Many Nigerians living abroad dreams of owning property back home, for most of them investing in property back home is more than a financial decision it is emotional. It is usually house for retirement, an investment for rental income, or simply a legacy for their children. It is about reconnecting with their roots, or creating generational wealth for their family.
Unfortunately, too many diaspora Nigerians have had their dreams shattered by fraudulent agents, fake documents, and poorly handled transactions. Also, for many, that dream has turned into a nightmare because of fake agents, double sales, unverified titles, and family members who “help” until the money disappears.
If you are a Nigerian in the diaspora thinking of investing in property back home, this guide will help you do it safely, profitably, and legally. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step legal and practical guide to help you invest safely and confidently in Nigerian real estate without losing sleep or your hard-earned money.
In Nigeria, property market is booming from the busy city of Lagos to the nation’s capital territory Abuja to the oil city of Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Asaba, real estate investment is driven by population growth, urbanization, and diaspora remittances.
But the market is largely unregulated, and property laws vary from State to State. The Land Use Act vests all land in each state in the Governor, who grants rights of occupancy to individuals and corporations.
In understanding the Nigerian real estate landscape, you must note the following:
- No individual owns land outright (freehold); you only hold a lease of up to 99 years through a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
- State consent is required before any transfer or mortgage of land (Section 22, Land Use Act).
- Many sales happen informally often without proper documentation.
- You must have knowledge of local property law and also note that documentation is key before you part with a single dollar or pound or Euro.
Before going into any real estate investment, you must decide your investment goal. The pertinent questions you need to ask yourself are
- Am I buying to build a home or for rental income?
- Do I want undeveloped land or a finished property?
- Am I buying just for saving money ( land banking)?
- Am I ready to manage it myself, or will I appoint a property manager?
Your answer to the above questions will determine
- The type of property to buy (residential, commercial, land, or off-plan).
- The location (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Ibadan, etc.).
- The risk level and return on investment (ROI).
Note that you should not buy land just because it is cheap. Always buy a land based on title, location, and accessibility, not emotion. Do not let anyone pressure or sweet talk you into buying any land.
Read:Title Documents in Nigeria
Verify Title Documents
This is the single biggest mistake most diaspora Nigerians make sending money for “land” without verifying the title. Before you buy, ask for these key documents and verify each one:
- Deed of Assignment: this is solely to verify the legal transfer of ownership. To determine the real owner. It can be verified from the lands Registry of the State where the land is situated.
- Survey Plan: this document shows the exact location of the land and the name by which the land is known. You can verify same from the Surveyor Generals office in the State where the land is situate.
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): this document confirms legal right of occupancy. Before one can get a C of O you know that the documents of the land have been fully verified. You verify the C of O to ascertain its authenticity from the State Ministry of Lands.
- Deed of Conveyance; this document shows the transfer of legal title of ownership just like Deed of Assignment but sadly most Deed of Conveyance are not registered nor stamp dutied. The only way to verify such is to rely on the Survey plan attached to it.
Note that in verifying any of these documents you need the services of a surveyor or a property lawyer to conduct a search at the Lands Registry. It is inexpensive compared to the loss from a bad deal.
Many diaspora Nigerians lose money to “agents” or “family friends” who are not professionals. In investing in real estate in Nigeria, always deal with a registered real estate company verify at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a licensed estate surveyor & valuer verify with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and a legal practitioner experienced in property law to handle documentation and searches. These persons will save you from loss and heartache associated with wrong deal. If someone says, “You don’t need a lawyer, it is simple,” that is your cue to run.
Understand Land Ownership Types in Nigeria
Before you invest, know what kind of land you are buying:
- Government Land: this is a land reserved for government use only! Basically, for public purpose like hospital, school, stadium etc. you should avoid such land as investor except it is the government that is allocating such land.
- Family/Community Land: these are lands collectively owned by family or community. One person cannot sell such land, the sale must be with the consent of other family members or family heads in the case of communal land. If one person wants to sell communal land or family land to you, please run!
- Private Land (with C of O): this is the safest land to invest in Nigeria. Though it is expensive to compare with other lands in the same area but the risk is very low. All you need to do as investor is to verify the authenticity of the C of O.
- Estate Lands (Developers): these are lands sold by the estate developers or real estate companies. The risk level is moderate. As an investor, you verify the company with CAC and also verify their title.
Please confirm the title of anybody selling land to you and also confirm the Zoning of the land. In urban areas, not every plot can be used for every purpose. If you plan to build, ensure the land is in an area zoned for residential or commercial use and that it has an approved layout from the Urban & Regional Planning Department. Buying land meant for “agricultural use” and trying to build a house on it later can lead to demolition or revocation.
Avoid verbal promises only written and registered documents are enforceable in Nigerian property law.
Read also:How to Verify Land Ownership in Nigeria Before Buying
Use a Lawyer for Every Stage of the Transaction
As a diaspora investor, your lawyer is your greatest protection. Your lawyer should conduct due diligence at the Lands Registry. He or She will review or draft all agreements, obtain Governor’s Consent and register your title and above all ensure taxes and statutory fees (stamp duties, registration fees, consent fee) are paid.
Once you buy property in Nigeria, register it in your name. Unregistered documents can be challenged in court. Registration gives legal ownership, makes the property transferable, and protects it from third-party claims.
Invest Through Verified Real Estate Companies
Many reputable developers now cater to diaspora Nigerians with transparent, verified projects. Before sealing any deal with a real estate company:
- Check their CAC registration.
- Ask for proof of title and approved layout plan.
- Read the contract of sale/off-plan agreement carefully. Not reading the same carefully has put many investors in tight corners. There are clauses that must be explained. You can give your lawyer the document to interpret for you.
- Visit the site personally when possible or send a trusted professional who will do video call with you on the site.
Legitimate developers will never pressure you to pay “immediately or lose the offer.” The days of blind trust are over. You can use Google Maps & satellite view to monitor site progress. WhatsApp video calls for live updates. Document cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox to keep all contracts and receipts. Registered email for formal communications.
In conclusion, real estate remains one of the safest and most rewarding investments a diaspora Nigerian can make but only when done legally and strategically. Don’t let fear or bad stories hold you back. The key is due diligence, documentation, and professional guidance.
If you are a Nigerian abroad considering buying property, don’t take chances. Consult a real estate lawyer or consultant who understands both Nigerian law and diaspora realities. Many diasporans trust siblings or friends to buy land or supervise building projects. Sadly, this is where most fraud happens. Empower a lawyer or professional property consultant to act on your behalf using a Power of Attorney. Ensure every transaction and payment is documented in writing and receipted. Request progress photos, videos, and reports if you are building remotely.
As the saying goes “The best time to invest in Nigerian property was yesterday. The second-best time is today but do it right.”!
For further enquiry
Email: info@verazadvocates.com.ng
Call / WhatsApp: +234 8116486356
