How Easy Is It for Nigerians Living Abroad to Buy Land in Lagos?

In our company at Alphalink Group, we’ve helped many Nigerians abroad to buy land in Lagos. This we did by helping them overcome all the complexities of verification and registration.

We are in the 21st Century where you can order anything you want to buy online. Nothing is really off-limits including cars, and iPhones. And yes, land. People do it all the time.

Maybe you’ve done it too at some point. You see a land you like in Lagos, you call the sellers, and if everything goes right, you transfer funds and seal the deal.

Well, to be honest, that sounds a bit too simplistic. But that’s to paint a picture for you: it’s possible to buy land in Lagos while you’re abroad.

But just how easy is it? Read on for everything you need to know about how easy it is for Nigerians living abroad to buy land in Lagos.

Why Nigerians Abroad Want to Buy Land in Lagos

If you’re currently contemplating buying land in Lagos as someone in the diaspora, you’re not alone. Many people abroad are also on this track.

In fact, if you talk with any reputable real estate company, they tell you how many diasporans are currently investing in the Lagos real estate market.

“Why?,” you may ask. For starters, Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital, which is why it offers all the perks investors get from it. If you’re current with property trends, you’ll know that property prices in Lagos have skyrocketed over the last decade.

Plus, real estate remains one of the most lucrative investments in the city. This means that even if you don’t plan to move back to Nigeria soon, buying land in Lagos is an investment that can yield fantastic returns over time.

Additionally, many Nigerians abroad still maintain strong ties to their home country. Some may desire to build a family home or even secure retirement property.

For some, it’s just for purely investment purposes. Whatever the purpose, the fact remains that owning land in Lagos holds both sentimental and financial value.

Also Read:

The Process of Buying Land Remotely

So, what does it take to buy land in Lagos while you’re thousands of miles away? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Find the Right Property and Real Estate Company

The internet has made it incredibly easy to research real estate from abroad. This is not the time when you have to be physically present to do any kind of property purchase.

These days, there are numerous websites listing available lands in Lagos, ranging from mainland areas like Ikeja and Surulere to more upscale spots like Victoria Island and Lekki.

While browsing online listings, remember that pictures can be deceiving. If you rely solely on online ads, social media listings, or recommendations without proper verification, you could fall victim to fraudulent sellers.

To make things easier, look for real estate companies in Lagos specialize in helping Nigerians in the diaspora buy land safely. These companies often provide virtual tours, detailed land descriptions, and even drone footage so you can inspect the land remotely.

While these services can give you peace of mind, always cross-check their credentials to ensure that they are legitimate. Insist on this if possible, and ask your local representative to send you pictures as well.

Get a Trusted Local Representative

Buying land remotely without a trusted person on the ground is a risk you don’t want to take. Ideally, this could be a family member or a close friend.

But because you could hear unpleasant stories even with these seemingly close allies, sometimes it’s just best to also go with a reputable real estate agent who can verify the property’s condition, location, and legitimacy.

Mind you, whoever you choose to act on your behalf, will be the one to sign documents and handle the paperwork on your behalf. This is where a power of attorney (POA) comes in.

A power of attorney allows your representative (often a lawyer or family member) to act in your place for legal matters related to the land purchase.

It’s important to draft a POA with a trusted legal advisor to ensure that your rights are fully protected. In Lagos, the cost of drafting and registering a power of attorney varies, but it typically ranges from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000.

Verify Land Documents

The Land Use Act of 1978 governs land ownership in Nigeria and makes it mandatory to obtain legal documents such as the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan.

You must confirm the authenticity of the land’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or any other land titles. This is where things can get complicated, as fraudsters often sell land they don’t legally own or sell the same land to multiple buyers.

As a Nigerian living abroad, you’ll need a reliable legal representative in Lagos to handle these documents on your behalf. A Deed of Assignment is especially critical because it legally transfers ownership of the land from the seller to you.

The Certificate of Occupancy, on the other hand, is issued by the Lagos State Government and certifies that the land is under your ownership for 99 years.

