Background of the Study
Property rights refer to the legal rights of individuals and entities to possess, use, and transfer property, and they are crucial for fostering real estate investment. In regions with secure property rights, investors are more likely to invest in real estate due to the reduced risks of expropriation, disputes, and uncertainty. In Nigeria, property rights are governed by a combination of statutory and customary laws, with variations across different states (Adedeji & Ojo, 2023). In Borno State, the capital city of Maiduguri has experienced growth in urbanization and real estate development, particularly after the insurgency crisis that affected much of the state in the past decade. As Maiduguri recovers from the crisis, there is a critical need to examine the state of property rights and their influence on real estate investments.
Property rights in Maiduguri have been shaped by a range of issues, including traditional land tenure systems, lack of clear property titles, and legal uncertainties regarding ownership and transfer of property. Customary land systems, which are prevalent in Maiduguri, often conflict with statutory legal frameworks, leading to disputes and difficulties for investors (Umar & Ibrahim, 2023). Furthermore, the security challenges faced by the region in recent years have also undermined investor confidence, making it essential to assess the state of property rights and their implications on real estate investments in Maiduguri.
This study seeks to evaluate how property rights, including land tenure systems and property ownership security, impact real estate investment in Maiduguri. It will also investigate the effectiveness of the regulatory frameworks in ensuring secure property transactions in the region and the challenges faced by investors.
Statement of the Problem
In Maiduguri, uncertainties surrounding property rights, including unclear ownership titles and land tenure conflicts, continue to hinder real estate investments. Despite the potential for growth in the real estate sector in the region, these issues contribute to delays, increased costs, and reduced confidence among potential investors. This study aims to assess the influence of property rights on real estate investment in Maiduguri and recommend strategies for improving the security of property transactions in the state.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the relationship between property rights and real estate investment in Maiduguri, Borno State. The scope will include an evaluation of land tenure systems, ownership security, and property transaction processes. Limitations of the study include the availability of data from property owners, the difficulty in obtaining reliable records of land transactions, and potential biases in responses from investors.
Definitions of Terms