Is real estate a good investment for Nigerians in the long run?

Is Real Estate a Good Investment for Nigerians in the Long Run?

Is real estate a good investment for Nigerians in the long run? This is a question on the lips of many Nigerians in recent times due to the anomalies in the industry and the atrocities being committed by the players in the industry.

The truth is Nigeria is in one of its most challenging economic eras — high inflation, currency volatility, insecurity and unreliable savings returns.

That’s why more young professionals, students, and diaspora Nigerians are turning to real estate.

They don’t just want an investment but to secure their money against future uncertainties.

But there is the unpopular opinion that land appreciation only happens in places like Lagos or Abuja or Portharcourt. Is this true or is it happening across Nigeria?

This post explores how real estate has grown nationwide — and how you can spot the next profitable city, even with limited capital.

 

Is Real Estate a Good Investment for Nigerians in the Long Run? See Nationwide Growth in Real Estate

From Kano to Enugu, Ilorin to Kuje, and beyond, real estate in Nigeria has shown strong upward movement — not just in pricing, but in infrastructure, demand, and population value.

Let’s look at key regions and the developments that drove their growth.

Kano (Northwest Nigeria)

Neighbourhoods like Hotoro, Sabon Gari, and Nassarawa GRA were once “outskirt towns”.

But they’ve grown in estate development, commerce, and road upgrades over the years. This is due to key factors such as:

  • Expansion of private schools and medical centers
  • Proximity to industrial corridors and GRA upgrades
  • Gradual recovery after security problems around 2018 - 2021

FCT Satellite Towns (Kubwa, Kuje, Gwagwalada)

Abuja’s cost of living pushed many middle-class families out of the central city. They moved to places like Kubwa and Kuje.

With time, these locations increased in land value due to specific factors such as:

  • Civil service migration
  • Widened expressways & mass housing projects
  • Nearby educational institutions and rail infrastructure

Idu, in particular, is now an industrial hub because of the Abuja Metro Rail, dry ports, and proximity to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport corridor.

Ilorin (Kwara State)

While Ilorin’s growth is quiet and not as big as most cities in Nigeria, smart investors have seen how locations like Asa Dam, Ganmo, and Fate have developed over time.

This is because of key drivers such as:

  • University and polytechnic expansions
  • Government relocation incentives for civil servants
  • Roadworks and estate layout approval

Kaduna

Southern Kaduna, Sabon Tasha, Romi, and environs have become so big now, thanks to government spending and NGO projects.

 

Other key factors that contributed to its growth are 

  • Road expansion, and 
  • Population growth, especially with Abuja-Kaduna commuters settling in.

When I talk to people, especially young folks (Gen Z) about real estate, their response is, is real estate a good investment for Nigerians? We're talking about Crypto, Forex, you're talking about real estate.

From the breakdown above, you can see that real estate is not an asset class to ignore.

Lessons from Past Real Estate Booms

If you study all the examples I made above, you will notice a common pattern:

Infrastructure → Population Growth → Increase in Demand → Price Explosion

Let’s apply this to 3 cities:

1. Ibeju-Lekki

This place was once considered a remote swampland. Within a few years, it exploded big time thanks to these factors:

  • The construction of the Lekki-Epe Expressway
  • Private and public projects like Dangote Refinery, Free Trade Zone, Deep Seaport, and Alaro City have been launched
  • Unveiling of proposed plans for the Lekki Airport, Coastal Highway, and Green Line Rail

2. Epe

Epe was once known to be a fishing village in the backyards of Lagos. But everything changed when:

  • The Lekki-Epe Road was upgraded in 2017
  • Retail and logistics businesses followed
  • Schools, banks, and estates moved in
  • Population and transport hubs created new value

Now, the Fourth Mainland Bridge has been proposed. It brings even more value to the land in Epe as it’d directly link the island to the Lagos Mainland, helping commuters skip the stress of using only the Lekki-Epe Road.

The real estate growth in Epe silenced a lot of critics who ask the question, is real estate a good investment for Nigerians?

3. Ikorodu

This was a forgotten “Lagos backyard” that became an industrial, commercial, and residential asset faster than anyone could have imagined. I remember when I was younger and people spoke about this place- you’d think it was a forest next to Sagamu. 

But it became a big deal all because:

  • The Lagos-Ikorodu Road was repaired and expanded 
  • The Ikorodu-Sagamu Highway was also upgraded 
  • The location allowed direct access to Lagos for Sagamu dwellers

This not only brings lots of families, but it also brings companies with their offices and manufacturing plants. All of these brought about the Odogunyan Industrial Estate, the Lagos Rice Mill, and the Dangote Plant, which created jobs, increased the number of tenants, and created long-term housing needs.

Read Also: What is the Future of Real Estate in Nigeria

The Drivers Behind Long-Term Growth

From everything you have read so far, it is very obvious that you must look out for 3 major things if you want the best out of your real estate investment in Nigeria:

1. Urban Migration

People follow opportunity. 

Look at cities like Abuja, Benin, and Ilorin. They all grew because of universities, ministries, or industrial expansion.

If you want to invest, I’d advise you to watch for where new jobs and infrastructure go. And follow fast!

2. Major Infrastructural Projects

Whenever you see the government planning roads, airports, railways, and seaports, just know that the land around those places will soon become hot cakes!

Look at these examples again:

  • Lekki-Epe Expressway (Epe)
  • Ijebu-Sekungba Highway (Omu-Ketu)
  • Ibadan-Eruwa Expressway (Ido)
  • Abuja Metro Rail (Idu)

I hope you can see this pattern. Anywhere development surrounds migration or even a small population, just know that there will be an increase in value very soon.

