Akinwunmi Awoyode is a seasoned real estate professional with over a decade of cross-border experience in Nigeria and the UK. He holds degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Ibadan, Real Estate Management and Investment (Edinburgh Napier University), and an MBA (University of South Wales). In 2015, he co-founded Property Max Results Ltd. with his wife, Module Awoyode, to restore trust and transparency in Nigeria’s property sector. Under his leadership, the company has become known for ethical investment, land banking, and tech-driven real estate solutions. He also pioneered Housmata, a digital rental platform tackling fraud and agent malpractice. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, he discusses the root causes of the trust deficit plaguing Nigeria’s real estate sector and shares his insights on the future of the market over the next 5–10 years, particularly in light of emerging trends such as smart housing, Proptech, and sustainable development. Excerpts:
You’ve often spoken about the trust deficit in Nigeria’s real estate sector. What personal experiences or market gaps led you to found Property Max Results Ltd. in 2015?
My decision to start Property Max Results Ltd. was born out of frustration and a strong desire to be part of the solution. I witnessed firsthand how a lack of transparency and professionalism caused many investors to lose money or confidence in the Nigerian real estate sector. I had close friends who were victims of land scams, and I myself faced challenges navigating unclear documentation and inconsistent processes. Rather than complain, I felt compelled to establish a company built on integrity, education, and structured investment solutions.
With a background in Physics and Mathematics, what inspired your transition into real estate, and how has this unique foundation influenced your approach to property development and investment?
Physics and mathematics teach you how to break down complex problems, identify patterns, and build systems. Real estate, when you look closely, is a game of numbers, projections, and structures both physical and financial. My academic background gave me a data-driven mindset, which I apply to feasibility studies, location analysis, ROI calculations, and strategic development. Transitioning into real estate was natural because I enjoy solving problems with structure and logic.
What do you see as the root causes of the trust challenges plaguing the Nigerian real estate sector, and how is your company specifically addressing them?
The key root causes are opaque land title systems, unregulated agents, lack of due diligence by buyers, and inconsistent government policies. At Property Max Results, we counter this by offering verified lands, transparent transaction processes, and educating our clients on what to look out for. We also invest in long-term relationships instead of one-off sales, which builds credibility over time.
Transparency, title integrity, and investor protection are recurring issues in Nigeria’s property market. What practical solutions have you implemented or proposed to tackle these problems?
We’ve institutionalised due diligence in all our processes. Every property we sell undergoes a comprehensive legal and physical verification. We work only with reputable surveyors and legal practitioners. Furthermore, we introduced digital documentation and client portals to ensure buyers can track their transaction history and land status in real time. We’re also advocating for a digital central registry to reduce fraud and title overlaps.
From your experience, how do we balance profitability with ethical practices in an industry often driven by short-term gains?
It’s about building a brand that lasts. Ethical practices may appear costly upfront, but in the long run, they yield customer loyalty, referrals, and reduced litigation risks. We prioritize long-term profitability rooted in trust. We’d rather lose a deal than compromise on integrity. This approach has kept us growing steadily for over a decade.
As a Certified International Professional Manager and a member of the National Association of Realtors in the U.S., how have your global affiliations and insights influenced your work in Nigeria?
These affiliations exposed me to global best practices from ethical marketing and data-based investing to client-centric service delivery. I’ve brought those insights back home by introducing structured investment packages, more robust client onboarding, and a culture of continuous professional development among our team. It’s about elevating the local industry to meet global expectations.
You regularly attend international seminars and conferences on real estate innovation. What global trends or technologies do you believe are ripe for adoption in the Nigerian context?
Proptech is the future. Digital land registries, blockchain-based title verification, and virtual site tours are trends we must localise. Affordable smart housing is another opportunity. Imagine solar-integrated homes in urban fringe areas, reducing utility costs. These innovations can solve real local problems when properly contextualised.
How can local practitioners better leverage international standards and certifications to boost investor confidence, both locally and internationally?
Certification builds trust. When international investors see that local professionals are trained and certified to global standards, it changes the narrative. We encourage our team to pursue international training and memberships. Local practitioners must also adapt these standards to Nigerian realities, not just copy them blindly.
In your view, what makes leadership in the real estate sector different from other industries, especially in a complex market like Nigeria’s?
It demands street-level awareness, combined with strategic vision, real estate leadership involves managing legal risk, infrastructure realities, changing regulations and people’s emotional investment you must lead with knowledge, empathy and resilience it’s not for the faint-hearted
You mention “doing things differently and doing them well.” Can you share an example of a bold or unconventional strategy you deployed that paid off?
One bold and impactful strategy was our early adoption and promotion of the Housmata app. Housmata is a digital solution designed to simplify renting in the Nigerian market by directly connecting tenants to verified property listings, completely eliminating middlemen. This innovation is helping to dismantle the long-standing issues of fraud, misrepresentation, and criminality often associated with multiple agents in the rental process. By integrating this app into our operations, we brought transparency, convenience, and trust into the rental market. It’s a revolutionary shift, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of it
Where do you see the Nigerian real estate market heading in the next 5–10 years, especially with the rise of smart housing, Proptech, and sustainable development?
We’re going to see a clear divide between traditional and modern practitioners. Smart housing, driven by energy efficiency and tech integration, will gain traction. Urban migration will push demand for mid-income housing in secondary cities. Sustainability will no longer be optional. And Proptech will become central to both development and marketing. The winners will be those who adapt early.
If given the chance to advise policymakers, what three structural reforms would you recommend to create a more trustworthy and investor-friendly real estate environment?
First, digitise and decentralise the land registry system. Second, regulate and license real estate agents and developers to eliminate quackery. Third, create investment-friendly mortgage structures to boost access to housing finance. These reforms would drastically reduce fraud and make the sector more accessible.
What message would you give to young professionals or aspiring realtors trying to build integrity and resilience in today’s volatile market?
Play the long game. Integrity may not pay immediately, but it builds a reputation that money can’t buy. Keep learning, get mentored, and don’t be afraid to start small. This industry rewards consistency and character.
