Flat Hunting

Tomorrow, I'm going to go and see some flats. This should be exciting.

I've already been asked if I am seeking a serviced apartment or an unserviced appartment. The serviced appartment is quoted at circa N3.5m per annum which equates to circa 14,000 pounds. Please bear in mind that it's two years up-front thank you very much. The serviced appartment will provide you with 24/7 electricity (theoretically) and water (I believe) and a general very nice ambience which you can enjoy with your fellow monied crew of expats, oil people, new money and one or two despots to add colour.

The non serviced appartment is quoted at a figure of circa N2.5m+ per annum which equates to about 10,000 pounds a year (again, two years in advance thank you very much, and no money back guarantees either). The un-serviced appartment comes supplied with the government electricity company (NEPA) fluctuating power supply that destroys your electrical goods unless you have a buffer, trickles of water in the bathroom and goodness knows what else. Sorry I was just pulling your leg - probably not that bad as this is still Lekki after all, but you get the picture.

Mmmmmm which to go for, which to go for, can't decide. Just a mere 4,000 pounds difference between the bliss of constant light and the non-bliss of my son screaming when his power-rangers video goes off for no reason. I think I'll go for the un-serviced. I am in investment after-all and I can smell some over-pricing going on. How much is a generator after all (famous last words before saying "if only...). Maybe I can magic the additional 4,000 pounds to come out of the sea.

As an aside, Nigeria's per capita income in Nigeria is about 1100 pounds ($2200 2007 est) per annum. Is it the same country we are living in...?