The best decision you can make in that case is to buy earlier so you can get the most returns later.

3. Public-Private Partnerships & Industrial Projects

Sometimes, it’s not only the government that makes areas boom- private projects also do!

Examples:

But don’t stop there. Also, look out for government/private initiatives that are geared towards urban growth. A close example is the recent Family Homes Funds Ltd- a joint-venture housing project that will run in 12+ states.

 

NOTE: Real Estate is No Longer Just for the Wealthy

Before now in Nigeria, only the wealthy could really afford real estate. As such, the average-earning person could find it very hard to buy land in a place that has the capacity to appreciate quickly.

But today, real estate developers now offer different packages that allow you to invest in promising areas without breaking the bank. Some of them include:

  • Flexible installment plans
  • Entry points as low as ₦100 - ₦300k deposit
  • Verified plots in places like Ido (Ibadan), Osongama (Uyo), Omu-Ketu (Ogun), Gwagwalada (FCT), and Benin suburbs

Because of this, young professionals and Nigerians in diaspora can now build wealth consistently with real estate- without heavy capital.

 

4 Smart Things You Must Know Before Buying Land

  1. Always verify documents: Look out for C of O, survey plans, or deed.
  2. Buy ahead of growth: Don’t wait for prices to go up before you buy!
  3. Work with registered developers: Many land deals are too good to be true. No land agent in Epe will sell a plot for less than ₦1.5 million. Avoid cheap scams.
  4. Avoid emotional hype: While real estate is great, doing your research is better. Don’t just follow the hype, research the hype!

Real Also: 14 Mistakes to Avoid as a Real Estate Investor in Nigeria

So, is real estate investment a good investment for Nigerians in the long run?

The answer is YES.

With the way real estate has proved to have created wealth for many in the past, it's certain the future is even brighter.

For example, in 2023, real estate outgrew crude petroleum and natural gas, financial institutions, beverages, food, and tobacco and other services

That's is a huge sign that real estate is a dependable asset class.

 

Now, What Do You DO?

You’ve seen everything

  • What has made money for people who bought a long time ago
  • What is making money now for smart investors
  • What can make money for you, too

You’ve seen how land transforms once projects, people, and companies come to a place.

So what do you do next?

1. Re-read this guide and pick a growth location

2. Kick out every doubt or distraction from your mind. This can be things like 

  • “My salary will not be okay.”
  • “I need to tell my mummy first.”
  • “I’m waiting for my big career break”.

3. Start researching trusted developers or estate projects
4. DM @possilaproperties on Instagram with any questions you may have

 

All of Nigeria is yours for the taking. Make a decision today and start building a financial future you will surely love!

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

How Can I Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria?

In this article, I'll show you how to invest in real estate in Nigeria and why you should.

In Q4 2023, Nigeria's real estate made up 6.06% of the country’s GDP. In that quarter alone, real estate beat industries like crude petroleum and natural gas, food and beverages, construction, and even financial institutions!  

This makes real estate one of the most valuable non-oil sectors to invest in Nigeria today!

But despite the massive financial returns that real estate actively offers, many people see it as an industry that cannot be entered!

The truth is: REAL ESTATE INVESTING IS EASY. 

Because of social media, it looks very expensive on the outside. But if you look at the basics, it is simple and accessible to practically everybody.

You don’t need to be a millionaire. You don’t need to be the son or daughter of a millionaire. You just need to see how you can tweak the process to work for you!

Step 1: Understand the Nigerian Real Estate Landscape

The first thing you need to know is that there are different types of real estate investments you can start with today. These include:

  • Land Banking involves buying land and keeping it to gain interest so you can sell it later or develop it into a commercial or residential property.
  • Residential Buildings: These are buildings that you construct so you can get rent from private individuals or families. 

Sometimes, you may also choose to build the residential property and just sell it to someone who can manage it better than you.

  • Commercial Properties: These are shops, warehouses, shopping complexes, and office spaces that you develop to rent out to companies and businesses. 

The lease on this kind of property is usually longer, some lasting between 3 to 10 years, especially if you are dealing with a big business.

  • Short-let apartments: Short-lets are just as their name sounds. They are apartments that are rented for a very short stay, usually between 1 day to 6 months, depending on the agreement you make with the occupant. 

Short-lets are very profitable because they often offer a higher rent when you compare the total in contrast to a one-year lease.

However, short-lets only work best in cities that have many visitors as well as a young population, like Lagos and Abuja.

 

If you’re just starting, land banking is often the safest and most flexible route to invest in real estate in Nigeria. 

It involves buying affordable land now in areas expected to grow and holding it for appreciation or development.

Read more about the 7 Types of Real Estate Investment in Nigeria.

 

Step 2: Define Your Investment Goal Before You Invest In Real Estate In Nigeria

Before you put money down to invest in real estate in Nigeria, you must map out your goals for investing first. Here are some simple questions that will help you choose the type of real estate to buy and how much you should spend eventually…

  • Do I want to build a home for my family, or do I want to make money from rent and grow capital that way?
  • How soon do I need returns? Is it 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or more?
  • How much risk can I take? What amount of money can I invest per time? Am I a high spender and low investor? How much can my bank lend me? And how fast can I refund them?
  • What is my tolerance level? Am I patient enough to watch a building grow from foundation to roofing? Can I manage tenants?

For example:

  • A Nigerian in diaspora looking for long-term security may prefer land banking in Omu-Ketu, Gwagwalada, Asaba, Ibadan, or Epe.
  • A tech professional in Abuja might invest in a rental unit in a high-demand neighborhood in Lagos or Abuja.

