KennyAre you planning to make your first home purchase?
Are you living abroad and want to understand the right steps to buying your first home back in Nigeria?
Buying property in Nigeria is one of the smartest investment moves you can make. Research consistently shows that Nigeria remains an investment goldmine for at least four major reasons population growth, housing demand, rapid urban development, and rising land value.
But while buying a home in Nigeria can be exciting, promising, and profitable, it is also a process that requires serious caution, especially in high-demand cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and beyond. One mistake could cost you millions, especially with recent issues such as the recent demolitions in Lagos, corridor and boundary disputes in Ibadan, Wike’s ongoing revalidation of land documents in Abuja, and agents selling lands and properties that are not government-approved. Buyers must be more informed than ever.
That’s exactly why I’m here to teach you the right, safe, and verified way to buy or invest in property in Nigeria. I’ll guide you through the 10 essential things to know before buying your first home in Nigeria so you can make a secure purchase or investment without fear, confusion, or costly mistakes.
To save yourself from errors and ensure your first home purchase becomes a smart investment, Below are the steps you need:
1. Define Your Budget Based on Nigerian Market Realities
The first step in your home-buying journey is having a clear, realistic budget. Nigeria’s real estate market varies dramatically based on city, zone, and even street. A plot in Lekki Phase 1 cannot be compared to a plot in Ikorodu or Mowe — and the same applies to areas in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, or Benin.
Your budget should reflect more than the price of the home or land. It must also cover:
- Agency or realtor fees
- Legal fees
- Survey fee
- Documentation charges (C of O, R of O, Governor’s Consent, etc.)
- Development levy (common in private estates)
- Cost of inspection and due diligence
- Building approval fees, if you intend to develop the land
Many first-time buyers underestimate these costs and get stuck halfway. Start by determining your total financial capacity, then work backward to see what type of property you can comfortably afford without financial stress.
2. Match Your Budget to the Right Property Type
Nigeria offers different property categories, and each comes with its own risks, advantages, and price points. To avoid disappointment, ensure the property you want aligns with your budget.
Some options include:
• Government Schemes or Housing Programs
These are typically more affordable and well-documented.
• Private Estate Plots
Often come with development plans, security, infrastructure, and better resale value.
• Off-Plan Homes
You buy before the building is completed. This can be cheaper but requires choosing a reputable developer to avoid delays or failed projects.
• Completed Homes
More expensive, but convenient if you want to move in immediately.
• Family Land or Community Land
Usually cheaper, but riskier because of ownership disputes if not properly verified.
• Land Banking Options
Affordable but usually in developing areas with long-term value projection.
Your goal is not to force your dream into your budget but to find the best property within your financial bracket in a safe and verified location.
3. Decide on a Location That Balances Value, Safety, and Growth
In Nigerian real estate, the location of a property determines:
- Its price
- Its long-term value
- Its level of risk
- Its likelihood of government acquisition
- The quality of life you will enjoy
- Your future resale value
When choosing your location, consider:
Security:
Some areas are prone to robbery, boundary fights, or community issues.
Accessibility:
Check if the roads are motorable, accessible during rainy season, or likely to be improved by the government.
Drainage and Flood Risk:
Many parts of Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin flood during rainy season. Avoid properties with poor drainage.
Government Development Plans:
Locations near upcoming infrastructure (airports, highways, rail lines, universities) appreciate faster.
Demolition Records:
Some areas have histories of government demolition due to improper documentation or encroachment on government land.
Making a wise location choice is one of the best ways to protect your property investment.
4. Choose Your Real Estate Agent or Company Carefully
This step can determine whether you have peace of mind or face endless problems.
The Nigerian market is full of:
- Unregistered agents
- Middlemen with little knowledge
- Scammers selling government-acquired land
- Agents pushing unapproved estate schemes
- Marketers who know nothing about documentation
To avoid land scams:
- Use only verified real estate companies or professional agents with a track record. one of the best i can recomment with a long time proven record is the Gtext Homes or gtext Lands by Dr. Stephen Akintayo
- Ask for company registration (CAC).
- Request references from past clients.
- Demand all documentation before paying for inspection.
- Avoid paying fees into personal accounts.
A trustworthy agent or company will prioritize transparency, proper documentation, and long-term client satisfaction.
5. Begin Your Search and Eliminate Bad Options Quickly
After defining your budget and choosing the right agent/company, begin exploring available options. Be prepared: you will see properties that look amazing online but disappointing in real life.
As you inspect different options:
- Remove properties outside your budget
- Remove properties in flood-prone areas
- Remove properties with poor accessibility
- Remove options with suspicious documents
- Remove options where the “owner” is not clearly identified
- Remove properties without any official land record
This process helps you focus only on safe, verified, and valuable options.
6. Inspect Every Home or Land on Your Shortlist
In Nigeria, physical inspection is non-negotiable — never rely on videos or photos alone.
For land:
- Walk the entire perimeter
- Check if the land is dry or swampy
- Confirm there is no encroachment
- Talk to neighbors about the land history
- Look for beacons and boundary markers
For houses:
- Check walls for cracks
- Inspect roofing and plumbing
- Test water pressure and electricity
- Ask about the foundation type
- Inspect the neighborhood at day and night
- Assess the quality of materials used
Inspection protects you from 90% of real estate problems. Many properties with issues look perfect online but reveal their flaws in person.
7. Before Paying, Verify All Documents with the State Ministry of Lands
This is one of the most critical steps in Nigeria. Documents can be forged, duplicated, manipulated, or outdated.
Verification at the Ministry of Lands helps confirm:
- Whether the land is free from government acquisition
- Whether the survey matches the actual land
- Whether the layout is approved
- Whether the land is under excision
- Whether there is a pending dispute or litigation
- Whether the coordinates match the real location
Skipping this step is how most people fall victim to demolition, double-sale scams, or “omo onile” harassment.
8. Finalize the Sale Only After Due Diligence Is Complete
Once verification confirms that the property is clean, you can begin the purchase process.
Important steps include:
- Negotiating the price
- Signing the Sales Agreement or Contract of Sale
- Paying through an official company or lawyer account
- Collecting receipts and acknowledgment letters
- Notarizing agreements when necessary
Avoid rushing this process. Never pay fully until you understand exactly what you’re buying and who you’re buying from.
9. Collect All Necessary Legal Documents
Your documents are your legal proof of ownership. After completing payment, ensure you collect all relevant paperwork such as:
- Deed of Assignment / Deed of Transfer
- Survey Plan (charted and registered)
- Contract of Sale
- C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)
- R of O (Right of Occupancy)
- Governor’s Consent (if required)
- Allocation Letter (for estate properties)
- Payment receipts
Without the right documents, you cannot legally sell, develop, or transfer the property in the future.
10. Engage a Real Estate Lawyer to Perfect Your Documents
A qualified real estate lawyer ensures your documents are legally sound and properly registered with the state. They help with:
- Title verification
- Registration of the Deed of Assignment
- Checking encumbrances
- Ensuring the survey is charted
- Processing Governor’s Consent
- Ensuring your ownership is legally protected
This final step prevents future ownership disputes, fraudulent claims, or government issues.
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Final Thoughts
Buying your first home in Nigeria can be one of the best decisions you ever make if you do it right. The Nigerian market is rich with opportunities, but it is also a space where due diligence is not optional. From verifying documents to choosing the right location and working with reputable agents, every step matters.
Follow these 10 essential steps, stay informed, and never rush into any property purchase. Whether you are in Nigeria or abroad, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make a safe, profitable, and stress-free home-buying decision.
Kenny
