Secure Your Property Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Buy Property in Nigeria Without Regrets
Introduction
Buying property in Nigeria is more than a transaction—it’s a milestone that symbolizes security, wealth, and progress. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a Nigerian in the diaspora, or a seasoned investor, property acquisition represents a dream fulfilled. However, for many Nigerians, this dream often turns sour due to hidden legal risks, fraudulent sellers, or ignorance of proper procedures.
To help you avoid these costly mistakes, this guide by Chaman Law Firm presents everything you must know to buy property in Nigeria safely, legally, and without regrets. With deep experience in property law, we’ve handled transactions for clients across Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, and beyond—and now, we’re sharing our full professional insight with you.
Why Many Nigerians Regret Buying Property
Many people who purchase land or buildings later regret their decision due to one or more of the following:
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Buying land without conducting proper legal due diligence
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Discovering the land is under government acquisition
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Falling for scams by fake agents or fraudulent Omonile (family landowners)
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Ignoring the importance of verifying documents
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Building without approved plans, leading to demolition
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Buying property with multiple claimants
These risks are entirely avoidable with the right information and legal representation.
Benefits of Buying Property in Nigeria
Despite the risks, property acquisition remains one of the smartest investments you can make in Nigeria. Key benefits include:
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Long-term wealth preservation
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Steady appreciation in property value
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Rental income and passive earnings
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Pride of ownership and family security
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Opportunity to build legacy wealth for future generations
Understanding Nigeria’s Property Market
The property market in Nigeria varies depending on the state, region, and whether land is publicly or privately held. Key differences include:
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Urban vs. Rural Areas: Urban properties are more regulated and costly, while rural lands may have unclear titles or be governed by customary law.
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Private vs. Government Land: Government land has better documentation, while private land requires more due diligence.
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Estate Developments: Offer convenience and infrastructure, but often come with hidden charges and developer-related risks.
Key Property Terms You Must Understand
Before diving into property purchase, get familiar with these terms:
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C of O (Certificate of Occupancy): The highest land title issued by the government.
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Excision: The release of land by the government to indigenous families.
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Gazette: Official record of excised land published by the state government.
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Survey Plan: A document that defines the land’s size, location, and boundaries.
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Governor’s Consent: Required for any property transfer under the Land Use Act.
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Deed of Assignment: Transfers ownership from seller to buyer.
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Right of Occupancy (R of O): Common in the northern parts of Nigeria.
Understanding these terms is crucial for making informed decisions.
Best Locations to Buy Property in Nigeria
If you’re planning to buy property in Nigeria, consider these high-potential locations:
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Lagos State: Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, Ikeja GRA
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Abuja FCT: Gwarinpa, Jahi, Lokogoma, Katampe, Lugbe
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Ogun State: Arepo, Mowe, Ibafo, Shimawa
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Port Harcourt: Peter Odili Road, GRA Phase 2
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Emerging Cities: Enugu, Asaba, Awka, Owerri
These areas are experiencing infrastructure development, rapid urbanization, and government interest.
How to Buy Land in Nigeria (Step-by-Step)
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Define Your Purpose: Is it for residence, farming, business, or investment?
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Select a Location: Based on budget, proximity to amenities, and growth potential.
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Inspect the Land: Visit the site physically or through a trusted representative.
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Engage a Property Lawyer: To investigate and verify legal documents.
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Conduct Land Search: At the Land Registry, Surveyor General’s office, and local authorities.
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Negotiate and Agree: Ensure all parties understand the transaction.
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Draft Legal Agreements: Your lawyer will prepare a Deed of Assignment or Sale Agreement.
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Payment: Make payment via traceable means (bank transfer) and obtain a receipt.
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Title Perfection: Begin the process of obtaining Governor’s Consent or registering the land in your name.
How to Buy a House in Nigeria (Step-by-Step)
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Conduct Property Search: Work with a lawyer or agent to find listed properties.
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Inspect the Building: Confirm the condition and whether it was built legally.
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Verify Ownership and Title: Demand the C of O, Survey Plan, and approved building plan.
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Negotiate with Seller or Developer: Agree on price, payment terms, and delivery.
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Get Legal Agreement Drafted: Your lawyer must prepare or review the agreement.
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Make Secure Payment: Use an escrow or lawyer’s client account if possible.
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Take Possession: Collect keys, documents, and physical possession.
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Register Your Title: Complete the change of ownership at the Land Registry.
Crucial Documents Every Buyer Must Verify
Buying property without verifying documents is a recipe for regret. Insist on:
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Valid Survey Plan
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Deed of Assignment
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C of O or Gazette (where applicable)
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Governor’s Consent (if resale)
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Tax Receipts or Land Charges Payment
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Allocation Letter (for government lands)
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Approved Building Plan (for developed property)
Engage your lawyer to validate these with the appropriate government agencies.