Clear goals help you filter thousands of “hot” offers and focus on what aligns with your financial plans.

This way, you will not fall for scam deals that some people peddle to woo unsuspecting buyers. 

 

Step 3: Set Your Budget and Funding Strategy

Let me say this again: REAL ESTATE IS NOT EXPENSIVE! 

You don’t need ₦10 million to begin. 

You don’t even need ₦5 million.

Let me show you an example: If you bought a plot of land in Epe in 2022 for less than 2 million back then, you will be able to sell it today (June 2025) for up to 6 million! 

With just ₦350,000–₦1,000,000, you can secure a plot in growing areas outside major cities in Nigeria.

For Lagos, Omu-Ketu is a fast-developing area on the outskirts

For Abuja, look to Nassarawa

For Ibadan, Ido is a great option

But you may ask… how can I fund my real estate investment?

Ways to fund your investment:

  • Use your savings: Simply put money together in an account and lock it everytime you top it up. Make your target be clearly written out: TO BECOME A LAND OWNER BY DECEMBER 24TH!
  • Investment clubs or co-ops: This is how most Nigerian parents buy their land today. They simply joined a cooperative and started paying for land in bits. Sometimes, they don’t even know when they have bought 3 plots.

So, you can find and join a real estate cooperative, too.

  • Real Estate Instalment Plans: This is what I always suggest to new investors. Real estate saving plans allow you to invest in real estate in Nigeria by “saving” your money. You pay in instalments, and when your payment is done, you get your land and the document.

At Possila, we have been running this plan for many years, and it has been used by professionals in Nigeria, workers and students abroad, as well as students and freelancers in Nigerian universities.

Visit our Instagram page to get  land banking services on at a glance land banking.

But when you invest in real estate in Nigeria, there are certain costs you must look out for. Sometimes, your purchase price is just the first among the many things you will have to pay for.

Here are some hidden costs to watch out for:

  • Survey plans
  • Legal fees
  • Development levies
  • Documentation (like C of O)

This is why we usually subsidize our customers’ spending on land by giving them their Deed of Assignment for free.

If you want to know more about which land document you should spend on first, read this article. I talked all about land documents according to their level of importance. 

Read Also: The Complete Guide to Real Estate Investing for Beginners in Nigeria

 

Step 4: Research Locations and Real Estate Companies

After you discover the type of real estate you want to go into, you should start looking for a place to buy. 

Here is a smart 4-way formula you can use when looking for a location for real estate investment:

  1. Look out for government projects
  2. See if the area is accessible by road
  3. Look out for general development like new houses and hotels 
  4. Increase in population

But if you are looking for a developer or marketer, here are some factors you should look out for:

  • Ask for the company’s RC numbers and past transactions.
  • Look out for online reviews and social proof.
  • Insist on getting documentation immediately after payment.
  • Schedule site inspections (do video inspections or send a lawyer, if you are abroad).

Step 5: Understand the Legal Process and Documentation

If you want to buy land or property in Nigeria, you need paperwork and caution. The documents are important, but you must be careful in getting them together.

Here are the top 5 key documents you need when buying land or buildings in Nigeria today:

  • Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

This document is issued by the state government. It legally confirms land ownership; the state no longer owns the land. As a result, ownership is transferred to the new buyer by the state governor for a specific period, typically 99 years.

  • Deed of Assignment

The Deed of Assignment is probably the most important document you could strive for. This is because it is the only document that transfers title from the seller to the buyer, confirming the sale of the property.

  • Survey Plan

This outlines the property’s coordinates (locations), size, and boundaries, ensuring it aligns with government-approved layouts. It is usually submitted to the Surveyor General in the state where the land or the property is located.

  • Governor’s Consent

Many people think that this automatically comes with a C of O. No. The Governor’s Consent is required for property resale with a C of O. It is the state’s acknowledgement of the transfer of transfer of ownership.

  • Deed of Lease

This is similar to a deed of assignment for leased properties. It clearly defines the terms and conditions of property use between the owner and the tenant.

 

When it comes to land documentation, here are some red flags you need to look out for:

  • Land under government acquisition: This kind of land is reserved for government projects such as railways, public schools, hospitals, and other government uses. 

If you buy this kind of land, you can never lay claim to it successfully. It belongs to the government and cannot be transferred to an individual for private use.

 

  • Sellers without verified documents: If someone tried to sell land to you without documentation, run! Don’t transact with them.

IF you buy this kind of land or property, you can lose it if someone with authentic documentation comes along.

All they need to show is that they have legal ownership. You can’t fight them. You will just have to let go.

  • No physical allocation even after full payment: If you pay for land or property completely and your land is not given to you immediately, this is a big red flag. 

Ask for your refund and walk away fast.

The problem here is that they may be trying to allocate land that belongs to someone else already to you.

In that case, someone can come and lay claim to that land or property, no matter how long you have spent on it!

 

Read Also: 14 Mistakes to Avoid as a Real Estate Investor in Nigeria

 

Step 6: Make the Purchase and Track Your Investment

The last thing is to BUY. But when you are doing so, ensure you do these 4 things:

  • Pay through official channels (bank transfers, company accounts only). Don’t pay to an individual account except if you can confirm that the person represents a family 
  • Request a receipt
  • If it’s land, push for immediate allocation and fencing to secure it
  • If it’s a built property, consider hiring a property manager to take care of it for you

Bonus Tips for Nigerians in Diaspora

You don’t have to wait until you’re “back home” before you invest. Many Nigerians in the UK, US, and Canada are now investing via verified real estate companies that are ready to get you virtual inspections.

