Every year, thousands of Nigerians living abroad invest in property back home — whether it’s land to build on eventually, a house for ageing parents, or a straightforward investment. It’s a strong long-term move, given Lagos’s steady demand and limited land supply. But buying property from thousands of miles away introduces risks that buyers physically present in Lagos don’t face in the same way.

If you’re in the diaspora and considering a Lagos property purchase, here’s how to do it without becoming another cautionary tale.

The Unique Risks of Buying From Abroad

• You can’t personally inspect the land or property. You’re relying entirely on photos, videos, and the word of whoever you’ve asked to represent you.
• You have less ability to verify who you’re dealing with. Agents and sellers know that diaspora buyers are harder to challenge in person, which unfortunately makes them frequent targets for inflated prices or outright fraud.
• Family involvement can complicate things. Well-meaning relatives sometimes handle “verification” informally, without the documentation rigor a transaction of this size deserves.
• Currency and payment logistics add another layer of risk, particularly around how and when money changes hands relative to document transfer.

None of this means buying from abroad is a bad idea — it just means the verification process needs to be even more deliberate than it would for a buyer who can drive to the site themselves.

Step 1: Use a Licensed, Verifiable Agent or Firm — Not Just a Contact

It’s tempting to rely on a family friend or a contact who “knows someone selling land.” For a purchase of this size, work with an established, verifiable real estate firm with a physical office, a track record, and a way for you to check references. Ask for evidence of past transactions and, where possible, speak to previous diaspora clients they’ve worked with.

Step 2: Get Independent Legal Representation

Don’t rely solely on the seller’s lawyer, the agent’s lawyer, or a family member’s recommendation without doing your own check. Engage a property lawyer whose only job is to represent your interests — someone who can:

• Conduct an independent search at the Lagos State Lands Registry
• Review the Deed of Assignment, C of O, or Governor’s Consent documentation
• Flag any inconsistencies before you send money

Step 3: Consider a Power of Attorney Carefully

Many diaspora buyers grant a Power of Attorney (POA) to a trusted representative in Nigeria to act on their behalf — signing documents, making payments, or handling registration. This can be useful, but it also concentrates significant power in one person’s hands. If you go this route:

• Use a lawyer to draft a POA that’s specific and limited to the transaction at hand, rather than broad and open-ended
• Choose someone with no direct financial interest in the outcome of the sale
• Keep the POA time-bound where possible, rather than indefinite

Step 4: Verify Everything Independently — Even If Family Is Involved

It’s common for diaspora buyers to rely on parents or siblings to “check on things” in Lagos. Family involvement is valuable for physical site visits and local knowledge, but it shouldn’t replace formal verification. Ask your lawyer or agent to conduct the registry search and document review regardless of what family members report back.

Step 5: Request Video Verification of the Property or Land

Before making any payment, ask for a live video call showing:

• The physical land or property, including boundaries and access roads
• Surrounding landmarks that confirm the location matches what’s on the survey plan
• Any relevant signage, neighboring properties, or site conditions

This won’t replace an in-person visit, but it significantly reduces the risk of paying for land that doesn’t match what you were shown in photos.

Step 6: Understand Nigerian Property Tax and Registration Obligations

As a diaspora buyer, you’re still subject to the same registration fees, consent charges, and (where applicable) taxes as resident buyers. Factor these into your budget from the start rather than being surprised by them at the point of registration.

Step 7: Plan Your Payment Structure Carefully

Where possible, structure payment in stages tied to verified milestones — for example, an initial deposit after documentation review, with the balance paid only once your lawyer confirms the search results and registration is underway. Avoid paying the full amount upfront based solely on trust or family assurance.

Diaspora property purchases in Lagos are common, often successful, and can be a genuinely smart long-term investment — but distance removes your ability to catch problems the way an in-person buyer could. Independent legal representation, video verification, and a disciplined payment structure go a long way toward closing that gap.

Considering a property purchase in Lagos from abroad?

Browse our current listings, including land for sale and apartments across Lekki, Ikoyi, and beyond.

Our team regularly works with diaspora clients and can help coordinate documentation review and video verification remotely — reach out to us here.