Open Terrace: What Homebuyers Want in 2025
Introduction
In 2025, searches for terraced duplexes, a style that often includes open terraces, are notably common on Nigerian property platforms. For example, Nigeria Property Centre lists 10,991 terraced duplexes for sale, with an average price of ₦190 million, indicating strong inventory and likely demand.
Meanwhile, market reports highlight continued growth in property prices. Lagos recorded a 39.5% increase in residential property values in 2024, with anticipation of 5–15% growth through 2025. This trend reflects buyers seeking homes with added value, such as terraces that enhance living quality and resale appeal.
These details show that terraced homes (which typically include open terrace features) are a significant part of the current market. The quantity of listings and rising prices suggest a clear buyer preference. It makes sense why terraces are often highlighted in new developments: developers are responding to what the market is actively searching for and buying.
This article will delve into what they are and why they are beneficial.
What Is an Open Terrace?
An open terrace isn’t a balcony. It is a flat, accessible outdoor space, usually located on the rooftop or upper floor of a building, that is not enclosed by walls or a roof. It is designed for relaxation, recreation, or other personal use, and is typically attached to a residential unit or shared by multiple occupants.
In Nigerian developments from Ikoyi to Gwarimpa, these spaces are increasingly central to how people choose homes.
Why Open Terraces Are Now Trending in Nigeria
Two big forces are reshaping preferences: urban pressure and lifestyle shifts.
Living without any outdoor break is a form of stress in itself and people are seeking built-in relief valves. At the same time, cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are pushing upwards with multi-storey developments. Developers are responding by layering in terraces which include open terraces, providing fresh air and green breaks within concrete.
This aligns with broader trends; reports such as 12 Emerging Trends in Nigeria’s Real Estate Market in 2025 confirm that buyers now expect practical outdoor zones in their homes. And because developers want a competitive edge, open terraces are becoming standard, not extras.
What Owners Actually Gain from Having an Open Terrace
- Mental Relief and Wellness
Lagos and Abuja are busy, no one needs reminding. An open terrace adds a small relief. A breath of fresh air can recharge energy and ease mental load.
- Improved Airflow and Natural Light
Homes in dense estates often suffer from stuffiness and poor lighting. Terraces open up units, improving airflow and increasing natural light. That not only feels refreshing but also cuts down on dampness and indoor mould, benefiting health and lowering maintenance headaches.
- Flexible, Valuable Space
Open terraces are versatile. Plant mini-gardens, host a friend, work under shade, or set up a small play area. In cities where space is at a premium, that adaptability is priceless.
Terrace duplexes are a mainstay of contemporary developments in Lekki. Listings show thousands of units at a wide range of prices, and prime projects have appreciated by as much as ₦90 million in two years. Local agents also confirm that terrace units often sell out within months of listing, underscoring strong market demand.
- Rental & Resale Edge
In a market where Lagos property prices rose 39.5% in 2024 and are projected to grow another 5–15% in 2025, buyers are seeking features that boost resale value. A well-designed open terrace can enhance appeal and justify higher asking prices by signaling lifestyle optimization.
Plus, Lagos rental yields average 6–8%. A terrace can attract quality tenants willing to pay premiums for outdoor comfort, making rental homes easier to let and maintain between tenancies.
Why Developers Are Embracing Open Terraces
Five years ago, open terraces were largely a luxury upgrade. Today, they’re becoming mainstream even in mid-tier estates. Developers are pivoting:
- In Lekki, Asokoro, and Gwarinpa, many new estate plans swap unused internal corridors for open-air terraces.
- Modern designs feature weatherproof finishes, drainage provisions, and simple shading, all tailored to Nigerian climate needs.
- Marketing highlights open terrace units early. Photos of roof gardens and al fresco lounges now headline many property ads on platforms like Nigeria Property Centre and LandProperty.ng.
They’re responding to data-driven demand, and buyers are rewarding them.
What To Look For in an Open Terrace-Equipped Home
While open terraces offer many benefits, they’re only worthwhile if thoughtfully designed. Here’s what you should ask or check:
- Sun Exposure
Open terraces facing directly west or south can become scorching. Look for built-in shading, pergolas, or the option to add overhead screens.
- Drainage & Waterproofing
An open terrace must drain water efficiently with no standing pools during the rains. Ask about slope, sealant quality, and gutter systems.
- Safety & Privacy
Railing height, child-safe barriers, and screening between adjacent open terraces matter, especially for families.
- Maintenance Outlook
Outdoor surfaces weather faster. Factor occasional maintenance costs into budgets, even if low, they’ll come up.
- Eco Considerations
Some developments include green roofed terraces, spaces with soil and plants. Climate-resilient features, like these, can help reduce indoor heat and improve runoff management.
Making Your Open Terrace Work for You
To ensure you’re maximizing the feature:
- Live in it daily: Arrange chairs, a small table, or planters. A used terrace signals that it’s not just decorative, but part of your lifestyle.
- Maintain it regularly: Sweep leaves, clear drains, wash surfaces, and inspect railings. Well-maintained terraces help maintain property value.
- Stage it for guests: An open terrace speaks volumes when staged for outdoor interactions, a selling point in both rental and sale markets.
- Use it as a selling highlight: When marketing, terrace visuals always stand out. Buyers imagine themselves enjoying that space before anything else.
Conclusion
In 2025, open terraces aren’t optional, they’re a sign of thoughtful living in Nigeria. They represent comfort, adaptability, and long-term value. They support mental health, enhance indoor quality, and deliver returns in both rental and resale markets.
When you search for homes this year, always step outside. Ask yourself: “Can I relax here? Is this space inviting?” Because that outdoor breathability could be the difference between a house you live in and a home you love.
