The sun had barely risen that morning when I met Tolu and his wife at a small buka near Thomas Estate. We were supposed to inspect a property in Sangotedo, but Tolu had a lingering question: “Dennis, between Sangotedo and Ajah—where’s the smarter place to buy now?” His voice held a mix of curiosity and hesitation, the kind you hear from people about to put their life savings into land. It’s a valid question. Sangotedo and Ajah are two fast-rising corridors on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, each with its own flavour, buzz, and promises. If you’re reading this, you’re probably where Tolu was: ready to invest, but torn between these two neighbouring powerhouses.
Let’s settle this. In this article, we’ll walk through five important angles to consider when asking: Sangotedo vs Ajah: Where Should You Buy Now? We’ll explore the lifestyle, accessibility, infrastructure, property values, and long-term prospects of both locations.
1. Location and Accessibility: How Close is Close Enough?
Ajah is often considered the gateway to the Lekki axis. Once you cross the Jubilee Bridge, you’ve officially entered Ajah town. And that’s the first advantage—it’s closer to major commercial hubs like Lekki Phase 1 and Victoria Island. If you work in these places or love to be near the action, Ajah gives you a head start.
Sangotedo, on the other hand, is just a bit farther down the expressway. It falls under Eti-Osa East LCDA, just after Abraham Adesanya. At first glance, it may seem “far,” but the road between Ajah and Sangotedo is smooth, and with the ongoing expansion and proposed regional roads, it’s becoming less of a hassle to move around.
Now, here’s what matters: Ajah has more traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Sangotedo still enjoys a bit more breathing space. So while Ajah is closer, Sangotedo might save you some driving stress—depending on where you’re coming from.
2. Infrastructure and Environment: What’s the Vibe Like?
Ajah has matured faster. You’ll find established estates like Abraham Adesanya Estate, Thomas Estate, and Royal Garden. These places have well-planned drainage systems (though not perfect), tarred roads, supermarkets, banks, schools—you name it. It feels like an extension of Lekki, just more affordable.
Sangotedo, meanwhile, is that quiet younger sibling that’s suddenly growing facial hair. It houses the famous Novare Mall (Shoprite), one of the biggest malls in Lagos, and is surrounded by a wave of new estates springing up with smart homes and green spaces. The estates in Sangotedo—especially Monastery Road—are planned, peaceful, and appealing to upwardly mobile Nigerians looking for that balance between calm and connectivity.
Truth be told, Ajah feels a little tighter and busier, while Sangotedo has more breathing room and room for new ideas. It depends on what lifestyle you want. Want the bustling feel of an urban area? Ajah is your place. Want some serenity with potential? Sangotedo is calling.
3. Property Prices: Where Does Your Naira Go Farther?
Here’s where it gets spicy. Ajah has history on its side—because it’s more central and more developed, land prices here are generally higher. For a good residential plot in parts of Ajah like Thomas Estate or Royal Garden, you might be looking at ₦60 million or more. Some properties even push up to ₦80 million, depending on the title and access.
Sangotedo is still playing catch-up, and that’s not a bad thing—it’s a gift for investors. Land in Sangotedo can go from ₦20 million to ₦40 million depending on the proximity to Monastery Road or the mall, and the kind of estate development happening there. You’re getting in before the prices explode.
Also, many developers in Sangotedo offer flexible payment plans—₦5 million deposit and the rest spread across months. This makes it friendly for first-time buyers, young families, or investors who want to grow with the market.
Ajah may give you a more immediate return because it’s already ripe, but Sangotedo offers a bigger upside if you’re patient.
4. Developmental Prospects: Which Area Has the Bigger Future?
When it comes to Lagos, always look ahead. That’s how early buyers in Lekki made their millions.
Ajah is nearing its peak. It’ll still appreciate, no doubt, but the massive infrastructural leaps are now happening further down—the Sangotedo to Eleko corridor. With projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Refinery, the new airport, and the Free Trade Zone all pointing east, Sangotedo is getting indirect benefits. It’s the next natural junction of growth.
Many of the estates in Sangotedo are planned communities—offering smart homes, solar power, and integrated services. They’re not just houses; they’re communities designed for the future. Investors are beginning to look past Ajah and into Sangotedo, Ibeju, and even Epe—not because Ajah has failed, but because the new wealth wave is moving further down the axis.
If you’re buying for the next 5–10 years, Sangotedo is positioned to surprise you. It’s still unfolding, and that’s the beauty of real estate—buy before the big story breaks.
5. Security, Flooding, and Living Experience: What’s the Everyday Reality?
Let’s keep it real—parts of Ajah, especially the inner areas, do struggle with flooding. Even though some estates are better drained, the general water table in this axis is high, and it gets worse when you buy into unregulated areas.
Sangotedo isn’t flood-proof either, but the newer estates have better topography and proactive planning. Developers are more aware and building with proper soil tests, elevated designs, and drainages. Still, always inspect the land during rainy season or get expert guidance (yes, people like me).
Security-wise, gated estates in both Ajah and Sangotedo are generally safe. But Sangotedo feels more suburban. There’s less foot traffic, fewer street traders, and a growing trend of private policing. Ajah, due to its commercial activity, has more open spaces and public movements, which can be both an advantage and a concern—depending on who you ask.
If you’re buying to live, inspect at different times—morning, afternoon, and evening. If you’re buying to rent out or resell, study the rental demand in each area. Both zones have strong demand, but Sangotedo offers newer apartments with modern appeal, while Ajah has consistent renters looking for proximity.
So, Sangotedo vs Ajah: Where Should You Buy Now?
Let me go back to Tolu and his wife. After we saw the Sangotedo property—a smart, solar-powered 3-bedroom semi-detached in a serene estate—his wife whispered, “This feels like future Lekki.” I smiled. That’s the point.
Ajah is mature, established, and dependable. If you want to plug into something already buzzing—with quick resale or rental potential—it’s a solid choice.
But if you’re hunting for opportunity, for space to grow, for value that hasn’t fully arrived—Sangotedo is where you should be looking now.
The key is to match your purpose with the present reality. Whether it’s Ajah or Sangotedo, Lagos is always evolving. But only the wise plant their feet before the gold rush.
So, if you’re still torn, let me help you figure it out—before the next price jump happens.
