Why This Matters
Every week, someone in Nigeria gets scammed out of their life savings because they skipped one critical step when buying land or a house.
This post breaks down the most common mistakes — from buying “family land” to skipping site inspection — and gives you smart ways to avoid each trap.
Whether you’re buying your first plot or helping family from abroad, don’t make these errors.
1. Not Verifying Land Titles
The Mistake: Buying land without confirming if it has a valid C of O (Certificate of Occupancy), Governor’s Consent, or Gazette.
The Risk: You might be buying from fraudsters or buying government-acquired land.
✅ Avoid it: Always check with the Ministry of Lands or LASRERA. You can verify a title for as low as ₦50,000 in Lagos.
2. Skipping Site Inspections
The Mistake: Buying property you’ve never seen — common with diaspora Nigerians.
The Risk: You may discover it’s waterlogged, inside a shrine, or non-existent.
✅ Avoid it: Pay someone to inspect on your behalf. Use verified proptech platforms or trusted relatives + video calls.
3. Ignoring Land Use Zoning
The Mistake: Buying residential land in an area zoned for agriculture, floodplain, or industrial use.
The Risk: Demolition or resale struggles.
✅ Avoid it: Check the master plan of the LGA or town planning office.
4. Believing Agent Lies (Without Evidence)
The Mistake: “Buy this land now — price will double in 3 months.”
The Risk: Overpaying or buying in a dead zone with zero development.
✅ Avoid it: Use independent sources like Nigeria Property Centre’s Demand Trends or Price Index posts.
5. Not Documenting Payment
The Mistake: Cash payment with no receipt or only verbal agreement.
The Risk: You can lose everything in court.
✅ Avoid it: Demand a receipt, deed of assignment, and keep payment evidence (bank transfer screenshot + written agreement).
6. Assuming Family Land Is Free Land
The Mistake: “Uncle said I can build there.”
The Risk: Land disputes, multiple claimants, or community drama.
✅ Avoid it: Get family land surveyed, documented, and signed off with witnesses.
7. Not Factoring in Hidden Costs
The Mistake: Budgeting only for land cost, ignoring survey, legal, fencing, and community fees.
The Risk: Incomplete project or legal trouble.
✅ Avoid it: Ask for a full cost breakdown including:
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Legal fees (₦100K–₦300K)
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Survey (₦150K–₦500K)
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Documentation
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Community dues
Example
Ngozi, a UK-based nurse, bought 2 plots in Ibeju-Lekki in 2024 without verifying titles. In 2025, she discovered it was part of government acquisition. She’s now battling court cases, costing her ₦3.8M.
💡 If she had verified it via the Lagos Land Bureau (₦50K fee), she’d have saved the headache.