Let’s be honest — the Lagos property market can feel like a jungle sometimes. Everybody seems to have one uncle who’s selling a house in Lekki, an “agent” who knows somebody in Ikoyi, or a “developer” with hot deals in Victoria Island. But between “authentic deals” and “audio property,” there’s a very fine line — and if you’re not careful, you might end up paying millions for a building that exists only in Photoshop!
So, how do you identify a genuine property before making that life-changing payment? Let’s talk about it.
1. Verify the Property Documents (Not Just Glance at Them)
When an agent or developer flashes a bunch of papers in your face and says, “See! Everything is intact,” don’t just nod like a lizard. Ask for the Title Documents — C of O (Certificate of Occupancy), Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment, or Building Plan Approval.
Then, verify them at the land registry or the Ministry of Lands. In Lagos, this can be done through the Bureau of Lands and Survey. Don’t just rely on what’s printed on paper — scammers are now using printers that can do wonders worthy of a design award.
Funny story? A friend once called me saying, “Josh, I found a duplex in Lekki for ₦20 million!” I asked, “Are you sure it’s not ₦20 million per room?” Long story short, the “house” turned out to be an abandoned structure owned by someone who didn’t even know it was for sale online. Moral of the story — always verify!
2. Inspect the Building Physically
Before transferring your hard-earned money, please, go and see the property with your two eyes. Don’t depend on videos or fancy 3D renderings. What looks like a 5-bedroom mansion online might turn out to be a one-bedroom with a stubborn generator that sounds like an airplane.
When you visit, check the structure, environment, drainage, and accessibility. Meet the neighbors — they usually know more than the “agent” about who truly owns the property.
3. Confirm the Seller’s Identity
You’d be surprised how many people sell buildings they don’t own. Always ask for a valid means of identification — national ID, driver’s license, or international passport — and make sure the name matches the documents.
If it’s a company selling the property, confirm that it’s registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and that the directors have the authority to sell. Don’t be shy to involve a lawyer — after all, it’s better to pay for due diligence than to “dash” your life savings to fraudsters.
4. Get a Lawyer Involved
Yes, this one is non-negotiable. A qualified real estate lawyer will help you review documents, verify ownership, and prepare proper agreements. They can also help you conduct a search at the registry to confirm if there’s any pending dispute or mortgage on the property.
Think of your lawyer as your “anti-scam insurance.” They might not wear capes, but they save lives (and millions of naira).
5. Avoid “Pay Now, Verify Later” Situations
Anytime someone pressures you to “pay immediately because five other buyers are interested,” just know that it’s a red flag the size of Third Mainland Bridge. Real property sellers don’t need to rush genuine deals.
Take your time, do your verification, and walk away if anything feels off. If it’s truly a good deal, it will still be there tomorrow. If it’s not — congratulations, you just dodged a bullet!
Conclusion
Buying a building in Lagos is a huge achievement, but it must be done smartly. Verify, inspect, confirm, and document everything. In this market, ignorance isn’t bliss — it’s expensive!
Before you pay for any property, call us first — we’ll help you confirm if it’s a real deal or a “village people special.” Don’t let scammers build castles in your imagination!
📞 Call or WhatsApp us today on +2348116069643 — let’s make sure your next home is 100% genuine (and not a ghost house).