Stephanie Coker Slams High Fees Charged By Lagos Housing Agents, Urges Government Intervention

Popular Nigerian media personality and entrepreneur, Stephanie Coker Aderinokun, has openly criticized the excessive and often exploitative fees being charged by housing agents in Lagos. Taking to her Instagram Stories, the television host recounted a recent experience that left her both shocked and disappointed.

According to Stephanie, she reached out to a housing agent regarding a potential rental property, only to be asked to pay a viewing fee of ₦20,000 — a charge that was labeled as non-negotiable. Expressing her disbelief, she questioned the rationale behind such steep charges for merely inspecting a property.

Her frustration didn’t stop there. Stephanie further highlighted how some real estate agents in the city demand agency fees as high as 20% of the annual rent, a figure that far exceeds standard practice in many parts of the world. She described these demands as exploitative and unfair, especially given the already high cost of living in Lagos.

In her post, Stephanie called on the Lagos State Government to intervene and implement regulations that would protect prospective tenants from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous agents. She emphasized the need for transparency and standardization in the real estate sector to make housing more accessible and fair.

Her comments have since sparked a broader conversation online, with many Lagos residents sharing similar stories and supporting her call for reform. For many, Stephanie’s experience highlights a longstanding issue in the city’s rental market — one that urgently requires oversight and action.

As the housing crisis in Lagos continues to grow, her plea for regulation resonates with countless Nigerians who face the same challenges while searching for a place to live.

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