• Location: Accessibility, security, amenities, and potential for appreciation.
• Budget: Include purchase price, legal fees, taxes, and potential renovation costs.
• Title and Documentation: Verify Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), deed of assignment, survey plan, and other legal documents.
• Purpose: Residential, commercial, investment, or development.

• Land/Lot: Raw or developed land for construction.
• Residential Property: Houses, apartments, or condominiums.
• Commercial Property: Shops, offices, warehouses, or retail spaces.
• Off-Plan Properties: Properties under construction, often offered by developers.

• Check the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) with the State Land Registry.
• Verify Governor’s Consent for property assignments.
• Confirm survey plans with the Ministry of Lands.
• Engage a licensed real estate lawyer to conduct due diligence.

• Yes, but the property must be registered under the foreigner’s name or a Nigerian company.
• Land must comply with Governor’s Consent requirements for non-citizens.

• Purchase Price – agreed with the seller or developer.
• Legal Fees – lawyer’s charges for document verification and conveyancing.
• Stamp Duty – usually 1–1.5% of property value.
• Agency Fees – if buying through a real estate agent (2–5%).
• Taxes – potential Withholding Tax (WHT) or Capital Gains considerations.

• Through an agent: Professional guidance, negotiation help, and access to verified listings.
• Directly: Saves commission, but you must handle due diligence and negotiation yourself.
• Agents are recommended for first-time buyers or investors unfamiliar with the market.

A real estate agent is more than just a sales person. A real estate agent may act on your behalf, providing you with advice and guidance when buying or selling a home. Due to the constant changing of the market, the information available on listings is not always 100% accurate. There are times when you need the most current information about what has sold or is for sale, and the only way to get that is with a real estate agent.

If you are in the market to buy, it would be advisable to use a Buyer’s Agent. They can make recommendations on what terms and prices to offer as well as negotiating a deal with your best interest in mind.

• Identify property and verify ownership.
• Conduct due diligence (documents, title, surveys).
• Negotiate price and terms.
• Draft a Sales Agreement (with lawyer).
• Pay deposit or down payment.
• Execute the Deed of Assignment/Conveyance.
• Register the property with the Land Registry.

• Yes. Banks and mortgage institutions provide loans for residential or commercial properties.
• Typically, 60–90% of property value can be financed, depending on income and credit history.
• Government-backed programs like Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) may offer lower interest rates.
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• Verify seller’s identity and property ownership.
• Use escrow accounts for payments.
• Avoid deals that seem too cheap or pressured.
• Engage licensed agents and real estate lawyers.
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• Yes, but ensure:

  • The developer is registered and credible.
  • There’s a clear construction timeline and contract.
  • Payment plans are staggered based on construction milestones.