How to Verify Land in Nigeria
Proper verification includes:
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Search at the State Lands Registry
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Confirm coordinates at Surveyor General’s Office
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Check with local community leaders or Baale
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Request for court affidavits or family agreement (for Omonile land)
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Ask for approved building plans and infrastructure plans (for estates)
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Physically inspect land multiple times
Role of a Property Lawyer
At Chaman Law Firm, we’ve saved many clients from buying fake or encumbered properties. A property lawyer will:
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Investigate the land and seller
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Draft and review documents
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Protect your legal interest
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Handle title perfection
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File documents for registration
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Ensure a clean and enforceable transfer of ownership
Never buy land or property without involving a trusted legal advisor.
Common Property Scams in Nigeria
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Sale of land under acquisition or litigation
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Selling the same land to multiple buyers
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Using fake C of O or forged survey plans
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Developer schemes with no land or approvals
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Omonile extortion after purchase
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Buyers losing land to the rightful family
Avoiding scams starts with legal due diligence and caution.
Government Acquisition and Land Classification
In Nigeria, all land belongs to the state and is held in trust by the governor. Lands fall into:
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Freehold Land: Can be legally acquired and registered.
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Under Acquisition: Claimed by the government and cannot be sold.
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Committed Land: Reserved for roads, schools, or public use. Buying such land is illegal.
Your lawyer must verify land classification before purchase.
How to Buy Land Allocated by Government
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Apply through State Land Bureau or Ministry of Housing
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Submit application and identification
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Await allocation approval
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Pay land charges and documentation fees
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Obtain Allocation Letter and Certificate of Occupancy
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Begin development in line with planning regulations
Though slower, this route offers legal safety and infrastructure.
Buying Family Land or Omonile Land – What You Must Know
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Confirm the entire family or principal members approve the sale
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Ensure no ongoing litigation or land dispute
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Pay only through legal channels
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Document all transactions through a lawyer
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Fence land immediately after payment
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Apply for C of O or Governor’s Consent quickly
Perfection of Title – Making It Legal
Owning land isn’t enough until your title is registered. Title perfection involves:
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Registering Deed of Assignment at the Lands Registry
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Getting Governor’s Consent (mandatory under the Land Use Act)
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Applying for a Certificate of Occupancy if none exists
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Paying stamp duties, survey fees, and registration charges
This makes you the legal owner recognized by the government.
Understanding the Role of Agents and Developers
Agents and developers are intermediaries—not owners. Ensure:
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The developer is registered with CAC
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They have legal title to sell
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There’s transparency in pricing, fees, and delivery timeline
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Their projects are approved by government planning agencies
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Your lawyer reviews all documents from the agent or developer
Property Financing in Nigeria
Can’t pay lump sum? Consider:
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NHF Mortgage (via Federal Mortgage Bank)
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Commercial Bank Mortgages
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Employer-assisted property schemes
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Real estate cooperatives
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Developer payment plans (installments)
Let your lawyer review the loan terms and collateral clauses before signing.
Hidden Costs in Property Transactions
In addition to the purchase price, prepare for:
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Legal fees (5–10%)
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Agency commission (5–10%)
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Survey plan fees
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Stamp duties
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Land registry fees
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Governor’s Consent or C of O charges
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Omonile charges (where applicable)
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Infrastructure fees (for estates)
How to Secure Your Property Post-Purchase
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Fence the land immediately
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Install security personnel or surveillance
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Register your title and documents
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Inform neighboring landowners of your ownership
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Store documents securely (physical and digital copies)
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Consider insurance for property and construction
What Diaspora Buyers Must Know
As a Nigerian in the diaspora:
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Never buy without visiting or engaging a lawyer
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Avoid buying through only family members
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Use a Power of Attorney with caution
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Demand regular site updates and documents
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Work with professionals with verifiable history
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Use digital means (video calls, inspection footage) for updates
Chaman Law Firm offers Diaspora Property Legal Protection Services.
Final Thoughts – Secure Your Property Dreams with Confidence
Real estate is one of the safest and most rewarding forms of investment—but only when done right. Whether you’re buying for personal use or investment, the goal is to buy once and sleep with your two eyes closed. That requires due diligence, professional guidance, and strong legal support.
At Chaman Law Firm, we’ve helped hundreds of clients—homebuyers, investors, diaspora Nigerians, and developers—buy property without regrets. Let us help you secure your property dream with clarity and confidence.
Call for Action
📍 Chaman Law Firm
115, Obafemi Awolowo Way,Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
📞 0806 555 3671
📧 chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
🌐 www.chamanlawfirm.com
We handle everything from land verification and title perfection to property disputes and real estate advisory. Secure your property dreams with legal protection today.