5 Common Real Estate Scams in Nigeria and How to Avoid Them

The Landscape of Risk Nigeria’s real estate sector is a primary target for fraudsters because of the high transaction volumes. Whether you are a local or a member of the Diaspora, being "sharp" isn't enough; you need a system to protect your hard-earned money.

1. The "Omonile" Double-Sale This is the most common scam where local land-owning families sell the same plot to multiple buyers. To avoid this, never conclude a deal without a physical site visit and a search at the Land Registry. 2. The Fake Agent Scammers often scrape photos from legitimate listings and repost them with a lower price. If an apartment in Lekki Phase 1 is listed for 50% less than the market rate, it is almost certainly a trap. Always verify an agent's identity and, if possible, visit their physical office. 3. The "Government Acquisition" Trap Some developers sell land that has been earmarked by the government for public use (like a road or hospital). You might build a house only to have it demolished years later. Always hire a surveyor to check the "status" of the land. 4. Urgent "Distress Sale" Pressure Scammers use a sense of urgency to bypass your logic. "The owner needs money for surgery, pay today!" Take a breath. If they won't give you 48 hours for due diligence, walk away. 5. Fake Documents High-quality forgeries of C of Os are common. Verification at the land bureau is the only way to confirm a document's authenticity.