3 Bedroom Apartment for Rent: Prices & Live Listings

A 3 bedroom apartment for rent is the sweet spot of the Nigerian rental market — roomy enough for a family or a few sharers, yet far cheaper than a standalone house. Across the major cities, indicative asking rents run from roughly ₦2.5m–₦8m a year in mainstream estates and suburbs, climbing to ₦8m–₦25m+ in prime, fully serviced neighbourhoods. The exact figure depends on three things: the city, the specific area, and whether the flat is serviced.

What a 3-bedroom apartment costs across Nigeria

Rent for the exact same layout can differ five- or ten-fold between one street and the next, so treat city averages as a starting point and the live listings as the truth. The bands below are indicative annual asking rents for a standard (unserviced) 3-bed; serviced equivalents sit well above each range.

Ranges are indicative and move with location, finish and serviced status — always verify against the live listings above.

What you actually get for the money

A standard 3-bed in Nigeria usually means three bedrooms (the master nearly always en-suite), a sitting room, a kitchen, and one or two shared bathrooms. Mid-market and prime units add plenty on top:

• Boys’ quarters (BQ): a small self-contained unit for staff or a study — common from mid-market upward.
• Parking & security: a gated compound, one or two car spaces and often a gateman; estates add CCTV and controlled access.
• Finishes: POP ceilings, fitted wardrobes, tiled or wooden floors, and increasingly a fitted kitchen with cabinets.
• Serviced extras: at the top end, 24/7 power via shared generator or inverter, water treatment, cleaning of common areas and sometimes a gym or pool.

Serviced vs unserviced: the real difference

This single choice swings the price more than anything else. An unserviced flat is cheaper, but you handle your own power (generator or inverter and fuel), water and repairs — which can quietly add ₦1m–₦3m a year in diesel if you run a generator heavily. A serviced flat folds power, water, security and maintenance into a service charge, so the all-in cost is more predictable even though the headline rent is higher. If you work from home or cannot tolerate blackouts, serviced often wins on total cost; if you are rarely in and want the lowest base rent, unserviced can be smarter.

Costs beyond the rent — budget for these

The advertised rent is rarely the full bill. Plan for the following, usually payable before you move in:

• Agency fee: typically around 10% of the annual rent.
• Legal / agreement fee: commonly around 10% for the tenancy agreement.
• Caution / security deposit: often one to two months’ rent, refundable against damage.
• Service charge: on serviced flats and estates, paid separately from rent.
• First year up front: many Nigerian landlords still ask for a full year (sometimes two) in advance.

A safe rule of thumb: have 1.5 to 2 times the annual rent ready for the first year, and ask the agent for the full breakdown in writing before you commit.

How to find a good one — and avoid the traps

Fix your city, two or three target areas and an all-in budget, then browse verified listings first so you know the real market rate before you call anyone — it stops agents anchoring you high. Inspect in person, test the taps and sockets, ask about the power situation and service charge, and confirm the genuine landlord or managing agent. Never pay a “viewing” fee to someone you cannot verify, and get every figure and the move-in date into a signed tenancy agreement before money changes hands.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a 3 bedroom apartment for rent in Nigeria?
Indicatively ₦2.5m–₦8m a year in mainstream estates and suburbs, and ₦8m–₦25m or more in prime, serviced areas such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1 or Maitama. The listings above show live prices for your chosen area.

Is a 3-bed better rented serviced or unserviced?
Serviced flats cost more in headline rent but bundle power, water, security and maintenance, giving a predictable all-in cost — ideal if you need reliable electricity. Unserviced flats have a lower base rent but you cover utilities and repairs yourself.

Do I have to pay a full year’s rent up front?
In much of Nigeria, yes — one year in advance is still standard, and some landlords ask for two. A growing number of serviced and managed properties now offer monthly or quarterly payment, so filter for those if cash flow is a concern.

Keep exploring

• 3 Bedroom House for Rent in Lekki: Prices & Live Listings
• Shortlet Apartment in Ikeja: Prices & Live Listings
• Self Contain for Rent in Lekki: Prices & Live Listings
• Self Contain for Rent in Ajah: Prices & Live Listings
• Self Contain for Rent in Abuja: Prices & Live Listings

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