‘How to buy property on police salary’

By Christine Onwuachumba

Relief has come for police officers, who had thought that they could not own a home or invest in real estate due to their modest earnings and rising property prices.

Managing Director of Realtypros Investment Global, Dr Obinna Azonobi, has said home ownership and long-term financial security are achievable through strategic real estate investment and proper financial planning.

Speaking during the Gallant Officers Recognition and Welfare Initiative 2026, Azonobi urged officers to view real estate not as a luxury but as a practical pathway to wealth creation, retirement sustainability, and generational legacy.

While commending police personnel for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property, he stressed that the nation’s appreciation for security officers should extend beyond words to initiatives that help secure their financial future.

According to him, one of the biggest misconceptions among many workers, including police officers, is the belief that they must save the full cost of a property before becoming homeowners.

He encouraged officers to take advantage of structured payment plans, affordable housing schemes, and mortgage opportunities that can make property ownership more accessible.

“A salary ends at retirement, but an asset does not,” Azonobi said, adding: “A well-located property appreciates over time, generates rental income, and provides a valuable inheritance for one’s family.”

The real estate expert also highlighted a provision under the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) guidelines that allows contributors to use part of their Retirement Savings Account (RSA) balance as equity for residential mortgage financing.

According to him, the provision offers a significant opportunity for officers to own homes without waiting decades to accumulate the full purchase price through personal savings.

He noted that beyond providing shelter, real estate serves as a reliable source of retirement income and financial stability after active service.

Azonobi further called for stronger collaboration between government and private sector developers to expand access to affordable housing for security personnel, noting that officers deserve opportunities to build wealth after years of dedicated service to the nation.

He explained that Realtypros IG is supporting this objective through structured real estate empowerment schemes, flexible payment plans, proper legal documentation, and professional estate management services designed to make property investment easier and safer.