 

Avoid sending money to family members to “help you buy” — unless they’re professionals in real estate.

Conclusion: To Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria, Start Smart, Grow Steady

Nigerian real estate is no longer reserved for high-end earners. 

Anybody can start with as little as 350,000 and get their property in 3 - 12 months of instalment payments.

Whether you work here in Nigeria or abroad, you can make your money start working for you right now.

Reach out to us today to get top industry advice on the best places to invest in real estate in Nigeria today! 

Note again: You don’t have to start BIG. Just start!

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

Which Real Estate Makes the Most Money in Nigeria?

I have seen people complain that they are not just making enough money from their real estate investment.

There are many reasons for this, but the main thing is that they did not invest in the type of real estate that makes the most money in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s real estate market is unique because it is growing faster than the systems that sustain it. This means there are loopholes you can access to make money.

But only a few loopholes lead to real and lasting profit.

In this article, I will show you

  • 6 real estate investments you can do to make the most money in Nigeria
  • How to jump from liquid to profitable in Nigerian real estate
  • What you can do to start these investments

 

1. Development Projects: Big Risk, High Reward

When you see real estate companies buy barren land and build apartments on it, that is what a real estate cash cow looks like. These properties they develop will eventually sell for millions!

Imagine buying a 600 sqm plot of land in Ajah for ₦30M and building 4 duplexes on it at ₦30M each!

Altogether, you’d have spent ₦ 150 M. If you sell each of these properties at ₦70M, you’d make a whooping profit of ₦130M!

Why is Development a Great Investment?

  • You can add value by turning land into livable property.
  • The demand for housing is always increasing in Nigeria.
  • Multiple construction allows you to sell in bulk and get bulk returns

However, real estate development is best for investors with high capital. But if you cannot afford this deal by yourself, you can engage in Joint Ventures with landowners and other property developers to pool resources and get lasting results.

 

Read Also: Proven Step-by-Step Method to Invest in Nigerian Real Estate

 

2. Luxury Real Estate: The Niche That Pays Big

One thing surprises me about Nigeria today… Despite having one of the worst economic phases in the history of the country, the luxury market is booming! There has been a steady rise of high-brow areas like Ikoyi, Banana Island, Lekki Phase 1, Asokoro, and Maitama.

Some of these high-end properties can bring in returns of ₦15M–₦30M/year. And some of these sell for as high as ₦200M and above!

What Makes Luxury Real Estate Profitable?

  • It offers a high profit margin for every sale
  • It appreciates faster in resale value because of its scarcity
  • Because of its location, it attracts more corporate and high-paying tenants

However, just like real estate development in Nigeria, luxury apartments require a very high entry cost. They are also costlier to maintain!

Also, if you want to build a luxury property in Nigeria, you must be ready to refine the building to the highest taste and brand your company as a respectable luxury front. 

Lastly, you can never work alone on luxury real estate. You must have strong networks that will show you what to do, how to do it, and also add to your capital!

Here are some of the leading luxury real estate companies in Nigeria today. 

  • Sujimoto
  • Luxury Redwood
  • Lekki Luxury Homes

Please, note that this is not an endorsement for any of them. Kindly do your due diligence before patronizing any of them.

 

3. Short-Let Rentals (Airbnb Style)

These are Airbnb-style apartments that you mostly find in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. These apartments have witnessed an explosion in demand, mostly because of an increase in weekend stays, relocations, and business travel.

Imagine charging ₦50,000 per night for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lekki. That’s ₦1.5M/month at full-month occupancy.

And yes, some people occupy these kinds of properties because they get a better feeling of control and comfort than a hotel.

How Do Shortlets Make Money?

  • Offers a higher income than traditional rent
  • The daily and weekly payment structure allows for more profit flow
  • It is easily scalable with multiple units 

There are two big challenges with this short-let rental style:

  • It is costlier to manage and maintain
  • You need to add an extra touch of hospitality, which standard rentals don’t require

 

4. Commercial Real Estate: Consistent Cash Flow

This is another very profitable real estate investment channel. You can rent out office spaces, event centres, warehouses, and shops to get recurring rent.

One of the most attractive facts about commercial real estate is that you need less emotional management compared to managing residential tenants, who can be more difficult.

Some warehouses near Mile 2 or Apapa lease for ₦5M–₦10M/year, depending on size and access.

Why Commercial Real Estate Makes Money

  • Longer lease terms (often 3–5 years)
  • Lower maintenance needs than housing
  • Tenants tend to default less because they are corporate tenants.

Just like the other real estate types on this list, this form of real estate also requires high capital input. So, if you don't have enough capital base, you should partner with people who do.

Also, a commercial real estate property is only suited for high-demand commercial zones. For instance, a warehouse in Ikorodu may not be a good investment, but an office space in central Abule-Egba or Ogba will be a wise one!

 

5. Land Banking: Quietly Building Wealth

This is where most Nigerians can start, especially if you’re working with lower capital.

Land banking is simply buying land in undeveloped or semi-developed areas and waiting for the area to develop fully, then selling at a premium price. Some buyers also develop properties on their land later.

For instance, plots in Epe were selling for ₦500K in 2020. Today? ₦3M and rising — thanks to the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the planned new airport, and other government projects like the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Why is Land Banking Profitable?

  • It requires little maintenance.
  • Land is always appreciating.
  • Can bring you up to 400–800% return in 5–10 years

Pro Tip: Look for land with good titles and buy before road or other projects begin. This is where true ROI hides.

