RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT AS A HEDGE AGAINST INFLATION IN UYO CAPITAL CITY

The research examined residential real estate investment as a hedge against inflation in Uyo Capital City. The objectives of the study were to examine the inflationary trend of the Nigerian economy, to determine the performance of residential real estate in the Uyo and to establish a relationship between inflation rate and performance of residential real estate investment in the study area. To achieve the set objectives of this study, the researcher employed both primary and secondary sources of data. The population of this study is made up of Estate Surveyors and Valuers practicing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A total of 180 copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents in the study area. Data was presented on tables and analyzed with descriptive statistical tool percentage. The study revealed that the actual inflation had been in the double-digit range with the exception of 2016, 2020 and 2021. The study also showed an upward sloping graphical representation of the expected inflation. The actual inflation performance may continue to be high in the next few years. The study also found out that the performance of residential real estate investment in the study area had a consistent increase from year 2014 to 2023. The study also found out that the relationship between inflation and performance of residential real estate in Uyo was significant with the rate of return of residential property in the study area. The study recommended that government should ensure good policies that bring down inflation. Estate Surveyors and Valuers should research into methods and ways of improving the performance of residential real estate investment.