Buying land in Nigeria can be a valuable and rewarding investment, whether you’re purchasing for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes. However, many buyers fall into traps due to lack of information or rushing the process.
This article explores the top mistakes to avoid when buying land in Nigeria and offers practical tips to help you make smart decisions.
1. Not Verifying the Land Title
One of the biggest and most common mistakes is failing to verify the land’s title. Many lands in Nigeria have unclear or disputed ownership. If the land does not have a valid title like a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or Governor’s Consent, you could lose your investment.
Tip: Always conduct a title search at the appropriate land registry. You may also work with a legal practitioner or property consultant to confirm the authenticity of the documents.
2. Skipping Land Documentation Checks
Apart from the title, every land transaction should be backed by documents such as the Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment, and in some cases, a Letter of Allocation. These documents confirm boundaries, rightful ownership, and the land’s use classification.
Tip: Ensure the survey plan is charted and that it matches the site. Have professionals confirm that the land is not government-acquired or part of a committed acquisition.
3. Ignoring the Land’s Zoning or Purpose
Not all lands are meant for residential development. In Nigeria, lands are zoned for residential, agricultural, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. Buying land in a wrong zone can result in penalties or demolition by government authorities.
Tip: Check the zoning classification of the land with local planning authorities before you buy. Some lands can be reclassified, but this requires a lengthy process and additional costs.
4. Not Conducting a Physical Inspection
Many buyers, especially those in the diaspora, make the mistake of buying land without physically inspecting it. This opens the door to buying swampy land, inaccessible land, or land under litigation.
Tip: Visit the site in person or send a trusted representative. Check for physical features like flooding, proximity to roads, encroachment, or disputed boundaries.
5. Falling for Cheap Prices Without Due Diligence
Cheap land may seem like a great deal, but if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Lands sold at suspiciously low prices may have issues like ownership disputes, legal encumbrances, or unsuitable locations.
Tip: Focus on value, not just price. Crosscheck the reason for the low price and confirm it is free from legal, physical, or bureaucratic problems.
6. Not Involving Professionals
Many people rely solely on informal sources like family members or “agents” without involving professionals. This increases the risk of fraud, misinformation, or future complications.
Tip: Hire a qualified lawyer experienced in real estate, a registered surveyor, and, if possible, a property consultant. The money spent on professional services is minor compared to potential losses.
7. Failing to Understand Land Ownership Types
In Nigeria, there are different types of land ownership: Customary ownership, Freehold, and Government-allocated lands. Not understanding this could lead to disputes or challenges in processing titles.
Tip: Understand the current ownership and what is needed to process full ownership. Customary land, for instance, requires community consent and could be difficult to formalize.
8. Not Checking for Omo Onile Interference
“Omo Onile” refers to local landowners or indigenous land agents, especially in Lagos and Ogun States. They may demand various fees even after a sale. Failing to factor in their influence can delay development and inflate your budget.
Tip: Negotiate all Omo Onile fees upfront and get signed receipts. Also, involve your lawyer in all dealings to reduce exploitation.
9. Delaying Title Perfection and Registration
After purchase, some buyers fail to register the land title promptly. This is risky as the seller can resell the land, or ownership might be questioned.
Tip: Begin the title perfection process immediately. Register your land with the government to have your ownership legally recognized.
10. Underestimating Hidden Costs
When buying land in Nigeria, the purchase price is only part of the cost. There are additional expenses like survey fees, legal fees, agent commissions, registration fees, and sometimes, community development fees.
Tip: Ask for a full breakdown of all potential costs upfront and plan your budget accordingly.
11. Ignoring Access Roads and Infrastructure
Buying land that’s hard to access or far from basic amenities can reduce its long-term value or delay your construction plans.
Tip: Ensure the land has a good access road, is not landlocked, and has proximity to power supply, water, schools, markets, and healthcare.
12. Overlooking Resale and Appreciation Potential
Some lands appreciate faster than others. Buying land without considering long-term growth potential or resale options could limit your investment return.
Tip: Choose locations with urban expansion, road projects, or government interest. Areas around Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Lekki-Epe corridor, or Abuja’s suburbs are examples.
13. Not Having a Clear Payment Agreement
Disputes can arise when there’s no clear written agreement on payment terms, installments, or what happens if payment is delayed.
Tip: Have a written agreement prepared and signed by all parties, including witnesses. Always pay via traceable means (e.g., bank transfers) and collect receipts.
14. Rushing the Process
Land transactions should never be rushed. Unscrupulous agents use pressure tactics to make you commit quickly without due diligence.
Tip: Take your time to investigate, verify, and understand every detail before making payment. It’s better to lose a land opportunity than fall into a costly trap.
Buying land in Nigeria is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. However, the process is fraught with potential pitfalls if you’re not careful. By avoiding these common mistakes and doing thorough due diligence, you increase your chances of owning land that brings value and peace of mind.
If you’re planning a purchase, explore our verified Lands Listings in Nigeria.