Background of the Study
Sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) refers to a company's ability to maintain an edge over its competitors over a long period, allowing it to outperform other firms in the same industry (Barney, 2023). In the real estate industry, achieving sustainable competitive advantage is particularly challenging due to the dynamic nature of the market, where factors such as regulatory changes, economic fluctuations, and shifting consumer preferences can have a significant impact (Kamil & Yusuff, 2024). Real estate companies in Yobe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, are faced with unique challenges such as underdeveloped infrastructure, fluctuating land prices, and limited access to financing (Hassan & Umar, 2025). Despite these obstacles, real estate firms that successfully implement strategies to create a sustainable competitive advantage can secure long-term profitability and market leadership.
In the context of Yobe State, real estate firms operate in a market that is experiencing gradual development. This slow growth is influenced by both local factors such as political instability and broader national trends, such as the influx of people to urban areas and increasing demand for residential and commercial properties. As real estate businesses attempt to navigate these challenges, achieving a sustainable competitive advantage becomes crucial to surviving and thriving in a competitive marketplace (Musa & Ibrahim, 2023). This study will critically analyze the factors that contribute to sustainable competitive advantage in the real estate industry in Yobe State and explore how firms can leverage their strengths to stay ahead of competitors.
Statement of the Problem
The real estate industry in Yobe State faces a range of challenges that threaten the ability of firms to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Limited access to credit, high costs of land acquisition, and competition from both local and national developers present significant obstacles to long-term profitability (Danladi & Akinyemi, 2024). However, there is insufficient research on the strategies employed by real estate firms in Yobe State to secure a sustainable competitive advantage in the face of these challenges. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the critical factors that influence sustainable competitive advantage in the real estate industry and how companies in Yobe State can implement strategies to overcome market limitations.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the key factors contributing to sustainable competitive advantage in the real estate industry in Yobe State.
2. To examine the strategies adopted by real estate firms in Yobe State to maintain competitive advantage over time.
3. To assess the impact of sustainable competitive advantage on the financial performance of real estate firms in Yobe State.
Research Questions
1. What are the key factors that contribute to sustainable competitive advantage in the real estate industry in Yobe State?
2. How do real estate firms in Yobe State implement strategies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage?
3. What is the impact of sustainable competitive advantage on the financial performance of real estate firms in Yobe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₁: There is a significant relationship between sustainable competitive advantage and the financial performance of real estate firms in Yobe State.
2. H₂: Real estate firms in Yobe State that adopt innovative strategies are more likely to sustain a competitive advantage.
3. H₃: There is a positive correlation between market knowledge and the sustainable competitive advantage of real estate firms in Yobe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on real estate firms in Yobe State that have been in operation for at least five years and have adopted strategies aimed at achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Limitations of the study include the difficulty in accessing detailed financial data from privately-owned firms and potential biases in self-reported data on competitive strategies.
Definitions of Terms
• Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA): A long-term advantage that allows a company to maintain superior performance over its competitors.
• Real Estate Industry: The sector of the economy concerned with the buying, selling, and development of land and buildings.
• Financial Performance: A measure of a company's ability to generate profit and sustain long-term growth.
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