things in the name of houses. But that is not the Oak Homes story. “What we offer is not only luxury but quality products that are affordable”, he said.
“Luxury is not managed, but expressed, and given the segment of the market in which we play, you cannot risk a short cut because the clients/buyers are well informed, well travelled and definitely have a minimum expectation of luxury living” , he added.
The London road-show at which the company will treat guests to an array of breath-taking visuals of luxury apartments under its portfolio has a line-up of activities. It also anticipates top-class Nigerian artists and comedians one of whom will be anchoring the event.
Apart from showcasing its luxury offerings, the company also wants to use the London event to build followership and grow its clientele-base which, ultimately, would increase its share of the market.
The roadshow is also part of the company’s plan and desire to lead the luxury category of the Nigerian real estate market. It also wants to take same to Diaspora Nigerians , ensuring that its brand promises are kept with utmost integrity and top-level professionalism for client’s satisfaction.
An added advantage to the quality and affordable luxury which the company offers is its payment system which is flexible and convenient. “Subscribing to Oak Homes products come with benefits and these include flexible and interest free payment options that can be stretched for as long as 24 months”, Olusanya said, adding that the company also offers off-plan sales .
But for those who are so constrained that they cannot afford the 24-month payment plan, the company also allows longer payment plan structured by its partnering banks such as Stanbic IBTC which provides longer term mortgage facility for buyers.
In spite of the improvement in property registration in Lagos, Olusanya said that other challenges remained. “There are too many agencies collecting the same fee from developers” , he stated, advising that government has to find a way to harmonise this multiple taxation to encourage investment.
CHUKA UROKO