 

Read Also: Secrets You Should Know Before You Buy Land in Lagos

6. Real Estate + OPM (Other People’s Money)

One secret weapon real estate millionaires use to grow in real estate is leverage — using other people’s money to invest.

You can:

  • Use real estate installment plans
  • Partner with friends/family to buy land
  • Find good land and get buyers, then get commission
  • Invest in Joint Venture (JV) projects 
  • Get cooperative loans or pension-backed loans

Imagine paying an instalment of ₦300K per month for 10 months for a plot in Omu-Ketu! 

That’s land ownership without one-off ₦3M.

Why OPM is Good

  • OPM scales your real estate portfolio faster
  • Reduces upfront burden
  • Allows you to earn while still paying

Warning: Make sure the property is verified and documented before entering a flexible plan.

 

Profitability vs. Liquidity — Know the Difference

Most people confuse “fast money” with “good money.”
Let me show you an example with this table comparing the top types of real estate investment you just read:

Investment Type Profit Margin Speed of ROI Capital Required
Land Banking High Slow (2–5 years) Low
Shortlets Medium–High Fast (monthly) Medium
Development Projects Very High Medium High
Commercial Leasing Medium Slow High
Luxury Property Sales High Medium Very High

You don’t always need to move fast. 

Sometimes, steady wins the race — especially in land investing.

 

Final Thoughts: So, Which Real Estate Type Pays the Most?

  • Short-term gain: Shortlets, luxury sales, and development
  • Long-term wealth: Land banking and commercial rentals
  • Low-capital option: Land + OPM strategy
  • High-capital wealth build-up: Full development and joint ventures

The truth is that all real estate types can pay out huge sums of money… but it is all about where you are starting and where you want to get to!

You don’t need ₦50 million to win in real estate. 

You need strategy, verified land, and support from people who know what they’re doing.

I’d suggest that you read this post to also discover mistakes to avoid as you invest in Nigerian real estate.

Ready to Start?

At Possila, we help people like you to make smart real estate moves in Nigeria.

You can join hundreds of others who are now building their real estate wealth in high-growth areas with instalment payment plans and full documentation.

Message us today to get started!

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

Top 7 Types of Real Estate Investment in Nigeria

Having an in-depth knowledge about the different types of real estate investment in Nigeria is a strong determinant to whether you'll succeed or fail in the real estate market.

One of the biggest testimonies I have heard about real estate investment in Nigeria is that it is one of the country's most stable and profitable income sources. But that only works when you know how to combine the best types of real estate investment. 

If you want to make the most profit, you have to diversify.

The reason I always advise people to diversify is because of inflation.

If you plan to go all into real estate investment, you must be able to set up plans that will help you in the long and short term to get steady cash flow and long-term equity.

If you are a new investor looking for where to start, you can make long-term plans across these 7 channels.

 

1. Land Banking

In the crypto industry, investors are sometimes advised to buy and hold. Land banking is the buy-and-hold of real estate. 

With land banking, you simply invest in specific locations and then wait for a long time for it to appreciate.

This kind of land is usually virgin, that is, unexplored, but developing, and it is best kept for long-term investment.

But there is a way to select lands for long-term investment. Look out for these factors:

  • Where are real estate companies buying and keeping land? 
  • Where is the government looking to start some infrastructure
  • What “remote” part of your state are people constantly relocating to

If you can answer these 3 questions, you have found your treasure!

Why Does Land Banking Work So Well?

  • It is the cheapest way to start real estate investment in Nigeria
  • It only requires your patience. You don’t need the extra costs of maintenance
  • You can get RoI of up to 10x your investment in a 5–10-year window
  • You have little or no risk attached. Just buy your land, get your documents, and watch it grow.

2. Land Flipping

This is another version of land banking, but it involves a shorter waiting time.

With land flipping, you simply buy land in an area that is already open to development and sell it after the value appreciates.

Unlike land banking, you will need to spend a lot more money to start. Where a plot in an undeveloped area in Ibadan may cost 800,000 for land banking, a plot in Epe may cost up to 5 million.

But you will get your money back faster with the land in Epe.

The reason for this is that the kind of land you buy for land flipping is already open to development. Government projects have started, and people are already building homes, schools, restaurants, and bars.

Why is Land Flipping So Reliable?

  • The land appreciates fast because of its location
  • No maintenance costs, too!
  • You can do it with little capital using installment plans.

 

3. Rental Property Investment

Nigeria has a housing deficit of over 28 million units! This shows you that rental housing is and will still be in huge demand. 

Rental property investment involves building or buying property and renting it out monthly or yearly. You can make money in different ways as a rental investor in Nigeria.

  • Rents from multi-year leases

This usually happens when you lease out a whole building to a company like banks for a period longer than one year.

As such, they handle everything from maintenance and repairs, depending on the contract.

  • Rent for a one-year lease

This is the most popular form of rentals. You simply rent out your building to a private individual or a business for just one year.

  • Short lets and Airbnb

This is becoming quite common. It involves renting out a flat or building for a short time, running from 1 day to 6 months.

This system is best done in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt that have a steady flow of travellers and people seeking relaxation.

Why Is Rental Property a Smart Investment?

  • Guarantees steady passive income
  • Your property value increases even as you keep getting rent
  • Easier to scale gradually. (e.g., room-by-room development)

However, unlike land banking and land flipping, rental property requires more attention and more spending on things like maintenance, repairs, Land Use Charge, and renovations.

 

Read Also: Best Places to Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria

 

4. Real Estate Development

Development is where the big money in real estate is- but you need to learn it patiently before you can make the best out of it!

