When you think of moving into a new apartment, one of the most important decisions you have to make is choosing what type of apartment you want to buy or rent.
A self-contained and a miniflat are some of the common options. But many people get confused when house agents mention these terms.
Before you make any decision, it’s important you know the pros and cons of each apartment option. In the following sections of this article, you will learn about the differences between a self-contained and a miniflat.
We also compare them based on space, price, and availability in Surulere so you can make a more informed decision.
Self-Contained Vs Miniflat: The Clear Difference
In case you’re in a hurry, the table below will show you the main difference between the two options. You can continue scrolling to learn about these factors in more detail:
| Self Contain | Miniflats | |
| Size | One single room | A separate living room and bedroom |
| Kitchen/Bathroom | Inside the same room or just beside it | Has a separate kitchen and bathroom |
| Average annual rent in Surulere | N800K to N1.5 million | N1.2 million to N2.5 million |
| Availability | Not easy to find | Easy to find |
Self-Contained Apartments Explained
A Self-Contained unit is a single-room apartment that comes with its own:
- Toilet
- Bathroom (sometimes combined with the toilet)
- Kitchen (or a kitchen space)
- Entrance/door
Everything inside the apartment is private and for your use only (unlike face-me-I-slap-you, where you might have to share the toilet or kitchen with other people).
So it has a single main room that serves as your bedroom and sitting area. Also, the kitchen is usually small, or it is a kitchen corner inside the apartment. Sometimes it’s just a sink and a cooking area.
Other Terms Agents Use for Self-Contained:
When speaking with house agents, these are other ways they might describe a Self-Contained:
- Room and Parlour Self-Contained
- Mini Apartment
- Bachelor’s Pad
- Studio Apartment
- Bedsitter
Miniflat Apartment Explained
A Miniflat is essentially an apartment made up of:
- A sitting room (living room)
- A separate one-bedroom
- A private kitchen
- A bathroom and toilet (usually combined, sometimes separate)
This type of apartment is bigger than a self-contained room, but smaller than a 2-bedroom flat.
Other Common Names Agents Use for Miniflat
When you’re dealing with real estate agents in Lagos, they may use different words to describe a Miniflat, such as:
- Room and Parlour Self-Contained
- Mini Apartment
- 1 Bedroom Flat
Self-contain Vs Miniflat: Comparing Both options
Now that you know what each of these apartment options entails, you may still be torn between both, especially when house hunting. If budget is a priority, you need to understand how both options measure up so you can make the best decision:
1. Space
You get more space with a miniflat than with a self-contained. Of course, we’ve brokered deals where the single room self-contained had generous space, but that’s not always the case.
A self-contained unit is typically a single room that has a private toilet, bathroom, and sometimes a small kitchen (or kitchenette).
Everything is in one space, so your bed, table, and wardrobe all go into the same room. It’s suitable if you don’t have many things or live alone and don’t mind compact living.
On the other hand, a miniflat setup gives you a real sense of privacy and organization. Your sleeping area is different from your sitting area and kitchen.
2. Utilities
There’s really not much difference between the two options in terms of utilities.
In Surulere, many self-cons now come with prepaid meters (so you pay for only the electricity you use).
Some may have water tanks, especially if it’s a new building. But older ones might rely on shared tanks.
Borehole water might be shared with other tenants, and pressure may be low, especially on the upper floors.
But it’s just the same scenario for miniflats, too.
3. Affordability
Self-contained is generally cheaper than a mini flat.
In Surulere, rents for self-contained units range from N800K to N1.5 million per year, depending on area and building.
Indeed, it’s cheaper upfront, but considering the small price difference, it may not be “cheap enough” to justify losing space and comfort.
From our experience, many renters eventually regret picking a self-con when they realize the price gap isn’t so wide after all.
Mini Flat rents range from N1.2 million to N2.5 million in many parts of Surulere.
4. Availability in Surulere
Another interesting thing we’ve noticed is that landlords are building more mini flats than self-contained flats. It’s no surprise because:
- Mini flats attract more mature tenants (think young professionals, couples).
- Renters see more value in mini flats, even if they’re a bit more expensive.
- Self-cons don’t get as much attention unless they’re very cheap or in high-demand student areas like Yaba.
Nevertheless, it’s still possible to get good offers on both apartment options, especially if you use a reliable real estate agent in Surulere.
5. Who Should Rent a Self-Contained Apartment?
Go for a self-contained if you are:
- A student or NYSC member on a tight budget
- Just starting out in Lagos and want to save money
- You’re a minimalist and don’t have many things or furniture yet
- Okay with compact living
- Don’t have plans to expect large visitors from time to time
6. Who Should Rent a Miniflat?
Miniflat makes more sense for rent, especially if any or all of the following scenarios match your situation:
- Work from home or need a separate space to relax, sleep, and work
- Are a young couple or plan to live with someone
- Own furniture and need more space
- Want a place you won’t quickly outgrow
- Have a bit more money to invest in comfort and peace of mind
Final Verdict
If you want space and a sense of “home,” a mini flat is far more comfortable. Self-contained is best if you can manage your life in a small, all-in-one space.
Mini flats are more available and in higher demand.
Self-cons are not as common, and sometimes even sit empty because the rent is close to a mini flat, so people just pay the extra.
If you can stretch your budget just a little, it’s wiser to save up and go for a mini flat.
Fastest Way To Find Self-Contained and Miniflats For Rent in Surulere: RentHouseSurulere
If you’re searching for a Self-contained apartment in Surulere, don’t waste time with unreliable sources.
RentHouseSurulere is here to help you find the best deal, in the best location, without the usual stress.
Over the last five months, we have helped more than 20 people, including bachelors, single ladies, young professionals, students, and even young couples, secure self-contained apartments in areas like Aguda, Itire, Ojuelegba, Bode Thomas, and Adelabu Street.
STEP 1: Go to our website (https://renthouseSurulere.com/)
STEP 2: Navigate to the Request Property page
STEP 3: Fill out the form on the page with your details.
You’ll need to provide your name, contact number, and rental preference (whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or sell a property).
Also, include your budget, preferred location in Surulere, and expected move-in date. There’s also a section for additional details,
STEP 4: Expect our response within 24 hours.
We show you available properties related to what you inserted. Yes, it’s that simple.
You can skip all these steps and simply reach us on WhatsApp with your specs and preferences.
You’ll be surprised at how fast we provide you with video, pictures, and price options based on your request, because we have them ready to go.
