Diaspora Guide: How to Buy Property in Nigeria with Confidence For many Nigerians living abroad, buying property back home represents an opportunity to build long-term wealth, secure a future residence or create an additional source of income. However, managing a property transaction from another country can be challenging when you cannot easily visit the site, meet the seller or inspect the documentation in person. Distance makes proper verification even more important. Attractive photographs, persuasive sales messages, and promises of rapid appreciation aren’t enough to prove a property is legitimate or suited to your investment goals. Before sending a single dollar, pound or euro home, take time to verify the seller, investigate the property, understand the transaction terms and obtain independent professional advice. Here is a practical checklist to help diaspora buyers invest in property in Nigeria more safely. 1. Verify the Seller’s Identity and Authority One of the first steps is confirming who is selling the property and whether that person or organisation has the legal authority to do so. Do not rely solely on a social media profile, business card, website or WhatsApp conversation. Before proceeding: Request the seller’s full identity and relevant business details. Establish whether the seller is the owner, an authorised representative or a property developer. If an agent is involved, independently confirm their relationship with the owner. Request evidence of the seller’s authority to sell the specific property. Be cautious if the seller pressures you to pay immediately. Where a company is involved, independently verify its registration details through the appropriate official channels. Remember that company registration alone does not prove ownership of a particular property. 2. Request and Independently Verify the Property Documents Property documentation is a critical part of the buying process. However, receiving a document is not the same as confirming that it is genuine, valid or sufficient for the transaction. Depending on the property and its location, documents may include a Certificate of Occupancy, a registered deed, a survey plan, a Governor’s Consent where applicable, or other relevant title and transaction records. The documents required will depend on the property’s ownership history and legal circumstances. Before committing funds: Request copies of the available title documents. Engage an independent Nigerian property lawyer to review them. Verify the relevant title records with the appropriate land registry or government authority. Check for possible competing claims, encumbrances, acquisition issues or restrictions. Confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer the interest being offered. Avoid relying exclusively on documents supplied by the seller or on assurances that verification can be completed after payment. 3. Arrange an Independent Property Inspection Buying from abroad does not mean you must rely entirely on the seller’s photographs or videos. Arrange a physical inspection through a trusted representative who is acting in your interest. Where appropriate, engage a qualified surveyor or other relevant professional to assess the property. During the inspection, confirm: The property’s actual location and boundaries. Whether the plot or building matches the information provided. Access roads and surrounding development. Drainage, flood exposure and visible environmental concerns. Existing utilities and infrastructure. Whether the property appears occupied or subject to a dispute. For land purchases, ensure that the plot being offered can be identified accurately on the ground and reconciled with the relevant survey and documentation. A virtual tour can help you understand the property, but it should not replace independent verification. 4. Confirm the Total Cost Before Sending Money The advertised price may not represent the full amount required to complete a purchase. Ask for a written breakdown of the total acquisition cost, including applicable legal fees, documentation charges, taxes, agency fees, survey costs and any estate or infrastructure charges. If the property is being sold under a payment plan, request clear written terms covering: The initial deposit. Instalment amounts and due dates. The consequences of late or missed payments. Refund and cancellation conditions. The timing of allocation and documentation. Any additional charges that may arise. Make sure you understand the payment arrangement before signing or transferring funds. If the terms are unclear, ask your lawyer for clarification before proceeding. 5. Use Traceable Payment Channels Payment security is especially important when the buyer and seller are in different countries. Avoid sending substantial sums to personal accounts without independently confirming the recipient’s authority and the reason for the payment. Before transferring funds: Confirm the recipient’s identity and payment instructions independently. Ensure the payment arrangement matches the written agreement. Use a traceable payment method through an appropriate financial institution. Keep transfer confirmations, receipts and correspondence. Confirm in writing how each payment will be acknowledged and recorded. Be cautious if the recipient suddenly changes bank details, requests payment to an unrelated third party, or insists on an urgent transfer before you complete verification. Never assume that a payment receipt, by itself, establishes ownership of the property. 6. Confirm Allocation and Completion Documents For land purchases, payment should not end your verification process. Understand exactly what you are purchasing and what evidence you should receive at each stage of the transaction. Where applicable, confirm the plot allocation, boundaries, transaction documents and any remaining steps required to perfect or register the relevant interest. For completed buildings, clarify what documents establish the transaction and what additional approvals or records are required. Ask your lawyer to explain which documents should be provided immediately, which require further processing and what obligations remain outstanding. Keep secure copies of all agreements, receipts, title documents, inspection reports and official correspondence. 7. Investigate the Location and Investment Potential A property can have genuine documentation and still be a poor investment for your needs. Before buying, evaluate the location independently. Consider accessibility, infrastructure, local demand, environmental conditions and the property’s suitability for your intended use. If you plan to rent it out, research achievable rental income, vacancy risk, management expenses and maintenance costs. If you intend to build, investigate planning requirements, development costs and the availability of essential infrastructure. Do not rely solely on projected appreciation or promises that