At development, you simply buy land, build commercial or residential properties on it, then sell or rent it out.

This is where we get structures like shopping complexes, luxury apartments, estate construction, and even the day-to-day “boys' quarters”.

Why Does Real Estate Development Work?

  • It has a higher profit margin. 
  • You can customize the properties to your preference
  • Faster resale value in high-demand locations

Note: Real estate development takes a lot of capital to execute. Besides just buying land, you will have to spend on other things like 

  • Construction
  • Permits
  • Land use charge
  • Other unforeseen costs that being a Nigerian will attract

5. Real Estate Investment Trust

If you do want to escape the issues that come with owning and managing a property, REITs are a great place to start!

REITs are an investment style where different investors put their money together to build real estate assets. Then, they can generate income from these real assets through either the sale of land or buildings.

They can also get RoI through rent from the lease of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Benefits of Investing in REITs

  • It promises passive income. Put your money and sit back
  • You can diversify into multiple types of real estate faster, hence reducing your risk
  • Professionals help you manage the properties.
  • Nigerian regulations offer the advantages of reduced corporate tax for REITs

 

6. Commercial Real Estate Leasing

This is similar to real estate development, but here, you focus on commercial real estate.

Office spaces, warehouses, and retail outlets fall under commercial real estate. The rise of small and medium-scale brands in Nigeria has created a crazy market demand for offices.

If you see an office space today, if you don't act fast, by tomorrow, it would have been taken by someone else!

This shows how viable the commercial real estate space is.

Benefits of Investing in Commercial Real Estate

  • It gives a higher rental yield
  • You get long-term tenants. Businesses don’t like changing location often.
  • Because of these, you have a more stable cash flow

Just like with residential real estate development, commercial real estate involves a lot of cost to build.

This is because you can only build these kinds of properties in already exposed areas, so you may need to spend more on even the most basic things, like land purchase.

 

Read More: When to Buy Real Estate in Nigeria.

 

7. Cooperative Real Estate Investment

This is very similar to REITs. The only difference is that members of a cooperative have more control over the properties than in an REIT, where you just invest and wait for returns.

This type of real estate investment is very popular among civil servants and other low to middle-income earners.

They come together and contribute money from their salaries monthly.

This helps them to reduce the financial burden they carry monthly.

These investments can take various forms, including 

  • Direct property acquisition
  • Land banking
  • Shared ownership of rental properties. 

Benefits of Investing in Cooperative Real Estate

  • Spreading payments over time makes it more affordable 
  • Collective investment reduces the risk of individual exposure to financial loss
  • Cooperatives get access to better properties because they can negotiate as a registered group, not as an individual

 

Which Type of Real Estate Investment is Best for You?

Let me be real with you: everything boils down to money. And most Nigerians want to invest, but they don’t earn millions monthly.

But with real estate, there is always a type that accommodates your income level. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Earning Level

Best Real Estate Type
₦200K – ₦1m+ Land Banking (with instalment payments), Cooperative partnerships
₦500K – ₦1M+ Land Flipping (with instalment payments), Cooperative partnerships
₦1M – ₦5M+ Land Flipping, Shortlets, Cooperative Partnerships
₦5M+ Residential and commercial real estate development, Land Flipping (in high-brow areas, with installment payment), 

Take This Real Estate Investment Test 

I would like to give you a little test. It will help you map out your real estate investment journey in just 2 minutes. Get a little book and a pen to answer this question: 

Which of these options describes why you want to buy real estate in Nigeria?

  • I want to buy and keep it for a few years, and then sell it
  • I want to buy and keep for my children 
  • I want to buy to save my money from devaluation 
  • I want to buy and build to live
  • I want to buy and build to rent
  • I want to buy one because my friends bought one recently 
  • I want to buy because I understand how real estate works and what it can do for me

Tick off all the options that apply to you and send us your answers here.

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

These are the 7 must-have land documents in Nigeria

7 Must-Have Land Documents in Nigeria

With these 7 must-have land documents in Nigeria, you will never have to go to court or fight after buying land again. In this blog post, I will show you how to protect your investment before paying a kobo of your money.

You will also learn what these land documents in Nigeria really do, how you can identify them, and what you can do to verify them, so you will never get scammed.

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

The C of O is the most popular document on this list. It proves that the government officially allocated a specific parcel to you as a buyer. 

This is because only the governor of a state has the power to hold and release land to the citizens of that state. So, without the C of O, you are not recognized as a legal resident of that state.

Why Does The C of O Matter?

  • It confirms the specific reason why you are buying land: residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, etc.
  • It allows you to own land for up to 99 years. When the 99 years are over, you can renew it.

How to Verify Your C of O

Simply visit the state's Ministry of Lands where the land is located. It is the most reliable way to check if the land is not yet acquired by someone else or reserved for government use.

Some states, like Lagos, now allow you to confirm a land’s status online through platforms like the eGis Portal . But I would still advise you to use the physical Land Office method because some lands have not been registered on the website yet. 

 

2. Deed of Assignment

I did not mention this document first, but it is the most important document on this list. Many people feel that the C of O is the most important thing, but that is not right.

A Deed is the only document that shows that the land has actually passed from the owner of the land to you.

This means that you now have title to the land, that is, you can do everything an owner is allowed to do on that land. 

A deed of assignment is the document that shows the transfer of ownership of land - from the seller to the buyer.

What is the Importance of the Deed of Assignment?

