Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent? Understanding Their Role in Acquiring Property in Nigeria
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
Monday, October 27, 2025
October 27, 2025
Who Exactly Is a Real Estate Agent in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, a real estate agent is an intermediary who helps buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants navigate property transactions. Their core roles include:
Linking buyers to sellers or landlords
Advising on market prices and availability
Assisting with inspections and negotiations
Guiding documentation and due diligence
Facilitating smoother processes with lawyers, surveyors, and developers
But here’s the catch: not all who call themselves “agents” are professionals. Some are unlicensed middlemen, popularly known as omo onile in the southwest. Others are seasoned, trained experts. The difference between the two can decide whether your land journey is stress-free or nightmare-filled.
The Roles of a Real Estate Agent in Property Acquisition
1. Market Knowledge
A good agent knows where opportunities exist, what prices are fair, and which areas are appreciating fast. They shorten the time it would take you to find land or property yourself.
2. Property Search and Matchmaking
Agents save you the stress of endless searching. Instead of knocking on random gates, they filter options that fit your budget, location, and purpose.
3. Negotiation Power
Agents understand seller psychology. They know when a seller is bluffing, when a price is inflated, and how to negotiate fairly.
4. Due Diligence Support
While lawyers and surveyors handle verification formally, agents often detect early red flags, like inconsistent land boundaries, family disputes, or suspiciously low prices.
5. Transaction Coordination
From inspection to final payment, agents coordinate the moving parts, lawyers, developers, surveyors, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
6. Advisory Role
A trustworthy agent guides you beyond the transaction, advising on resale potential, development suitability, and community growth trends.
Tip: Think of a real estate agent as part-guide, part-guard. They help you find the way and protect you from pitfalls.
Who Exactly Is a Real Estate Agent in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, a real estate agent is an intermediary who helps buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants navigate property transactions. Their core roles include:
Linking buyers to sellers or landlords
Advising on market prices and availability
Assisting with inspections and negotiations
Guiding documentation and due diligence
Facilitating smoother processes with lawyers, surveyors, and developers
But here’s the catch: not all who call themselves “agents” are professionals. Some are unlicensed middlemen, popularly known as omo onile in the southwest. Others are seasoned, trained experts. The difference between the two can decide whether your land journey is stress-free or nightmare-filled.
The Roles of a Real Estate Agent in Property Acquisition
1. Market Knowledge
A good agent knows where opportunities exist, what prices are fair, and which areas are appreciating fast. They shorten the time it would take you to find land or property yourself.
2. Property Search and Matchmaking
Agents save you the stress of endless searching. Instead of knocking on random gates, they filter options that fit your budget, location, and purpose.
3. Negotiation Power
Agents understand seller psychology. They know when a seller is bluffing, when a price is inflated, and how to negotiate fairly.
4. Due Diligence Support
While lawyers and surveyors handle verification formally, agents often detect early red flags, like inconsistent land boundaries, family disputes, or suspiciously low prices.
5. Transaction Coordination
From inspection to final payment, agents coordinate the moving parts, lawyers, developers, surveyors, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
6. Advisory Role
A trustworthy agent guides you beyond the transaction, advising on resale potential, development suitability, and community growth trends.
Tip: Think of a real estate agent as part-guide, part-guard. They help you find the way and protect you from pitfalls.
Do You Really Need an Agent?
The answer depends on your circumstance.
Yes, you need one if you’re a first-time buyer, new to an area, or don’t have strong networks.
You may not need one if you’re buying from a trusted developer like Landnest with in-house sales reps.
You definitely need one if you’re dealing with traditional family lands or navigating competitive city markets like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
In short: agents are not always necessary, but they are often invaluable.
The Nigerian Reality: Agents vs “Middlemen”
In practice, many Nigerians avoid agents because of bad experiences with touts who parade as property experts. These “agents” may:
Collect multiple inspection fees without real listings
Inflate prices to pocket the difference
Sell land twice to different buyers
Disappear after collecting commission
This reality makes buyers suspicious. But avoiding agents entirely can also expose you to bigger risks like fraudulent sellers, hidden disputes, or bad deals.
Tip: Don’t just avoid agents, learn to filter the right ones.
5. Benefits of Using a Genuine Real Estate Agent
Time Saving: Instead of months of searching, you get options in days.
Access to Hidden Opportunities: Many properties never reach public listings. Agents unlock those.
Reduced Risk: With their networks, agents can detect fake sellers faster.
Better Deals: Good agents can negotiate discounts you may not get alone.
Stress Reduction: You focus on decision-making, not chasing paperwork.
6. Risks of Not Using an Agent
Overpaying: Without market knowledge, you may buy at inflated prices.
Fraud Exposure: Direct sellers may present fake documents.
Wasted Time: Searching alone is exhausting and costly.
Missed Due Diligence: You may overlook critical checks.
Emotional Pressure: Sellers can pressure inexperienced buyers without agent mediation.
The Cost of Working With an Agent
In Nigeria, standard agent commission ranges from 5–10% of the transaction value, though some charge inspection fees separately.
