How to Pick Land Based on Your Circumstances: A Guide for Families Starting Out
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
September 24, 2025
The Story of Emmanuel
Emmanuel stood in the shade of an almond tree on the edge of Ido, Ibadan. He had just welcomed his first child with his wife, Tolu. Life was shifting fast: rent in the city centre was consuming more than half his salary, and with diapers, hospital bills, and family responsibilities mounting, the dream of land ownership felt both urgent and overwhelming.
Should he stretch his savings to buy a plot in Oluyole Extension, closer to town? Or choose a larger, cheaper parcel in Akinyele, further out but more affordable? What mattered most? proximity, prestige, size, or price?
His story mirrors the questions thousands of Nigerians face daily. Land is not one-size-fits-all. What you choose depends on your season of life, your resources, and your vision. For Emmanuel and families like his, this guide offers clarity. These are some of the things to consider when picking a land:
The Story of Emmanuel
Emmanuel stood in the shade of an almond tree on the edge of Ido, Ibadan. He had just welcomed his first child with his wife, Tolu. Life was shifting fast: rent in the city centre was consuming more than half his salary, and with diapers, hospital bills, and family responsibilities mounting, the dream of land ownership felt both urgent and overwhelming.
Should he stretch his savings to buy a plot in Oluyole Extension, closer to town? Or choose a larger, cheaper parcel in Akinyele, further out but more affordable? What mattered most? proximity, prestige, size, or price?
His story mirrors the questions thousands of Nigerians face daily. Land is not one-size-fits-all. What you choose depends on your season of life, your resources, and your vision. For Emmanuel and families like his, this guide offers clarity. These are some of the things to consider when picking a land:
Understanding Circumstances: The Context Matters
Land has no emotion. It sits where it sits, waiting for people to define its purpose. But your own circumstances, financial, personal, professional, determines whether that land will be a blessing or a burden.
For a man starting life with a family, the main factors are:
Affordability: How much can you pay without starving other essentials?
Accessibility: Can your family commute with ease?
Security: Will your wife and children feel safe?
Documentation: Is the land genuine, free from disputes?
Future growth: Will the value of this plot increase over time?
Your answer to these questions frames your search.
Tip: Before inspecting any land, write down your three biggest priorities. Is it price, location, or future resale value? Rank them, and let that guide you.
Understanding Circumstances: The Context Matters
Land has no emotion. It sits where it sits, waiting for people to define its purpose. But your own circumstances, financial, personal, professional, determines whether that land will be a blessing or a burden.
For a man starting life with a family, the main factors are:
Affordability: How much can you pay without starving other essentials?
Accessibility: Can your family commute with ease?
Security: Will your wife and children feel safe?
Documentation: Is the land genuine, free from disputes?
Future growth: Will the value of this plot increase over time?
Your answer to these questions frames your search.
Tip: Before inspecting any land, write down your three biggest priorities. Is it price, location, or future resale value? Rank them, and let that guide you.
Budget: Start Where You Are
For Emmanuel, his combined savings and cooperative loan gave him about ₦1.5 million to invest. In central Ibadan, that sum would barely secure half a plot. But in Ido or Egbeda, it could purchase a full 500sqm plot at Morayo extension residence or Cedarnest with flexible payment plans with Landnest Homes and Properties.
This is the first reality check: your budget determines your entry point.
With ₦1m–₦2m, you’re often looking at emerging suburbs.
With ₦3m–₦5m, you can begin to consider semi-urban locations with better access roads.
With ₦6m+, you can target prime, serviced estates within the city centre.
The temptation for many families is to over-stretch. But land is a long game. Buying smaller or further today doesn’t mean you won’t upgrade tomorrow.
Tip: Never empty your entire savings for land. Keep at least 20% aside for emergencies. life doesn’t pause for property.
Budget: Start Where You Are
For Emmanuel, his combined savings and cooperative loan gave him about ₦1.5 million to invest. In central Ibadan, that sum would barely secure half a plot. But in Ido or Egbeda, it could purchase a full 500sqm plot at Morayo extension residence or Cedarnest with flexible payment plans with Landnest Homes and Properties.
This is the first reality check: your budget determines your entry point.
With ₦1m–₦2m, you’re often looking at emerging suburbs.