  • It contains the history of land ownership, that is, the previous and current owners. This is also called the root of title.
  • Without the Deed, you cannot show that the land was legally transferred to you. 
  • It must be stamped by the state’s Lands Registry and registered.

How to Verify a Deed of Assignment in Nigeria

  • Check to see if it  was drafted by a licensed lawyer
  • Review to confirm that it was signed by the previous and the current owner 
  • Ensure that it was registered by the Ministry of Land 
  • When making yours, use a licensed lawyer and do well to see that it is signed by the current owner. Also, register it with the Ministry of Lands immediately.

 

Read Also:14 Mistakes to Avoid as a Real Estate Investor in Nigeria  

 

3. Survey Plan

A survey plan is a document that shows the exact boundaries, size, and location of the land. It also uses coordinates to show you whether or not the land is under government acquisition.

Why Does a Survey Plan Matter?

  • It is reliable because it is done by a professional licensed surveyor
  • It saves you from legal troubles, as you can know whether the land is mapped out for government use already or not.
  • You also need it as part of the documents to use when perfecting your property title. For example, when you apply for a C of O or a building approval

How to Verify a Survey Plan

Submit the survey plan to the Surveyor General’s Office in the respective state. They will cross-check the status of the land to know if it is owned by the person selling it or under government acquisition.

 

4. Governor’s Consent

Many people mistake the C of O to contain the Governor's consent, but it does not come automatically.

You need the Governor’s consent when you buy land that already has a C of O because no one land can have two C of Os.

This is because the governor is seen under the Land Use Act 1978 as the “Lord” of the land and must therefore approve any sale transaction involving such land.

Therefore, as a buyer, you will also receive the Governor’s consent to show that the governor approves the sales to you.

Why is the Governor’s Consent Important

  • It proves that the government recognizes a sale of land to you.
  • It makes a secondary allocation legal, that is, a situation where land with a C of O is sold after being owned by someone else.

How to Verify:

When you want to sell land, use a real estate lawyer to assist in obtaining and registering the Governor’s Consent through the Ministry of Lands.

 

5. Receipt of Purchase

It may sound basic, but a purchase receipt is important to track the flow of payment from the buyer to the owner.

Many purchasers of land, especially smaller transactions, overlook a receipt of purchase.

Even when you don't have a C of O or other higher land documents in Nigeria but you have a receipt of purchase, it can deliver you from unnecessary land tussles.

I am not saying you shouldn't get the other higher documents... I am only saying that with receipt of purchase in your hands, you can win a legal fight in some instances.

Why Do You Need a Receipt of Purchase?

  • It is usually requested when you are registering the Deed of Assignment.
  • It is another way of showing legal ownership as it confirms a financial transaction.
  • In disputes, you can present it as evidence of payment.

How to Verify:

It must contain the following 

  • Buyer and seller details
  • Date of transaction
  • Location of land
  • Amount paid
  • Obvious signatures of both parties. 

Ensure that you keep both digital and physical copies of your receipts.

 

6. Deed of Contract/Sale Agreement

This is similar to the Deed of Assignment, but it is different in that it contains the initial agreement between the buyer and seller. 

This agreement will detail the terms and conditions of the sale before the full transfer and documentation is completed.

Why Does the Deed of Contract Matter?

  • It shows mutual consent between both parties.
  • It is best for instalment payment or other conditions where outright payment is not made.
  • It can be used to start the documentation process, especially in cases where the Governor’s Consent has not been obtained yet.

How to Verify:

It must be drafted by a lawyer and must include

  • Witnesses
  • Agreed timeline for payment 
  • The obligations of the contract 
  • Refund clauses (if any)

 

Read also: How to Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria Step-by-Step

 

7. Excision/Gazette 

The governor of a state owns the land by law. But they sometimes release the land to the families (the indigenous owners).

Gazette means the governor has released the land to the people and it's published in the newspapers. While excision means the governor has released the land to the families but it has not been published officially.

It is the only proof that such land has been legally released from government acquisition.

If you fail to verify these titles, you can lose your property in court, and the government will take it over.

Why Does an Excision/Gazette Matter?

  • It protects you from losing your land to the government
  • Keeps you from buying the wrong land

How to Verify:

Ensure that the document is not tagged with “Excision in Progress”. Until such land is no longer under government acquisition, you must not buy it.

Have your lawyer or your property manager conduct a title search at the Lagos State Land Bureau to confirm the land status.

 

4 Ways to Protect Yourself from Land Documentation Scams

1. Always Use a Real Estate Lawyer

And only go for the ones with experience in property transactions and land law.

2. Check the Land Registry

Visit the Ministry of Lands or use available online platforms to search for title registration.

3. Request Original Copies

Always insist on seeing original land documents, not just photocopies. Most fake documents are given as photocopies.

4. Be Cautious of “Excision in Progress” Claims

If you get a land document with the claim "Excision in progress", don’t go for it. Until excision is granted officially, such land is still under government acquisition. 

Avoid it unless you're investing with risk capital and a long-term plan.

 

Conclusion

You do not have to lose your money to fake land documentation!

Follow the right steps. Get original and verifiable documents. Follow due process, and you will be saving yourself from legal battles and emotional troubles.

Let these 7 must-have land documents in Nigeria always guide your real estate transactions.

As Possila, we help you find genuine and verified land across Nigeria with the right paperwork in place.

Do you want a list of verified plots with clean documentation?

Send us a message today or book a free consultation to get started.

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

This image is about 14 mistakes to avoid as a real estate investor in Nigeria

14 Mistakes To Avoid as a Real Estate Investor in Nigeria

If you are reading this article, it is because you want to avoid mistakes when investing in Nigerian real estate. But let me tell you something: I have advised people like this, and they still went on to make the same mistakes.