While some buyers see this as wasteful, consider:
A ₦15 million property with a ₦750,000 commission may save you from a ₦15 million fraud.
Time saved from months of searching often outweighs the commission.
Tip: Always agree on fees upfront in writing.
Do You Really Need an Agent?
The answer depends on your circumstance.
Yes, you need one if you’re a first-time buyer, new to an area, or don’t have strong networks.
You may not need one if you’re buying from a trusted developer like Landnest with in-house sales reps.
You definitely need one if you’re dealing with traditional family lands or navigating competitive city markets like Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
In short: agents are not always necessary, but they are often invaluable.
The Nigerian Reality: Agents vs “Middlemen”
In practice, many Nigerians avoid agents because of bad experiences with touts who parade as property experts. These “agents” may:
Collect multiple inspection fees without real listings
Inflate prices to pocket the difference
Sell land twice to different buyers
Disappear after collecting commission
This reality makes buyers suspicious. But avoiding agents entirely can also expose you to bigger risks like fraudulent sellers, hidden disputes, or bad deals.
Tip: Don’t just avoid agents, learn to filter the right ones.
5. Benefits of Using a Genuine Real Estate Agent
Time Saving: Instead of months of searching, you get options in days.
Access to Hidden Opportunities: Many properties never reach public listings. Agents unlock those.
Reduced Risk: With their networks, agents can detect fake sellers faster.
Better Deals: Good agents can negotiate discounts you may not get alone.
Stress Reduction: You focus on decision-making, not chasing paperwork.
6. Risks of Not Using an Agent
Overpaying: Without market knowledge, you may buy at inflated prices.
Fraud Exposure: Direct sellers may present fake documents.
Wasted Time: Searching alone is exhausting and costly.
Missed Due Diligence: You may overlook critical checks.
Emotional Pressure: Sellers can pressure inexperienced buyers without agent mediation.
The Cost of Working With an Agent
In Nigeria, standard agent commission ranges from 5–10% of the transaction value, though some charge inspection fees separately.
While some buyers see this as wasteful, consider:
A ₦15 million property with a ₦750,000 commission may save you from a ₦15 million fraud.
Time saved from months of searching often outweighs the commission.
Tip: Always agree on fees upfront in writing.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
Verify Credentials: Ask for registration with NIESV, REDAN, or other associations.
Check Track Record: Request references or past completed deals.
Transparency Test: Genuine agents disclose fees upfront and allow direct contact with property owners.
Network Strength: The more connected they are to developers and registries, the better.
Professionalism: Observe how they communicate. Are they rushing you? Are they vague?
When You Might Not Need an Agent
Buying directly from a reputable developer: Many real estate companies like Landnest have in-house staff.
Family inheritance or gift: If land is already in your family, you may only need surveyors and lawyers.
Small rural plots: In some villages, trusted community leaders can guide you better than agents.
Even in these cases, however, an agent can still add value if you’re not confident in negotiations.
The Balance: Do Agents Matter?
Yes. But what matters more is working with the right kind. A professional real estate agent:
Guides you through complexity
Shields you from fraud
Saves you time and money
Builds trust into the process
Skipping agents altogether may save you a small fee but could cost you everything.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
Verify Credentials: Ask for registration with NIESV, REDAN, or other associations.
Check Track Record: Request references or past completed deals.
Transparency Test: Genuine agents disclose fees upfront and allow direct contact with property owners.
Network Strength: The more connected they are to developers and registries, the better.
Professionalism: Observe how they communicate. Are they rushing you? Are they vague?
When You Might Not Need an Agent
Buying directly from a reputable developer: Many real estate companies like Landnest have in-house staff.
Family inheritance or gift: If land is already in your family, you may only need surveyors and lawyers.
Small rural plots: In some villages, trusted community leaders can guide you better than agents.
Even in these cases, however, an agent can still add value if you’re not confident in negotiations.
The Balance: Do Agents Matter?
Yes. But what matters more is working with the right kind. A professional real estate agent:
Guides you through complexity
Shields you from fraud
Saves you time and money
Builds trust into the process
Skipping agents altogether may save you a small fee but could cost you everything.
Final Thoughts
Real estate agents are like guides in a forest. The forest is full of treasures, but also traps. Without guidance, you risk getting lost or worse, falling into danger.
Do you really need one? For most Nigerians, especially first-time buyers or families in new areas, the answer is yes. The key is to choose wisely, verify carefully, and work with professionals, not opportunists.
At Landnest, we act as trusted guides. Our advisors combine market knowledge, verified documentation, and flexible plans to ensure every transaction is safe and smooth.
Final Thoughts
Real estate agents are like guides in a forest. The forest is full of treasures, but also traps. Without guidance, you risk getting lost or worse, falling into danger.
Do you really need one? For most Nigerians, especially first-time buyers or families in new areas, the answer is yes. The key is to choose wisely, verify carefully, and work with professionals, not opportunists.
At Landnest, we act as trusted guides. Our advisors combine market knowledge, verified documentation, and flexible plans to ensure every transaction is safe and smooth.
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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.