/Thinking about buying property in Nigeria? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or a member of the diaspora looking to own land back home, real estate in Nigeria is a big opportunity—but it also comes with big risks.
The good news? With the right information, you can avoid costly mistakes and make a smart purchase. This post breaks down 10 essential things you should know before buying property in Nigeria.
1. Always Verify the Land Title
Before anything else, ask: What kind of title does this property have?
Nigeria has several land titles—some legitimate, some questionable. The most common include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Governor’s Consent
- Registered Deed of Assignment
- Excision
- Gazette
Each one has a different level of government recognition. Never buy land without verifying the title through the Land Registry of the state where the property is located.
2. Don’t Rely on Verbal Agreements
In Nigeria, verbal agreements hold little to no legal weight in real estate. Always insist on written documentation, including:
- Sales agreement
- Payment receipt
- Survey plan
- Deed of Assignment (or Contract of Sale)
Documentation protects you if anything goes wrong.
3. Avoid Omo Onile Drama
If you’re buying land in states like Lagos, Ogun, or Oyo, watch out for Omo Onile—local land-owning families who often demand extra money after you’ve bought land. They can show up at your site to harass workers or demand “settlements.”
Best solution? Buy from real estate companies that have settled all Omo Onile claims upfront and can give you peace of mind.
4. Inspect the Property Yourself (or Send a Trusted Person)
Don’t rely only on pictures or flashy ads. Go and see the land yourself. Check the accessibility, environment, and terrain. Make sure:
- The land is not waterlogged
- There’s actual road access
- It’s not under high-tension power lines or near a refuse dump
If you’re abroad, ask someone you trust to do the inspection—or work with a reputable agent.
5. Know the Purpose of the Land
Not all land is for building homes. Some are zoned for:
- Agricultural use
- Industrial/commercial purposes
- Mixed-use (residential + commercial)
If you buy land without knowing its designated use, you might end up unable to build or get government approvals. Ask your agent or lawyer to help you check this.
6. Budget for More Than Just the Land
Buying land in Nigeria comes with extra costs. Aside from the selling price, you should prepare for:
- Survey fee
- Legal documentation
- Agency fee
- Land registry charges
- Development or community levy (depending on the area)
Having a full picture of costs will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Also Read: A Simple Guide to Real Estate Fees in Nigeria
7. Work with a Real Estate Lawyer
A good lawyer can save you millions. They’ll help you:
- Verify the property’s legal status
- Review documents before signing
- Protect your interest in the contract
Don’t skip this step, no matter how “trustworthy” the seller seems.
8. Check for Government Acquisition
Many lands—especially in developing areas—are under government acquisition. This means the land technically belongs to the government and can be reclaimed at any time.
You can only buy such land safely if it’s been exised and gazetted (released for private ownership). Again, your lawyer or real estate agent should help you verify this at the Ministry of Lands.
9. Don’t Let Anyone Rush You
“If you don’t pay today, someone else will buy it tomorrow.”
That’s a red flag.
Scammers use pressure tactics to trap buyers into making hasty payments. A genuine seller will give you enough time to do proper checks.
10. Buy from Reputable Real Estate Companies
If you don’t want stress, buy from a registered real estate company that:
- Offers complete documentation
- Handles Omo Onile issues
- Offers installment payment plans (if needed)
A good company saves you from risks and legal trouble.
Buying property in Nigeria can be a great investment, but only if you do it right. From verifying land titles to understanding hidden costs, each of these 10 points helps you avoid regret.
Need help buying land or property in Nigeria without stress or surprises?
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Contact us today or browse our verified listings to take the first step toward owning safe, legal property in Nigeria.