The 10-Year Rule: Why Every Successful Person Owns Land
Introduction
Across the globe, one common thread among the wealthiest and most successful individuals is their investment in real estate.
Real estate not only offers a tangible asset but also provides long-term stability and growth.
In fact, according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2021, nearly 75% of ultra-high-net-worth individuals hold significant real estate investments as a core component of their portfolios.
This underscores a powerful principle: owning land is a proven pathway to building generational wealth. In this article, we explore the “10-Year Rule” and explain why purchasing land today can secure your future.
Understanding the 10-Year Rule
The 10-Year Rule is simple: every successful person owns land, and most of them acquired it at least 10 years before it reached peak value.
Real estate has a remarkable ability to appreciate over time, rewarding early investors with substantial returns.
Data supports this strategy. For example, a 2020 report by Wealth-X noted that over 85% of individuals with a net worth exceeding $30 million include real estate as a fundamental element of their wealth management strategy.
Investing in property before a location fully develops means buying at a lower price and benefiting from exponential appreciation as the area transforms.
This long-term view is what distinguishes the most successful investors from those who hesitate.
Evidence from Lagos Real Estate
Lagos offers clear examples of the benefits of early land investment:
- Lekki Phase 1: In 2003, land in Lekki Phase 1 was priced between ₦5 million and ₦10 million. Today, similar properties are valued between ₦400 million and ₦600 million.
- Ajah: In 2010, plots in Ajah were available for ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million. Presently, prices have surged to between ₦60 million and ₦80 million.
- Ibeju-Lekki: Only seven years ago, land in Ibeju-Lekki was sold for ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million; today, it ranges from ₦25 million to ₦40 million.
According to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, property values in emerging areas of Lagos have experienced annual growth rates of 10-15% over the past two decades. These figures vividly illustrate the power of the 10-Year Rule, had investors purchased land a decade ago, they would have enjoyed extraordinary returns today.
Real Estate: The Foundation of Generational Wealth
The decision to invest in real estate is not made lightly by the world’s leading entrepreneurs and investors. Consider the following insights:
- Mark Zuckerberg has diversified his portfolio with significant real estate holdings, reinforcing the asset’s importance beyond digital success.
- Aliko Dangote leverages expansive land holdings as part of his business empire.
- Warren Buffett began investing in real estate at a young age, establishing a legacy that continues to pay dividends.
- Tony Elumelu consistently invests in property, understanding that land is the cornerstone of wealth preservation.
According to the UBS Global Family Office Report 2021, nearly 75% of family offices allocate a significant portion of their portfolios to real estate. This widespread confidence in property investment illustrates that land ownership is much more than a purchase, it is an essential strategy for building and preserving wealth across generations.
Why the Best Time to Buy Land is NOW
Waiting can be the most expensive mistake of all. Here’s why acting today is crucial:
- Consistent Appreciation: Land prices rarely decrease. What is affordable now will likely be out of reach in the future.
- Rapid Urban Expansion: With major developments such as the Lekki International Airport, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and Eko Atlantic on the horizon, Lagos is set for unprecedented growth.
- Scarcity of Prime Properties: High-demand areas sell out quickly. Early investors secure lower prices and benefit from high appreciation rates.
Opportunities in regions like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and along the Lekki-Epe Expressway are already demonstrating robust growth. Investments in projects such as MegaOne, Igbalode, Deckland Gardens, and MegaBungalows are expected to multiply in value over the coming years. The question is: Will you seize the opportunity now or regret it later?
Conclusion
The 10-Year Rule is more than a strategy, it is a proven blueprint for long-term wealth. Real estate remains one of the most reliable investments, with data and global examples affirming that early action yields extraordinary rewards.
To secure your future today by investing in land Call us at 09160006304 or 09160006305, visit Urban Living Development, or connect with us on LinkedIn to secure your plot before the next wave of price increases transforms today’s affordable land into tomorrow’s luxury asset.