🏠 5 Smart Ways Nigerians Abroad Are Investing in Real Estate (Without Stepping Foot in Nigeria)
✈️ Investing from Afar? Here’s How Nigerians in Diaspora Are Building Real Estate Portfolios — Remotely.
With over $23 billion in annual remittances, Nigerians living abroad have become major drivers of property investments back home. But here’s the twist — most of these investors never even visit the properties they buy.
This post explores five smart, secure, and scalable strategies for how Nigerians abroad invest in real estate — from the comfort of London, New York, or Toronto.
Table of Contents
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Proptech Platforms & Crowdfunding
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Joint Ventures with Family or Trusted Partners
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Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
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Buying Off-Plan from Verified Developers
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Using Property Management Services
1. Proptech Platforms & Crowdfunding
Why It Works:
Proptech has made it easier than ever to invest in fractional property ownership. Platforms like Spleet, MyPropfolio, and BrickVest Africa allow you to co-own apartments or land from ₦500,000.
Example:
Chuka, a UK-based pharmacist, owns 8% of a Lekki 2-bed short-let apartment through a proptech syndicate and receives ₦120,000 quarterly in returns.
Tip:
Always use SEC-licensed platforms and ask for third-party verified property titles.
2. Joint Ventures with Family or Trusted Partners
Why It Works:
Many diaspora investors team up with siblings, cousins, or long-time friends in Nigeria to build houses, flip lands, or manage rentals.
Caution:
Family scams are real. Always document the partnership legally and use a lawyer.
Tip:
Register a joint SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) or company with clear shares and a project account to reduce fraud.
3. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Why It Works:
You buy shares in income-generating property portfolios. REITs are regulated by the SEC and traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Example:
Ngozi in Canada invests ₦2 million in a REIT with holdings in Abuja and earns ~11% annual returns.
Tip:
Look out for REITs with exposure to commercial property, malls, and hotels — they tend to outperform residential portfolios.
4. Buying Off-Plan from Verified Developers
Why It Works:
You buy at ₦25M what will later sell for ₦40M when completed. Many verified developers offer diaspora-focused packages with video tours, live WhatsApp updates, and milestone-based payments.
Example:
Tobi, based in Atlanta, bought a 1-bedroom off-plan flat in Ibeju Lekki through a verified Lagos developer and is now up ₦12M in equity after 16 months.
Tip:
Use developers listed by LSDPC, LASRERA, or Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN).
5. Using Property Management Services
Why It Works:
Some diaspora buyers already own property but don’t want the stress of rent collection, repairs, or tenant drama. They hire property managers — and they handle it all.
Example:
Jide in Manchester owns a duplex in Ikoyi. He earns ₦3.5M yearly rent while never visiting — thanks to a licensed Lagos-based property manager.
Tip:
Always ask for monthly income reports, tenant screening reports, and property inspection videos.
📌 Why This Matters
Nigerians abroad are no longer passive senders of remittance money. They’re now strategic real estate investors — and tech is making it possible.
If you’re abroad and want to start, start small, think smart, and use verified channels.
✉️ My Take
Most diaspora horror stories come from informal deals, not structured investments. But when you use licensed platforms, professional advisors, and clear documentation, real estate becomes one of the safest and highest-returning vehicles for Nigerians in the diaspora.
Whether you’re starting with ₦500K or ₦50M, the key is this:
✅ Think long-term
✅ Avoid emotional decisions
✅ Use verifiable data and partners
💬 Final Tip
Ready to start investing from abroad?
Check out our guide: How to Buy Verified Land in Nigeria from Abroad
Or book a free strategy session with one of our recommended partners.
