You’ve heard it before: “I bought land and lost everything.”
Land scams are now a ₦1.4 billion problem annually in Nigeria (source: Vanguard, 2025). But the truth is, most buyers lose money because of avoidable mistakes.
In this post, I’ll break down 7 common mistakes Nigerians make when buying land — and exactly how to avoid them in 2025.
📌 Table of Contents
-
Not Verifying the Title
-
Ignoring Zoning and Land Use
-
Buying Without Seeing the Site
-
Trusting “Instagram Agents”
-
Skipping a Lawyer
-
Not Budgeting for Development
-
Rushing Into “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Bonus: How Smart Buyers Win
1. ❌ Not Verifying the Title
Why It Matters:
You can’t build or resell a land that doesn’t legally belong to you.
My Take:
Always ask for:
-
Survey plan
-
Deed of assignment
-
Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) or R of O
-
Verified layout or gazette
🧠 Tip: Go to the state land registry or use LASRERA to verify (₦10K–₦50K).
2. ❌ Ignoring Zoning and Land Use
Why It Matters:
Some land is zoned for agriculture, not residential. Build there, and you’ll face demolition.
Example:
A man in Ibeju-Lekki bought 2 plots and started building. Area was zoned for government roads. He lost ₦12M.
✅ Tip: Ask the surveyor about “land use classification” before you buy.
3. ❌ Buying Without Seeing the Site
Would you buy a car from a WhatsApp pic?
So why do it for land?
My Take:
Too many buyers fall for “estate” brochures with no actual layout or location visit.
✅ Tip: Always inspect — or send someone you trust. Use Google Maps to cross-check the site too.
4. ❌ Trusting “Instagram Agents”
Social media is full of realtors with flashy graphics and zero documentation.
Example:
Joy in Canada paid ₦4M to a “real estate influencer” on IG. Plot didn’t exist. Police case still unresolved.
✅ Tip: Work only with registered agents or verified sourcing companies. Demand paperwork before payment.
5. ❌ Skipping a Lawyer
A lawyer costs ₦50K–₦150K.
Land loss costs ₦5M–₦50M. You do the math.
My Take:
A lawyer helps you check documents, draft agreement, and register your interest — legally.
6. ❌ Not Budgeting for Development
Buying the land is just the beginning.
Think: fencing, sand-filling, survey fees, legal fees, Omonile charges.
My Take:
If your total budget is ₦2M, don’t buy a ₦2M plot. Buy a ₦1.2M plot and plan the rest for development.
7. ❌ Rushing Into “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Promo plots, 50% discount, buy 1 get 1 free. Sounds sweet — until you realize the land is swampland.
Tip:
There’s no free land in Nigeria. If it’s too cheap to be real, it probably isn’t.
💼 Bonus: How Smart Buyers Win
✅ Always verify the title
✅ Inspect physically
✅ Use a lawyer
✅ Work with registered firms
✅ Don’t overspend on hype zones
