How to Avoid Real Estate Scams in Nigeria (A Smart Guide for First-Time Buyers & Diaspora Investors)

Investing in real estate in Nigeria is a smart move, no doubt—whether you’re buying your first home or investing from abroad. But there’s a catch: scammers are everywhere. From fake land sales to shady off-plan deals, real estate fraud has cost many buyers their life savings. The good news? With a few smart checks, you can protect yourself and buy confidently.

Common Real Estate Scams to Watch For

Fake Property Listings: Beautiful houses or cheap plots pop up online—but they don’t exist or aren’t for sale. Scammers use urgency to rush you into payment.
- ✅ What to do: Always inspect properties or have someone you trust do it. Never pay before seeing it.
“Omo Onile” Land Fraud: Local thugs or false family reps sell land they don’t own. You might even start building before the “real” owners show up.
- ✅ What to do: Run a search at the state land registry. Confirm ownership and make sure the land isn’t under government acquisition.
Fake Titles and Documents: Scammers forge C of O, survey plans, and other documents. Victims often realize too late.
- ✅ What to do: Verify documents with the Lagos Land Registry or state equivalent. Engage a lawyer for extra safety.
- 📌 Pro Tip: You can use online due diligence platforms like the Trustcrow Title Search Verification Platform.
Double Sale of Property: Some sellers “sell” the same land or apartment to multiple buyers.
- ✅ What to do: Check the seller’s ownership history and search the title to confirm no previous sales.
Rental Scams: A fake landlord collects rent from multiple tenants. You show up to move in… and find someone else living there.
- ✅ What to do: Confirm the landlord’s identity. Speak to neighbors or the building security. Always sign a tenancy agreement before paying.
Off-Plan & Unfinished Projects: Developers take your money and vanish—or never had the right to build in the first place.
- ✅ What to do: Research the developer, ask for title documents and approvals, and verify with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Must-Have Documents Before You Pay

C of O (Certificate of Occupancy)
Governor’s Consent (if it’s a resale)
Survey Plan
Deed of Assignment

📌 Pro Tip: Have a lawyer verify everything and help you register the title in your name after purchase.

How to Pay Safely

❌ Don’t pay cash in secret or transfer to a personal account
✅ Use bank transfers with clear narration
✅ For large purchases, consider using escrow service (Trustcrow can hook you up with a 3rd party escrow service to use)—where your money is only released when all checks are complete
✅ Use payment milestones for off-plan purchases