How to Buy Land in Lagos Without Getting Scammed

 

Buying land in Lagos can be a lucrative investment—but it’s also a minefield of scams, fake agents, and disputed properties. Every year, countless people lose millions to fraudsters selling non-existent lands, fake documents, or disputed properties.

But don’t let fear stop you! With the right knowledge and precautions, you can secure your dream property safely and smartly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through proven steps to buy land in Lagos without falling victim to scams.

1. Know Where You’re Buying (Avoid “Lagos Banana Island” Scams)

Lagos has high-value areas (Lekki, Ikoyi, Ajah) and upcoming hotspots (Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry). But scammers often:

• Sell non-existent plots in fake estates.

• Claim ownership of government-reserved land.

• Advertise prime land at suspiciously low prices.

How to Verify:

✅ Visit the site physically—don’t rely on Google Maps or pictures.
✅ Check with local residents & landowners in the area.
✅ Avoid deals that sound too good to be true (e.g., "Lekki land for ₦500k").

Pro Tip: If an agent refuses to take you to the site, run!

2. Conduct a Proper Land Search (Don’t Skip This!)

Before paying a dime, confirm:

• Is the land free from government acquisition?

• Does the seller truly own it?

• Are there pending court cases?

How to Do a Land Search:

🔍 Visit the Lagos State Land Bureau (Alausa) for official records.
🔍 Hire a reliable lawyer to verify documents at the Ministry of Lands.
🔍 Check for family disputes—many lands are sold by imposters.

Pro Tip: A Survey Plan and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) are must-haves!

3. Deal Only With Verified Sellers (No “Omo-Onile” Games)

Lagos is notorious for Omo-Onile (land grabbers) who resell lands illegally.

How to Spot Genuine Sellers:

✔ Direct family owners (ask for family head confirmation).
✔ Registered real estate companies with track records.
✔ Government-approved allocations (for new layouts).

Red Flags 🚩:

• Sellers avoiding paperwork.

• Pressure to pay cash urgently.

• No proper receipts or contracts.

4. Get Every Agreement in Writing (No Handshake Deals!)

Verbal agreements don’t count in court. Protect yourself with:
📜 Purchase Receipt (signed by both parties).
📜 Survey Plan & Deed of Assignment (proof of ownership transfer).
📜 Legal Contract (drafted by a lawyer).

Pro Tip: Never pay full price upfront—use installments tied to document processing.

5. Use Escrow Payments (Don’t Hand Cash Directly!)

Scammers disappear after collecting money. Safer payment options:
💰 Bank Transfers (traceable, with narration).
💰 Lawyer-managed escrow (money released only after documents are verified).
💰 Avoid cash payments (no proof if things go wrong).

Buying land in Lagos doesn’t have to be risky—if you follow these steps. Stay patient, do your due diligence, and never rush into a deal.

Have you bought land in Lagos before? What was your experience? Any extra tips to avoid scams? Drop a comment below—let’s help each other win!