Remedies for Breach of Property Contracts in Lagos: A Legal Guide

Introduction

Real estate transactions in Lagos are governed by a complex web of laws and contractual obligations. Whether it involves the sale of land, lease agreements, joint ventures, or construction contracts, property transactions rely heavily on the sanctity of contract.

However, breaches are common — developers fail to deliver, buyers default on payment, sellers renege on agreements, and construction partners abandon projects. When this happens, the injured party has a right to seek legal remedies under Nigerian and Lagos law.

This article provides a detailed guide to the remedies available for breach of property contracts in Lagos, the legal principles governing them, and practical steps to enforce your rights through litigation, arbitration, or negotiation.

1. Understanding Breach of Contract

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations under a legally binding agreement without lawful excuse.

In Lagos property transactions, breach commonly arises when:

• A seller fails to transfer title after receiving payment.
• A buyer defaults on payment after execution of a deed.
• A developer fails to deliver on agreed timelines or specifications.
• A lessor or lessee violates lease covenants.
• A construction contractor abandons work.

Every such breach entitles the non-defaulting party to legal redress, depending on the terms and nature of the contract.

2. Legal Framework Governing Property Contracts in Lagos

1. Contract Law Principles (Common Law of England) – forms the basis for enforceability and remedies.
2. Property and Conveyancing Law of Western Nigeria, 1959 (Applicable in Lagos) – governs land sale agreements and conveyances.
3. Land Use Act, Cap L5 LFN 2004 – regulates ownership and transfer of land.
4. Land Registration Law of Lagos State, 2015.
5. Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) Law, 2020.
6. High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

Together, these instruments form the legal foundation for property contracts and remedies for breach.

3. Essential Elements of a Valid Property Contract

Before remedies can be claimed, the contract itself must be legally enforceable.
Key elements include:

1. Offer and Acceptance.
2. Consideration (usually money or value exchange).
3. Intention to Create Legal Relations.
4. Capacity of Parties.
5. Lawful Subject Matter.
6. Certainty of Terms.
7. Compliance with Statutory Formalities (e.g., writing, consent, and registration).

Without these, the contract may be void or unenforceable.

4. Common Types of Property Contracts in Lagos

1. Contract of Sale of Land.
2. Deed of Assignment or Conveyance.
3. Lease Agreement.
4. Joint Venture or Development Agreement.
5. Construction or Building Contract.
6. Property Management Agreement.

Each type may give rise to different remedies when breached.

5. What Constitutes a Breach in Property Transactions

1. Failure to Transfer Title: Seller refuses or delays conveyance after full payment.
2. Failure to Pay: Buyer defaults on instalment or final payment.
3. Defective Title: Seller purports to sell land without good title.
4. Delay in Completion: Developer fails to deliver within agreed time.
5. Substandard Construction: Developer or contractor delivers inferior quality.
6. Violation of Lease Terms: Non-payment of rent, unauthorized subletting, or structural alterations.

6. Categories of Breach

• Actual Breach: Occurs when one party refuses or fails to perform obligations when due.
• Anticipatory Breach: Occurs when a party indicates beforehand that they will not perform their obligations.

Both give rise to immediate rights to sue or terminate the contract.

7. Remedies for Breach of Property Contracts in Lagos

Legal remedies may be monetary (damages) or equitable (specific performance, injunction, rescission, etc.) depending on the circumstances.

8. Damages (Monetary Compensation)

a. General Damages

Awarded for losses naturally flowing from the breach — such as loss of value, delay, or inconvenience.

b. Special Damages

Granted for specific, quantifiable losses proven with receipts or records — e.g., cost of construction materials, legal fees, survey expenses.

c. Liquidated Damages

Pre-agreed penalties specified in the contract (e.g., ₦5 million for each month of delay).

d. Nominal Damages

Small sums awarded where a breach occurred but no substantial loss was proven.

Case Law:
Hadley v. Baxendale (1854) – establishes that only losses foreseeable at the time of contract can be compensated.

9. Specific Performance

A key equitable remedy in Lagos property law.
It compels the defaulting party to perform their contractual obligation — e.g., to transfer title, deliver possession, or complete construction.

Example:
A seller receives full payment but refuses to execute the deed of assignment. The buyer may seek specific performance compelling transfer of title.

Case Law:
Savage v. Uwechia (1972) 3 SC 214 – Courts will compel performance when damages are inadequate.

10. Injunction

An injunction restrains a party from continuing an act that breaches the contract.

Types:

• Interim Injunction: Urgent relief pending determination.
• Interlocutory Injunction: Prevents ongoing breach during proceedings.
• Perpetual Injunction: Final order after trial.

Example: Preventing a seller from re-selling the same land to another buyer.

11. Rescission

Rescission cancels the contract, restoring parties to their original positions.
It applies where:

• The contract was induced by fraud or misrepresentation.
• Title turns out to be defective.
• There’s fundamental non-performance.

Example: A buyer may rescind if the seller knowingly sold land under government acquisition.

12. Restitution

Where money or benefit has been conferred under a breached contract, the court may order refund or restoration.
For example, refunding purchase price paid for defective or untransferable property.

