A guy in Benin City once rushed to buy a brand-new SUV before sorting out his living situation. Within two years, the car’s value had dropped by almost half, maintenance was eating into his salary, and he was still paying rent. On the other hand, his friend who focused on buying land and slowly building a small bungalow now lives rent-free and still drives a decent used car that serves its purpose.

If your goal is long-term stability, building or buying a house usually wins—property appreciates, gives you security, and removes rent pressure. A car, while useful, is a depreciating asset and can become a financial drain if bought too early.

The only time a car might come first is if it’s directly tied to income—say, you need it for a ride-hailing business, logistics, or daily commuting to a high-paying job you’d otherwise lose. But if it’s just for comfort or status, your future self will thank you for choosing the house first.