Alternative Real Estate Investment Strategies and Perceived Investment Performance in Emerging Markets: Evidence from Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined alternative real estate investment strategies and their perceived implications for investment performance in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using 67 responses from property-market stakeholders. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, percentages, rankings and five-point Likert-scale mean scores. The findings revealed that Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) had the highest recognition (28.4%), followed by crowdfunding (25.4%), fractional ownership (23.9%) and blockchain-based investment (9.0%). Financial innovation (M = 4.20) and technological advancement (M = 4.01) were the leading drivers. Weak regulation (31.3%) was the major challenge, while stronger government regulation (29.7%) was the leading improvement measure, followed by investor education (21.9%). The study concludes that alternative investment strategies can potentially improve property-investment accessibility and flexibility, but sustainable performance depends on effective regulation, transparency, investor education, reliable technology and cybersecurity. It recommends strengthening regulatory oversight and investor protection to enhance confidence and support sustainable alternative real estate investment in Warri.