Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the smartest financial moves you’ll ever make if you do it right. From Benin City to Lagos and Abuja to Port Harcourt, land is appreciating rapidly, and many investors are building wealth silently through land banking.
But here’s the truth: not all lands are worth buying, and without proper knowledge, you might pay the price — literally.
At Everything Real Estate, we’ve helped thousands of clients safely acquire genuine lands, and this article covers everything you must know before making that land payment.
1. Verify the Title Documents
Before you commit to any land, confirm the ownership documents. Common titles in Nigeria include:
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C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)
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Governor’s Consent
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Deed of Assignment
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Survey Plan
Never buy land with a “family agreement” only; you could be buying into years of court cases.
2. Conduct a Land Search at the Land Registry
It’s not enough to just see the documents. Visit the local land registry (e.g., Edo State Land Registry for Benin) and perform a land search. This helps you confirm:
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The true owner
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Whether the land is under government acquisition
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If there’s any legal dispute or encumbrance
3. Inspect the Land Physically
Don’t rely on just pictures or promises. Go and see the land yourself (or use a trusted agent). Check for:
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Access roads
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Development in the area
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Nearby infrastructure
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If the land is swampy or prone to erosion
4. Know the Purpose of the Land
Is the land residential, commercial, agricultural, or mixed-use? Don’t assume; ask! Buying residential land in a zone meant for farming can lead to future demolition or government trouble.
5. Use a Trusted Real Estate Agency
The safest way to buy land is through a registered and transparent agency. At Everything Real Estate, we:
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Verify every listing
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Offer site inspections
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Provide full documentation support
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Help you avoid “omo-onile” (land grabbers) stress
Red Flags to Avoid
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Land sold at suspiciously cheap prices
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Pressure to “pay quickly before it’s gone”
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No clear survey or location plan
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Agents who avoid questions or documents
Land is wealth, but only when it’s genuine. Don’t lose your hard-earned money to fraud or ignorance. If you’re planning to buy land in Benin, Lagos, or any part of Nigeria, speak with us first.
Need Help Securing Verified Land?
We have plots available in prime and developing locations with full documentation. Contact us now for a free consultation.
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