Purpose: The paper measures risk-return performance of residential and commercial real estate investments in South-South, Nigeria (Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt) from 2009 to 2018. To achieve the aim of the study, research objectives were formulated to guide the study. The paper looks at the performance of both residential and commercial real estate investments about their risk-return characteristics.

Design/Methodology: The study adopted the descriptive survey research design and questionnaire was used to collect primary data through purposive sampling technique. The data collected was analysed using statistical tools such as descriptive statistics and the Analysis of Variance for testing the research hypotheses formulated.

Findings: The results showed the performance of the residential and commercial real estate investments based on risk and return and which of the investment performed better. Residential property in Calabar performed better than commercial property. In Uyo, commercial property investments performed better than Residential and Port in Harcourt, residential property performed better than commercial. At city level, residential property in Port Harcourt outperformed Calabar and Uyo while for commercial Property; Uyo outperformed Calabar and Port Harcourt.

Research limitations: The scope is limited to Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt (South-South, Nigeria) and data collection is only from practicing estate surveying and valuation firms in the study area.

Practical implications: The study has implications for real estate investors/developers especially in an emerging market like Nigeria where real estate investment is very active. 

Originality/value: This study on measuring risk-return performance of residential and commercial real estate investments have not been conducted in the study area to the best of my knowledge. The study will contribute to the existing knowledge on real estate investment performance and risk analysis.