A strong purchase begins before the viewing. Define the use, budget, holding period and acceptable risk first; then verify the property, the people offering it and every document supporting the transaction.
01
Start with a written brief
Separate what you need from what merely photographs well. Record the preferred locations, property type, bedroom requirement, total acquisition budget, expected move-in date and whether you are buying for occupation, income or long-term appreciation.
- Budget beyond the advertised price: professional fees, searches, taxes, consent, registration, repairs and service charges can affect the total.
- Compare like with like. A lower price may reflect title risk, access limitations, unfinished infrastructure or a different interest in the land.
- Ask for the listing reference and viewing contact before travelling or transferring money.
02
Verify the seller and the authority to sell
Confirm the identity of the owner and the legal authority of every person acting for that owner. Where a company is involved, use the Corporate Affairs Commission public search and request current company documents. An agent should be able to explain who instructed the sale and how that instruction is evidenced.
- Match names across identification, title documents, survey documents and transaction drafts.
- Where an attorney, executor, administrator or company representative signs, ask your lawyer to review the document granting that authority.
- Do not treat possession of keys, a brochure or a payment account as proof of ownership.
03
Build the title chain
Nigeria’s Land Use Act shapes rights of occupancy, while the document set varies by state, property history and transaction. Your independent property lawyer should trace the root of title and review instruments such as a Certificate of Occupancy, deed, Governor’s Consent, land certificate, allocation papers, probate documents or court orders where applicable.
- Run searches at the appropriate land registry and relevant planning or development-control authority.
- Confirm that the survey description, plot, size, coordinates and physical boundaries describe the same property.
- Check for mortgages, charges, acquisition, revocation, litigation, family claims, restrictions and outstanding obligations.
- For a developed property, compare the approved use and plans with what exists on site.
04
Inspect the building and the neighbourhood
A legal review does not replace a physical inspection. Engage the right surveyor, engineer or other specialist for the property. Visit at different times and ask practical questions about access, flooding, drainage, power, water, security, noise, maintenance and estate rules.
- Record defects and incomplete work in writing.
- Confirm service-charge history, sinking-fund arrangements and shared-facility responsibilities.
- Speak to occupants or facility managers where appropriate, without relying on informal statements as legal proof.
05
Control the money and closing process
Use a written offer, agreed milestones and independently reviewed transaction documents. Every payment should have a stated purpose, verified beneficiary and receipt. Completion should include the agreed originals, possession items and a clear plan for perfection or registration of title.
- Avoid urgency that prevents professional checks.
- Use traceable payment channels and independently confirm account instructions.
- Keep a complete transaction file: searches, correspondence, receipts, signed documents, plans, inventories and handover records.
Professional advice matters
This guide is general educational information, not legal, tax, valuation or investment advice. Requirements differ by state, property and transaction. Instruct independent qualified professionals before you commit funds or sign documents.