One of the most common issues faced by buyers abroad is the discovery that the land they purchased is under government acquisition or involved in a legal tussle. That is why even though getting these documents takes time, you must be patient and have your lawyer follow up diligently, to avoid unpleasant stories later on.

Fund Transfer and Payment Plans

Sending money internationally has become easier, thanks to fintech solutions like WorldRemit, and Wise (formerly TransferWise). However, before you transfer funds, ensure that the seller’s bank account details match their name or business name.

Depending on the country you live in, you may face certain restrictions when trying to send large sums of money to Nigeria. Nigerian banks often have stringent regulations on international transfers, and limits on how much you can send in a single transaction.

For smoother transactions, many people prefer to use bank transfers that are compliant with Nigerian regulations.

Note that some sellers might only accept payments in Naira. So understand the exchange rates and time your transfer accordingly, so you can avoid losing money on unfavorable rates.

Additionally, it’s common for sellers to request installment payments rather than lump sums. If you’re not paying outright, make sure you draw up a legal payment agreement before making any payment at all.

Property Survey and Valuation

When you’ve made initial contact with the seller and confirmed the paperwork, the next thing is to conduct a proper survey to determine its exact boundaries. Hiring a licensed surveyor to prepare a Survey Plan is a must.

The survey plan outlines the exact coordinates and measurements of the land. Surveying is your best bet to ensure that there are no boundary disputes in the future.

Survey plans for land in Lagos can range between ₦150,000 to ₦500,000 depending on the size and location of the land. So budget accordingly for it.

It’s advisable to have the land surveyed by a certified surveyor who can verify that the land isn’t under government acquisition or reserved for future development. Moreover, a professional valuation will help ensure you’re paying a fair price.

Finalize the Deal with Legal Support

Even if you’re abroad, you’ll need to sign the necessary documents to finalize your purchase.

This includes a Deed of Assignment, which transfers the ownership rights of the land from the seller to you.

As mentioned earlier, having a trusted lawyer to review the documents and oversee the transaction is critical.

So insist on working with a lawyer who is experienced in Lagos land transactions to help you verify the documents one last time and also seal the deal. This step can save you from future legal battles.

Challenges Nigerians Abroad Face When Buying Land in Lagos

While the process might seem straightforward on paper, there are several challenges that Nigerians abroad may encounter when trying to buy land in Lagos.

Title Fraud

Lagos’ real estate market is notorious for fraud, especially when it comes to land titles. Scammers often attempt to sell land they do not own or duplicate documents to sell the same land to multiple buyers.

This is why having a local representative and working with experienced legal professionals is critical.

Currency Exchange and Hidden Costs

Depending on the country you’re in, fluctuations in exchange rates can impact how much you end up paying for the land.

Moreover, there may be additional costs, such as agent fees, surveyor fees, legal fees, and other miscellaneous charges that may not be immediately obvious at the beginning of the transaction.

Slow Bureaucracy

The Nigerian land acquisition process can be slowed down by bureaucracy. Processing a Certificate of Occupancy, for instance, can take months.

This is especially challenging for Nigerians abroad who cannot easily follow up with local authorities.

Also Read:

Conclusion – How Easy Is It Really?

Now to the big question: how easy is it for Nigerians living abroad to buy land in Lagos? The answer is—it depends.

On the one hand, the availability of online real estate platforms, international money transfer services, and local legal experts means that the process is theoretically straightforward. On the other hand, title fraud, currency fluctuations, and bureaucratic delays can make things more complicated than expected.

That is not to say you shouldn’t start the process if you are keen on buying land. If you prepare properly and have the right representative and professionals on the ground, then you can manage these challenges and buy land in Lagos with minimal stress.

Many Nigerians abroad successfully do it every year. In fact, the Lagos State Government actively encourages diaspora investment, which means that the necessary systems are in place to accommodate overseas buyers.

If you’re already in the process, this is a recommendation to hire a company that will make everything much easier for you. And with time, you will achieve your goal of owning land in Lagos with less stress than you ever imagined.

Do you desire to buy land in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki or Enugu, send a WhatsApp message to +2348134794494