Kizto Nwaigwe is the founder and chief executive officer of Apparto – a firm committed to making housing more accessible and transparent for immigrants moving to the UK, particularly those from West Africa.

Nwaigwe founded Apparto in 2024, with the aim to remove the stress, confusion, and misinformation around securing accommodation in a new country

Though he came from a background in tech and design, Nwaigwe has always been passionate about solving real-world problems through practical and user-centred solutions.

“My journey to founding Apparto started when I witnessed firsthand the challenges immigrants face when relocating to the UK, especially around securing stable, affordable housing.

“The idea of merging my professional expertise with a social cause came naturally. Having spent time with friends and relatives navigating housing hurdles in the UK, I realised that the challenges were not isolated incidents but part of a broader systemic issue,” he said.

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Consequent to his experience, he was determined to create a platform that is not only functional but also empathetic, one that truly understands the lived experiences of immigrants and provides effective solutions to ease their transition.

Hence, the establishment of Apparto to make relocation less daunting and more dignified.

He was inspired to establish his business after seeing friends and family struggle with the housing system when they moved to the UK, dealing with exploitative landlords, complex documentation, and lack of guidance.

“I realised there was a huge gap in services tailored for newcomers, especially those without local networks or credit history.

This gap, unfortunately, leaves many people vulnerable at a time when they are already navigating multiple transitions,” Nwaigwe said.

Nwaigwe explained that the absence of culturally relevant support mechanisms made him reflect on the importance of trusted intermediaries, those who understand both the cultural context of immigrants and the formal structures of the UK housing system.

Apparto, according to him, was built to bridge that gap, offering more than housing, but rather, an informed, protective hand during a crucial life change.

Elaborating on the specific housing solutions Apparto provides, he emphasised that the firm offers a range of services from short-term lets to long-term rental support, with tailored guidance on location, affordability, and documentation requirements.

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“Apparto also helps clients understand tenant rights, local area insights, and links to trusted landlords and letting agents.

Our solutions are structured to meet clients at every point of the housing journey. For those still overseas, we provide virtual consultations to help prepare and plan,” he noted.

Beyond housing, Apparto is also building out a homeownership pathway that includes mortgage advice, credit-building support, and connections to mortgage brokers familiar with working with non-UK nationals.

This is aimed at helping immigrants see property ownership as a viable long-term goal, not just a dream.

“We offer an ‘Investment Starter Pack’ designed for Nigerians interested in UK property. It includes feasibility assessments, property sourcing, legal guidance, and access to diaspora-friendly investment schemes, helping them invest confidently and securely,” he stressed.

Sharing some of the success story of Apparto, Nwaigwe said, “One standout case was a single mother from Lagos who moved to Manchester for work. Through Apparto, she secured affordable housing within three weeks of arrival, and six months later, she began the process of buying her first home. She now volunteers as a mentor to others coming through our service.”

Apparto’s unique value proposition, Nwaigwe disclosed, is its community-driven and culturally aware approach.

“We don’t just find houses, we provide trusted guidance, personal support, and a bridge between two different housing systems. Our team reflects the communities we serve, which builds credibility and trust,” he said.

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The real-world expert said the major challenge facing the business is building trust with both property providers and new immigrants, balancing landlord expectations with tenant needs.

Besides, he cited the challenge of navigating regulatory barriers for people with non-UK documentation or limited credit histories.

To address these challenges, he said, “We created a verified network of landlords and built a referral-based model that rewards transparency and responsiveness. We also hosted info sessions and webinars to educate users and reduce friction in the onboarding process.”

For his long-time expansion vision, Nwaigwe explained that Apparto aims to become the go-to housing platform for immigrants across the UK, with regional hubs and digital tools to make relocation seamless. “Long-term, we plan to expand into other host countries like Canada or Germany, and offer additional services like employment matching and financial literacy,” he said.

Charles Ogwo, Head, Education Desk at BusinessDay Media is a seasoned proactive journalist with over a decade of reportage experience.

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