Frequently Asked Questions
Question about Buying
Answer:
Yes, anyone can buy property in Nigeria. However, they must first obtain the Governor’s Consent and may be limited to leasehold ownership (typically 99 years). Legal due diligence is crucial to ensure proper title and avoid land disputes.
Answer:
Key documents include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Deed of Assignment
- Survey Plan
- Approved Building Plan
- Governor’s Consent
- Title Search Report (to confirm ownership and check encumbrances)
Answer:
Common land titles include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Governor’s Consent
- Deed of Assignment
- Excision (usually for lands formerly under government acquisition)
- Registered Survey Plan
Buyers should always verify titles with the Land Registry before payment.
Answer:
Yes. In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for:
- Legal fees (5–10%)
- Agency commission (typically 5%)
- Survey and documentation fees
- Stamp duty and registration fees
Always clarify all fees before closing the deal.
Answer:
To reduce risk:
- Work with registered real estate agents or lawyers
- Verify all documents at the Land Registry
- Avoid cash transactions — use traceable bank transfers
- Never skip a site inspection
- Don’t rush: real estate fraud often preys on urgency
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Question about Building/Construction
Before you build, you’ll need:
- Proof of land ownership (e.g., Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment)
- Approved building plan from the local government or planning authority
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in some areas, especially for large projects
These approvals are critical to avoid fines, building stoppages, or even demolition.
Look for land with:
- Verified and clear titles
- Good location with road access, electricity, and water availability
- Stable soil and proper drainage
Avoid lands under government acquisition unless the land has been properly excised and titled.
Costs vary depending on:
- Location (city vs outskirts)
- House design and size
- Material and labor rates
Basic construction typically ranges from ₦100,000–₦200,000 per square meter.
Pro tip: Hire a quantity surveyor to prepare a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for an accurate cost estimate.
A strong project team includes:
- Architect – for design and plan approval
- Structural Engineer – for safety and durability
- Quantity Surveyor – for budgeting and cost control
- Builder/Contractor – for on-site execution
Avoid relying solely on artisans or informal workers without professional oversight.
To protect your investment:
- Use written contracts with timelines and penalties
- Make payments in milestones, not full upfront
- Buy building materials yourself when possible
- Monitor progress regularly or hire a project manager
Don’t fall for “too cheap to be true” offers — they often lead to hidden costs and structural issues later.