Every December, Lagos fills up. Diaspora families fly home, concerts and parties pack the calendar, and apartments that sit quietly for much of the year suddenly book out.
For apartment owners, it is the most profitable stretch of the year. But the season rewards those who prepare and punishes those who guess. Here is how Detty December works for shortlet income in Lagos, what the numbers show, and how to get your apartment ready.
What is Detty December, and why does demand surge?
“Detty December” is Lagos’ festive season, running roughly from late November into early January. It brings returning Nigerians from the diaspora, domestic travellers, concerts, parties and family gatherings, all at once.
The economic impact is large. One report put Lagos’ earnings from the 2025 season at about ₦396.5 billion over a 55-day period, with hospitality accounting for nearly half.
Short-stay apartments are a big winner. Many visitors, especially diaspora families, prefer an apartment to a hotel. It offers space, privacy and a kitchen, and it works out cheaper and more practical for extended family visits and longer stays.
What the numbers show
Reports on the 2025 season point to strong demand, with some important lessons.
- Near-full occupancy. Apartments in areas such as Ikoyi, Ikeja, Lekki, Victoria Island, Surulere and Gbagada saw near-full occupancy from early December through January, with some bookings reaching into February.
- The peak window. The stretch from about December 22 to January 3 is the most sought-after, and prices can rise by up to 50%.
- Long stays. Many diaspora guests booked for 10 days to four weeks, with total costs often reaching ₦3 million or more.
- Pricing discipline pays. One operator reported that moderate increases of about 40% kept bookings steady, while doubling rates did not always lead to better occupancy. In Gbagada, for example, a two-bedroom rose from ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 a night and a one-bedroom from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000.
Operators also reported that seasonal pricing began easing in January, so the strongest earnings are concentrated in a short window.
How to get your apartment ready
With the season weeks away, preparation is where the money is made.
- Fix the basics first. Stable power, backup supply, reliable internet, working water and a clean, well-maintained unit. Guests notice these first.
- Furnish for comfort. Good beds, a functional kitchen, quality linen and a tidy, attractive interior. Pay TV and streaming are common expectations.
- Take good photos. Bright, accurate images make or break a listing.
- List early on several channels. Operators use Airbnb, Booking.com and Nigerian property portals, and bookings start building from early December.
- Price with care. Moderate festive increases tend to hold occupancy better than extreme ones. Set clear rules for minimum stays, advance payment and cancellation.
- Be transparent about extra costs. Guests complain when generator charges or fees appear unexpectedly. Refundable caution deposits of ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 are common.
- Arrange cleaning and support. Quick turnarounds and a reachable host protect your reviews.
Keep your expectations realistic
Detty December is lucrative, but it is not guaranteed.
- More competition. The number of shortlet apartments in Lagos keeps growing. Some operators had a tougher 2025 season as new supply arrived.
- A sharp drop after the peak. Bookings can fall away quickly after the first week of January, so the rest of the year matters too.
- Higher costs in December. Power supply can become unreliable and generator costs rise, which is partly why operators raise rates.
- Quality decides who wins. Reliable power, security, cleanliness and clear pricing are what earn bookings and good reviews.
Don’t plan your whole year on December alone. Look at your numbers across the full year, and compare shortlet income with the steadier alternative of an annual rental.
Shortlet or annual rental?
A shortlet can earn more during peak periods like Detty December, but it asks more of you: guests, cleaning, pricing, marketing and costs that rise and fall with the season. An annual rental earns less on paper, but the income is steady and the work is light.
Many owners start with one and adjust. The right choice depends on your time, your appetite for variation and how well your unit is located and run.
Own an apartment that can do both
TaureanMax builds apartments in Lagos, a central mainland address close to Ikeja, Maryland, Ilupeju and Gbagada, with proper title, structure and finish. Each unit can work as an annual rental for steady income or as a shortlet for higher upside, so you choose the strategy that suits you.
If you are planning ahead for next season, or just want to understand the options, reach out to the TaureanMax team.
This post is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rates and occupancy are drawn from public reports on the 2025 season and may not repeat. Speak to a qualified adviser before investing.
