Paying a deposit on a house or plot of land can feel like the biggest step toward owning property in Nigeria. But before money changes hands, a few careful checks can help you avoid disputes, unexpected costs and deals that are difficult to reverse.
A polished building, persuasive agent or unusually attractive price is not proof that a property is safe to buy. The goal is to confirm who has the right to sell, what exactly is being sold, and whether the documents and physical property match.
1. Confirm the seller’s identity and authority
Ask for valid identification and establish whether you are dealing with the owner, an authorised representative, a developer or an agent. If someone is acting for the owner, request written evidence of that authority and independently verify it with the owner where possible.
Be especially careful when several people claim to represent the same property or when a seller insists that you must pay immediately to secure the deal. Do not rely only on a phone number or contact supplied by the person asking for money.
2. Verify the property documents independently
Request copies of the available title and transaction documents, then have a qualified property lawyer check them and conduct appropriate searches with the relevant land registry or government office. Depending on the property and location, documents may include a Certificate of Occupancy, registered deed, survey plan, allocation documents or other evidence of title.
No single document should automatically be treated as a guarantee that a transaction is safe. The right checks depend on the property’s history, location and type of interest being transferred. Confirm that names, plot details, boundaries and dates are consistent, and ask a professional to explain any gaps or restrictions before proceeding.
3. Check the survey and boundaries
For land purchases, ask a licensed surveyor to verify the survey plan and confirm the plot’s location and boundaries on the ground. Make sure the land you inspect is the same land described in the documents. Neighbouring fences, informal markers and verbal directions are not substitutes for a proper survey.
Also ask whether the land is affected by a government acquisition, road alignment, planning restriction, right of way or other encumbrance. These issues can vary by state and locality, so verify them through the appropriate official channels.
4. Visit the property at different times
Visit in person before making a commitment. Look beyond the building’s appearance: check access roads, drainage, signs of flooding, water supply, electricity arrangements, security and nearby development. If possible, visit at a different time of day or after rainfall to understand conditions that may not be obvious during a quick viewing.
Speak with neighbours or relevant community representatives for context, but treat their comments as leads to verify—not as a replacement for document checks.
5. Find out who occupies the property
Ask whether the house or land is occupied by tenants, family members, caretakers or anyone claiming a right to remain there. For a tenanted property, review the tenancy arrangements and understand how possession will be handled after completion. For land, ask about disputes, structures, farming activity or other use by third parties.
Clarify in writing who is responsible for delivering vacant possession, if that is part of the agreement, and when it must happen.
6. Calculate the full cost—not just the advertised price
The purchase price may be only one part of the total. Depending on the transaction, budget for legal services, survey work, searches, valuation, registration, consent or other applicable charges, agency fees, taxes and any outstanding service charges. A house may also need repairs, security improvements or utility connections.
Ask for a written breakdown of costs and confirm which fees are official, which are professional charges and which are negotiable. Requirements differ by state and transaction, so get current figures before setting your budget.
7. Read the agreement before paying
Do not sign a document you have not read or do not understand. The agreement should clearly identify the parties and property, state the price and payment schedule, explain the deposit’s conditions, set out completion obligations and describe what happens if either side fails to perform.
Make sure any promise that matters to you—such as repairs, a completion date or vacant possession—is written into the agreement. Ask your lawyer to explain refund terms and any conditions that must be satisfied before completion.
8. Use traceable payments and keep receipts
Pay only after the agreed checks and documentation are in place. Where possible, use a traceable payment method to an account whose ownership has been verified. The recipient should match the person or entity legally entitled to receive the money under the agreement.
Obtain a dated receipt that identifies the property, amount paid, purpose of the payment, payer and recipient. Keep copies of transfer confirmations, signed documents, messages and correspondence. Avoid handing over cash without reliable documentation or paying a third party simply because the seller says it is urgent.
9. Treat pressure as a reason to slow down
Warning signs include refusal to provide documents, inconsistent names or plot numbers, demands to pay into an unrelated account, reluctance to allow independent searches, and claims that a deal will disappear unless you transfer money immediately. One warning sign does not prove fraud, but it is a reason to pause and investigate.
If the seller will not allow reasonable verification, be prepared to walk away. Losing an opportunity is usually less costly than entering a transaction you cannot properly validate.
A practical checklist before the deposit
- Verify the seller’s identity and authority to sell.
- Have a qualified property lawyer review documents and conduct relevant searches.
- Confirm the survey, plot location and boundaries where applicable.
- Inspect the property and ask about occupancy, disputes and restrictions.
- Get a written breakdown of all costs.
- Read the agreement, including deposit and refund conditions.
- Use a traceable payment method and obtain a detailed receipt.
The bottom line
Buying property in Nigeria requires more than finding a suitable house or land at the right price. Independent verification, careful inspection and clear written terms help you understand what you are buying before you commit your money. Because land administration and transaction requirements vary by location, use qualified local professionals and confirm details with the relevant authorities before paying a deposit.
