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When Temi got his first job in the UK, buying land at home in Lagos was one of the first things in his mind. Like many Nigerians in the Diaspora, he wants to invest in something real. Something that says, “This is mine.” But fear will be cheated, misled, or buy land with documents that are shaky holding it. He has heard the horror stories – land sold to five different people, family members take money and do not build anything, agents who disappear once the payment is made. Anxiety is real.
However, a few years later, Temi finally bought a plot of land on the outskirts of Ibeju-Lekki. He did it while still living abroad. There is no regret. Be careful steps and the right information.
If you want Buy land in lagos while living abroadTemi’s experience is proof that it is possible – and safe – if you know what you are doing. This guide guides you through realistic steps without hype.
Understand the landscape first
Lagos is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in Nigeria-Sibuk, continues to grow, and is full of opportunities and risks. Buying land here can be very useful, but also demands attention. The soil system in Lagos is very complex. There are land obtained by the government, committed land, family land, and exiled land. Each is equipped with its own story and a series of documents.
Even before you send money to anyone, take the time to understand the type of land available in Lagos. Talk to people who have bought land before. Read the story. Ask questions. Your first investment is not your money – that’s your knowledge.
Don’t rely on family alone
It is very tempting to say, “My uncle is there, he will handle it.” Or “My cousin knows someone.” But this can be risky. Families may mean good, but they are not always informed or equipped to deal with real estate problems. Some mean good but fall in love with the wrong agreement. Others take advantage of trust. The truth is, buying land must be treated as a professional transaction, not family assistance.
Instead of only relying on family, consider employing registered real estate companies or property consultants with verified track records. There are companies that specialize in helping Nigerians in the Diaspora Buy land in lagos while living abroad. They understand the nuances of long distance transactions and how to ensure your interest is protected even from thousands of miles away.
Get the right team
To buy land safely at Lagos while abroad, you need more than just a seller. You need a professional team.
Start with a credible real estate company. Search who offers verified property with clear documentation. Don’t just use the most striking ad on Instagram. Check their CAC registration, ask for previous client references, and talk to people who have worked with them before.
Next, rent a property lawyer. Not just any lawyer, but people who understand land law in Lagos. Lawyers must help you verify land documents, run checks in the land registry in Alausa, and compile your legal letter.
If you deal with survey plans, excision status, or land under the acquisition of government, your lawyer becomes more important. Lawyers act on your behalf, like your eyes and ears on the ground.
Don’t miss the soil verification
Land verification is a place where most people succeed or fail in real estate. Every land has history. Some land in disputes. Some have been sold several times. Some are still owned by the Lagos state government. If you miss verification, you can finally buy a problem transfer.
What should be verified?
- Land ownership status
- Whether the land is in the acquisition of government or has been exiled
- If there is a certificate of residential, gazette, or governor’s approval
- That the land is not in the court process
A good lawyer or real estate company will help you do this verification in the appropriate institution.
See land – even if you are abroad
Now, this may sound complicated, but seeing the soil does not always mean physically appearing. Thanks to technology, you can ask for video inspections. Many leading companies now offer direct video calls on the spot, recording of drones, and digital walk-through. You can also send someone you trust – preferred someone outside the family – to visit the land with the company.
Ask for a picture. Ask for coordinates. Use Google Earth to find the area. Make sure the land is completely there and not just “paper land.”
Payment and documentation
Once you are satisfied with verification and location, it’s time to talk about money. If you are abroad, payments must be made through formal channels. Never send cash to a third party account. Use your bank. Insist on receipts for each transaction. Every payment – whether for land, surveys, legal costs, or documentation – must be traced.
Documentation must include:
- Receipt of payment
- Sales contract or assignment deed
- Survey plan
- Any government documentation, if it applies
Your lawyer must guide you through this. Don’t pass any stage. These documents are what protects your ownership in the long run.
Register your land
After the land becomes yours, the next step is to register it with the Lagos state government. This process includes getting the Governor’s approval if the land already has a CO or register your assignment deed if not. This section can take time – lagos is not the fastest in processing land titles – but that is commensurate.
Once again, your lawyer can handle this process when you live abroad.
Build trust, but still involved
Even when you have found a good team, don’t disappear. Follow up. Ask for an update. Ask for a photo. Schedule video calls. Be part of the trip. The more you are involved, the less surprise.
Some buyers buy land and wait for years before doing anything with him, just to find other people have built it. You don’t want it. After you buy, the ground fence if possible. Or put a small sign with your name on it. That way, people know the land is owned and not abandoned.
What about installment packages?
If you are not ready to pay at once, there is a flexible payment option. Some verified plantation developers offer installment plans that are spread for months or even years. This is often more expensive than direct payments but can reduce pressure. Make sure you understand the terms and get everything in writing.
Last thought
To Buy land in lagos while living abroad no longer fantasy. With the right team, clear documentation, and digital tools, can be done smoothly and confidently. But it requires patience, complete test, and commitment to do things in the right way.
Temi now plans to build a small apartment on his land from abroad. He said the process was not as fast as he expected, but it was worthy of every step. Like Temi, you can also secure your portion in Lagos – not in a hurry or guess, but by making a steady and steady movement.
And remember, land is not just property. That’s a legacy. That house is waiting for you, wherever you are.
By: Dennis Isong