With ₦3m–₦5m, you can begin to consider semi-urban locations with better access roads.
With ₦6m+, you can target prime, serviced estates within the city centre.
The temptation for many families is to over-stretch. But land is a long game. Buying smaller or further today doesn’t mean you won’t upgrade tomorrow.
Tip: Never empty your entire savings for land. Keep at least 20% aside for emergencies. life doesn’t pause for property.
Location: Today’s Commute vs Tomorrow’s Growth
Emmanuel’s job was in Dugbe. His wife’s tailoring shop was near Bodija. Living in Moniya would mean longer commutes, but land there is affordable and near the railway corridor, promising appreciation.
This is the tug-of-war:
City centre plots are closer to work, but expensive.
Outskirts plots are cheaper, but mean longer travel, until infrastructure catches up.
The key is to weigh short-term sacrifice against long-term gain.
Many smart buyers compromise by:
Renting closer to town for now
Buying land in suburbs for the future
This way, they endure commuting today but enjoy capital growth tomorrow.
Tip: Look for locations tied to infrastructure projects like rail lines, expressways, bridges. Where roads go, value follows.
Location: Today’s Commute vs Tomorrow’s Growth
Emmanuel’s job was in Dugbe. His wife’s tailoring shop was near Bodija. Living in Moniya would mean longer commutes, but land there is affordable and near the railway corridor, promising appreciation.
This is the tug-of-war:
City centre plots are closer to work, but expensive.
Outskirts plots are cheaper, but mean longer travel, until infrastructure catches up.
The key is to weigh short-term sacrifice against long-term gain.
Many smart buyers compromise by:
Renting closer to town for now
Buying land in suburbs for the future
This way, they endure commuting today but enjoy capital growth tomorrow.
Tip: Look for locations tied to infrastructure projects like rail lines, expressways, bridges. Where roads go, value follows.
Family Needs: Space and Environment
With a new baby, Emmanuel and Tolu dreamed of a house with a small garden, a safe street, and room for expansion. This dream ruled out cramped half-plots in congested city zones.
For young families, consider:
Size: A full plot (500sqm) allows for a 3-bedroom home, parking, and garden.
Neighbourhood: Look for communities with schools, clinics, and water access.
Safety: Ask about flood zones, crime, and estate security.
Tip: Visit at least twice, once in dry season, once in rainy season. Flooding can turn a “perfect plot” into a nightmare.
Documentation: Don’t Gamble With Your Future
Emmanuel almost rushed into buying a cheap plot in Egbeda, until he discovered it lacked survey and excision. Many families fall prey to this trap.
Every land buyer must verify:
Survey plan (to confirm size and boundaries)
Excision/Certificate of Occupancy (to prove government recognition)
Deed of Assignment (to transfer ownership)
Without these, you’re just going to be buying a future land dispute.
Tip: Always work with registered surveyors and lawyers, or buy from reputable developers with allocation documents.
Lifestyle Vision: Know Where You’re Headed
Some men buy land purely to resell. Others, like Emmanuel, want a family home. The purpose matters:
Investment land can be on the outskirts where it’s cheaper, bigger, held for appreciation.
Residential land should be closer to amenities, even if smaller.
Hybrid land can start as investment but later host rental units or student housing.
Tip: Don’t buy because “everyone is buying there.” Buy because the land fits your family’s vision.
Flexible Payment: A Young Family’s Best Friend
With baby expenses, Emmanuel couldn’t drop ₦1.5m at once. But landnest offered ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 in initial deposit, and the balance spread over 6 months without interest.
Payment flexibility can make land ownership possible without crippling your finances. Look for companies like Landnest that:
Accept installments
Offer 3–12 month plans
Provide allocation after full payment
Tip: Avoid informal sellers who demand “full payment now.” Structured developers are safer.
Emotional Balance: Don’t Rush
Fear of missing out drives many bad land deals. Emmanuel’s colleague boasted of buying in Lekki, making him feel behind. But every journey is unique.
Buying land is not a race. It’s a legacy decision. Balance urgency with patience.
Tip: Walk away from deals that feel pressured. The right plot will align with peace, not panic.
What Happens After Purchase?
Land ownership doesn’t end at allocation. Young families should:
Fence to secure property
Keep documents safe
Pay land use charges when due
Monitor surrounding development
The goal is to transition from “land” to “home” when finances align.
