5 Things Smart Nigerians Do Before Buying Land
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
Thursday, July 31, 2025
July 31, 2025
Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the most rewarding investments, whether you’re building your dream home, planning for future development, or simply securing an appreciating asset. But ask any seasoned investor or real estate professional, and they’ll tell you: land is not just about location, it’s about due diligence.
Here are five things smart Nigerians always do before buying land, and why skipping any of them could cost you more than just money.
Buying land in Nigeria can be one of the most rewarding investments, whether you’re building your dream home, planning for future development, or simply securing an appreciating asset. But ask any seasoned investor or real estate professional, and they’ll tell you: land is not just about location, it’s about due diligence.
Here are five things smart Nigerians always do before buying land, and why skipping any of them could cost you more than just money.
1.They Verify the Title Documents (Thoroughly)
The first thing a smart buyer checks is the authenticity of the land’s title. In Nigeria, titles can range from a simple receipt to Registered Survey, Deed of Assignment, Excision, or even a full Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Why it matters: Without the right documentation, you could be buying land that belongs to the government, has ownership disputes, or isn’t legally transferrable.
👉 Tip: Visit the land registry office in the state where the property is located to verify the documents. Don’t just rely on photocopies or sweet-talking agents.
1.They Verify the Title Documents (Thoroughly)
The first thing a smart buyer checks is the authenticity of the land’s title. In Nigeria, titles can range from a simple receipt to Registered Survey, Deed of Assignment, Excision, or even a full Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Why it matters: Without the right documentation, you could be buying land that belongs to the government, has ownership disputes, or isn’t legally transferrable.
👉 Tip: Visit the land registry office in the state where the property is located to verify the documents. Don’t just rely on photocopies or sweet-talking agents.
2.They Inspect The Land Physically
Smart buyers don’t just look at photos or rely on Google Maps. They go out to see the land with their own eye, or send trusted professionals.
What they check:
Actual size and layout
Accessibility (roads, terrain)
Presence of encroachers or occupants
Environmental issues (flood-prone areas, erosion)
👉 Tip: Schedule inspections during the rainy season if possible. It reveals more than a dry-season visit.
2.They Inspect The Land Physically
Smart buyers don’t just look at photos or rely on Google Maps. They go out to see the land with their own eye, or send trusted professionals.
What they check:
Actual size and layout
Accessibility (roads, terrain)
Presence of encroachers or occupants
Environmental issues (flood-prone areas, erosion)
👉 Tip: Schedule inspections during the rainy season if possible. It reveals more than a dry-season visit.
3.They Confirm the Land Is Not Under Government Acquisition
Many Nigerians have lost money by unknowingly buying committed or government-acquired land - which can’t legally be sold to individuals.
How to check:
Ask the seller for a survey plan
Take it to the state’s Surveyor General’s Office
Request a land information certificate or charting document
👉 Tip: If the land is marked “under acquisition,” avoid it - unless the government has officially excised it and it’s documented.
3.They Confirm the Land Is Not Under Government Acquisition
Many Nigerians have lost money by unknowingly buying committed or government-acquired land - which can’t legally be sold to individuals.
How to check:
Ask the seller for a survey plan
Take it to the state’s Surveyor General’s Office
Request a land information certificate or charting document
👉 Tip: If the land is marked “under acquisition,” avoid it - unless the government has officially excised it and it’s documented.
4.They Investigate the Seller or Developer
Reputation matters. Smart buyers research the credibility of whoever is selling the land, whether it's a private owner, estate developer, or real estate brand.
What they check:
Track record of successful projects
Online presence and client reviews
Registration with CAC (for companies)
Physical office address and staff communication
👉 Tip: Ask for references or visit one of their already-developed projects.
5.They Review Payment Structure and Hidden Charges
Before making any down payment, experienced investors request a clear breakdown of all fees, and how payments are scheduled.
Smart buyers avoid:
Hidden legal or survey fees
Vague allocation timelines
Overpriced installments disguised as “flexible plans”
👉 Tip: Get all agreements in writing and request an official receipt and contract of sale after every transaction.
Land investment is not just about money, it’s about knowledge, timing, and due diligence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, remember: your profit is made when you buy, not when you sell. So buy wisely.
At Landnest, we take pride in providing verified, government-backed land with flexible payment plans and honest advisory. Let’s help you make the smartest land purchase of your life.
📞 Ready to get started? Contact us or send “LAND” via WhatsApp to speak with a verified consultant.
4.They Investigate the Seller or Developer
Reputation matters. Smart buyers research the credibility of whoever is selling the land, whether it's a private owner, estate developer, or real estate brand.
What they check:
Track record of successful projects
Online presence and client reviews
Registration with CAC (for companies)
Physical office address and staff communication
👉 Tip: Ask for references or visit one of their already-developed projects.
5.They Review Payment Structure and Hidden Charges
Before making any down payment, experienced investors request a clear breakdown of all fees, and how payments are scheduled.
Smart buyers avoid:
Hidden legal or survey fees
Vague allocation timelines
Overpriced installments disguised as “flexible plans”
👉 Tip: Get all agreements in writing and request an official receipt and contract of sale after every transaction.
Land investment is not just about money, it’s about knowledge, timing, and due diligence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, remember: your profit is made when you buy, not when you sell. So buy wisely.
At Landnest, we take pride in providing verified, government-backed land with flexible payment plans and honest advisory. Let’s help you make the smartest land purchase of your life.
📞 Ready to get started? Contact us or send “LAND” via WhatsApp to speak with a verified consultant.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
Registered under EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.