13. Rectification

If the written agreement contains clerical or mutual errors (e.g., wrong plot number or boundary description), the court may order rectification to reflect true intention of parties.

14. Quantum Meruit

If a party has performed part of the contract before breach, they may recover payment for the value of services or materials rendered — even if the contract is terminated.

15. Termination of Contract

Parties may lawfully terminate a property contract:

• When performance becomes impossible.
• When time is of the essence and delay is unreasonable.
• Upon repudiation or persistent breach.

After termination, the innocent party may sue for damages or seek specific performance.

16. Limitation Period

Under the Limitation Law of Lagos State, claims for breach of contract must be filed within six years from the date of breach.
Delay beyond this period extinguishes legal remedy.

17. Remedies Under Equity

Equitable remedies include:

• Specific Performance.
• Injunction.
• Rescission.
• Rectification.

Courts grant these when damages alone are insufficient to achieve justice.

18. Arbitration and ADR Remedies

Many modern property contracts in Lagos include arbitration clauses.
Under such clauses, disputes can be resolved privately through arbitration or mediation at the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA) or Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC).

Arbitrators may grant similar remedies (damages, specific performance, restitution) subject to enforcement by the High Court.

19. Enforcement of Property Contracts

To enforce a property contract:

1. Ensure agreement is in writing and duly executed.
2. Obtain Governor’s Consent (where applicable).
3. Register the document at the Lands Registry.
4. If breached, issue a demand letter and initiate legal or arbitral action.

20. Breach by Developers or Builders

Developers who fail to deliver completed projects or use inferior materials may be sued for:

• Breach of contract.
• Negligence.
• Misrepresentation.

Courts often award both damages and specific performance, compelling completion to agreed standards.

21. Breach by Buyers or Tenants

Where buyers fail to complete payment or tenants default on rent:

• Seller/landlord may terminate agreement.
• Retain deposit as liquidated damages.
• Sue for outstanding balance or possession.

However, the remedy must be proportionate and lawful under contract terms.

22. Breach by Sellers or Landowners

Common scenarios include:

• Selling to multiple buyers (double sale).
• Refusal to execute deed after receiving payment.
• Concealing encumbrances.

The buyer may claim specific performance, injunction, and damages.

23. Case Law Examples

1. Ogunleye v. Oni (1990) 2 NWLR (Pt.135) 745:
   Earlier grantee with valid title prevails.
2. Elias v. Omo-Bare (1982) 5 SC 25:
   Purchasers must conduct due diligence before paying.
3. Akinyemi v. Odu’a Investment Co. Ltd (2012) 17 NWLR (Pt.1329) 209:
   Breach of property development contract entitled claimant to specific performance.

24. Role of Lawyers in Property Contract Enforcement

A property lawyer ensures:

• Proper drafting of agreements.
• Verification of title before execution.
• Insertion of protective clauses (arbitration, indemnity, liquidated damages).
• Enforcement through court or ADR mechanisms.

At Chaman Law Firm, we combine transactional precision with litigation expertise to protect clients in every property transaction.

25. Preventing Breach of Property Contracts

1. Conduct full due diligence before signing.
2. Engage qualified surveyors and lawyers.
3. Use clear timelines and default clauses.
4. Register all documents and obtain Governor’s Consent.
5. Include arbitration or mediation clauses for dispute resolution.

26. Remedies Through Negotiation and Mediation

Before litigation, parties may explore settlement via negotiation or mediation.
This approach is cost-effective, preserves relationships, and aligns with Lagos’ ADR-friendly judicial policy.

27. Remedies for Diaspora Property Investors

For Nigerians abroad:

• Use Power of Attorney for trusted representation.
• Include arbitration clause in contracts.
• Insist on registered deeds and Governor’s Consent.
• Retain legal oversight to monitor developer performance.

28. Equitable Doctrines Affecting Remedies

1. He Who Comes to Equity Must Come with Clean Hands: No remedy for a dishonest claimant.
2. Delay Defeats Equity: Act promptly after breach.
3. Equity Looks at Intent, Not Form: Courts uphold substance over technicalities.

29. Practical Example

Scenario:
A buyer pays ₦50 million for a property in Lekki. The seller delays transfer and later attempts resale.

Action:
Our firm issued a demand letter, filed suit for specific performance and injunction.

Outcome:
Court compelled transfer, awarded ₦10 million in damages, and restrained further interference.

Lesson:
Prompt legal action secures justice and prevents fraudulent resale.

30. Conclusion

Contracts are the lifeblood of property transactions in Lagos. When breached, the law provides a broad range of remedies — from damages and specific performance to injunctions and rescission.

However, the key lies in swift legal action, proper documentation, and expert legal representation.

At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in enforcing, defending, and structuring property contracts across Lagos and Nigeria, ensuring that our clients’ investments remain secure, enforceable, and profitable.

Call to Action

Do you have a property agreement that has been breached — or need professional guidance in enforcing or defending a contract?
Our firm provides strategic legal solutions, negotiation support, and litigation representation for all property-related disputes.

Contact Us

Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way,Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel,  Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671, 08096888818,

📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
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