Emmanuel’s Choice
After weeks of prayer, inspection, and research, Emmanuel chose a plot in Akinyele, close to the railway. It was not as glamorous as Oluyole, but it fit his budget, gave room for growth, and held promise for the future.
Tolu smiled as they held their allocation papers. For them, this was the soil where their family tree would grow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing land as a young family is about aligning vision with reality. Budget, location, documentation, and lifestyle needs all play their part.
The lesson from Emmanuel’s journey is clear: don’t let pressure or comparison lead you astray. Buy what fits your season, and trust that value grows with time.
Land is patient. Your family’s future deserves that patience too.
At Landnest, we help families like Emmanuel’s choose wisely. From emerging suburbs to smart estates, our documented plots come with flexible plans and trusted guidance.
Send “FAMILY” via WhatsApp to speak with a Landnest advisor about the best land options for your season.
Family Needs: Space and Environment
With a new baby, Emmanuel and Tolu dreamed of a house with a small garden, a safe street, and room for expansion. This dream ruled out cramped half-plots in congested city zones.
For young families, consider:
Size: A full plot (500sqm) allows for a 3-bedroom home, parking, and garden.
Neighbourhood: Look for communities with schools, clinics, and water access.
Safety: Ask about flood zones, crime, and estate security.
Tip: Visit at least twice, once in dry season, once in rainy season. Flooding can turn a “perfect plot” into a nightmare.
Documentation: Don’t Gamble With Your Future
Emmanuel almost rushed into buying a cheap plot in Egbeda, until he discovered it lacked survey and excision. Many families fall prey to this trap.
Every land buyer must verify:
Survey plan (to confirm size and boundaries)
Excision/Certificate of Occupancy (to prove government recognition)
Deed of Assignment (to transfer ownership)
Without these, you’re just going to be buying a future land dispute.
Tip: Always work with registered surveyors and lawyers, or buy from reputable developers with allocation documents.
Lifestyle Vision: Know Where You’re Headed
Some men buy land purely to resell. Others, like Emmanuel, want a family home. The purpose matters:
Investment land can be on the outskirts where it’s cheaper, bigger, held for appreciation.
Residential land should be closer to amenities, even if smaller.
Hybrid land can start as investment but later host rental units or student housing.
Tip: Don’t buy because “everyone is buying there.” Buy because the land fits your family’s vision.
Flexible Payment: A Young Family’s Best Friend
With baby expenses, Emmanuel couldn’t drop ₦1.5m at once. But landnest offered ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 in initial deposit, and the balance spread over 6 months without interest.
Payment flexibility can make land ownership possible without crippling your finances. Look for companies like Landnest that:
Accept installments
Offer 3–12 month plans
Provide allocation after full payment
Tip: Avoid informal sellers who demand “full payment now.” Structured developers are safer.
Emotional Balance: Don’t Rush
Fear of missing out drives many bad land deals. Emmanuel’s colleague boasted of buying in Lekki, making him feel behind. But every journey is unique.
Buying land is not a race. It’s a legacy decision. Balance urgency with patience.
Tip: Walk away from deals that feel pressured. The right plot will align with peace, not panic.
What Happens After Purchase?
Land ownership doesn’t end at allocation. Young families should:
Fence to secure property
Keep documents safe
Pay land use charges when due
Monitor surrounding development
The goal is to transition from “land” to “home” when finances align.
Emmanuel’s Choice
After weeks of prayer, inspection, and research, Emmanuel chose a plot in Akinyele, close to the railway. It was not as glamorous as Oluyole, but it fit his budget, gave room for growth, and held promise for the future.
Tolu smiled as they held their allocation papers. For them, this was the soil where their family tree would grow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing land as a young family is about aligning vision with reality. Budget, location, documentation, and lifestyle needs all play their part.
The lesson from Emmanuel’s journey is clear: don’t let pressure or comparison lead you astray. Buy what fits your season, and trust that value grows with time.
Land is patient. Your family’s future deserves that patience too.
At Landnest, we help families like Emmanuel’s choose wisely. From emerging suburbs to smart estates, our documented plots come with flexible plans and trusted guidance.
Send “FAMILY” via WhatsApp to speak with a Landnest advisor about the best land options for your season.
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.