Don’t be like them

Real estate can make you wealthy- and it can also wipe out your life savings. Imagine buying land after saving for a whole year, and you see someone building on that land! 

I have heard about people who have lost their money, careers, and even their health because of this.

So, please follow every single advice to the detail. This is not a random article that you see online. These are issues I have had to settle, and I don’t want you to go through the same thing.

By the end of this article, you should be able to 

  • Know the mistakes to avoid as a beginner
  • See the mistakes that experienced investors have made
  • Find solutions before problems arise!

1–7: Mistakes New Investors Commonly Make

1. Rushing Into Deals Without Research

We call this “doing due diligence.” Many times, you can get so excited about finally buying your own land that you do not see the traps in it.

Imagine someone offering you land in the exposed parts of Epe for 1.5 million. Except if it is a clear distress sale, you are supposed to take a step back and run for your life.

It is a clear scam to make you grab a deal that is too good to be true.

You must do your research to know the worth of land in that area.

2. Trusting Unverified Agents or “Omo Oniles”

Verbal promises mean nothing in real estate. 

If someone tells you not to worry that “the land is yours already”, don’t believe it. If you don’t have verifiable documents in your hands, you don't own that land yet.

Am I saying that all omo oniles are scams? No

What I am saying is that if you buy from them, be smart and ensure that you:

  • Collect documents from them
  • Verify every single thing before you pay 
  • Use a lawyer to guide you through the process

3. Failing to Verify Documents

Now, this is not only about omo oniles. This is about every land transaction you enter into…

If you buy land, check the validity of the documents

If you buy a developing property, also verify the title documents

If you buy a fully-built house, don’t stop there. Go on and verify the documents of the house.

To effectively verify land documents, do these 4 things

  • Hire a real estate lawyer who has testimonials of deals like that
  • Go to the Land Office of the State and see if your land is not allocated for government use
  • Visit the Office of the Surveyor General to see who has registered the Survey of the property you are buying (if the property has one).

 

Read Also: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Land in Ikorodu  

4. Not Doing Physical Inspection

This is the main reason why Nigerians living abroad lose all their savings to investing back at home. 

It is not enough to get a picture. 

You need to physically see what you are buying or building. But if you cannot be there physically, you can hire a reliable agent or an experienced real estate lawyer to help you monitor every process of your purchase.

Here are some things to look out for when doing a physical inspection of a land or building

  • History of floods in the area
  • Accessibility to the road
  • Nearness to major facilities. If you are a business, look out for proximity to places where you can easily reach your customers. If you are an individual, look out for proximity to places like markets, schools, and hospitals.

Again, don’t take pictures without asking any questions. Make sure you verify!

5. Not Knowing the Zoning Laws

This is something many Nigerians don’t know when buying land. Some places are allocated for agriculture, some for residential living, and some for industrial purposes.

So, if you buy land for residential reasons and it is in an agricultural zone, you may have yourself to blame when you have poultries and piggeries next to you in the future that is if you don't lose the land...

Ensure you check the zoning regulations of the state you are buying land in.

6. No Exit Strategy

You must always have a reason for buying land.

It is not enough to have the money only. You must know if you want to sell later, build for rentals, or develop it and sell when you have a building.

These priorities will help you not to throw money around aimlessly. For instance, if you buy land in Omu-Ketu today, I’d suggest that you hold and sell it later because it has more prospects for resale than development in the near future.

But don’t just take my word for it, you can also do your research and map out your exit strategy for any land you buy in Nigeria today.

 

Read Also: How Real Estate Makes Money in Nigeria

7. Overlooking Hidden Costs

When you buy a car, you should know that you also have to buy fuel, engine oil, and gadgets.

But the average Nigerian real estate investor thinks that buying property in Nigeria is all about the purchase price only!

No, it isn’t!

Other things will need extra expense. You will need to pay for your survey. If you are buying directly from the owner, you will need to pay for a lawyer.

And if you want to develop, you will need to start paying land use charges.

So, always draw up a budget that covers your real price and not just the purchase price. It helps you stay prepared.

8–14: Mistakes Seasoned Investors Still Make

8. Expanding Too Fast

Scaling too quickly can drain your cash flow faster than you expect.

What you should do is create a plan that will eventually help you grow as big as you expected. Then, grow gradually.

Your company stands at great risk if you expand too fast.

You may not have enough well-trained staff to handle your requests.

You may run out of cash to handle building projects if the cost of materials skyrockets.

Expansion is a long-term game, so play it slow.

9. Emotional Buying

I usually advise investors to buy where “everyone is buying”- and it works. 

But it works because they have a personal strategy.

If everyone is buying land in Abeokuta tomorrow, you need to sit back and ask how it will be of long-term benefit to you.

This is why you see that our parents have land documents from purchases all over Nigeria, but they are not coordinated. The best you can do is to sell because many of these properties are not even good enough for other uses.

Instead, have a goal. Know what you want out of your real estate journey.

Then streamline your investment process to that line only!

10. Not Diversifying

If you put all your money into only one estate, it can be very risky.

Sometimes, that can be tempting because you may want the bulk money that will come from that one location.

But what happens if the value of land in that area does not grow as fast as you predicted?

You will start regretting your actions, and that’s the worst place to be as an investor.

I will advise you to spread your investment into multiple locations. When you grow larger, I will even say you should extend into multiple types of real estate.

That way, one stream of income can sustain you while the other grows.

 

Read Also: 5 Things You Must Know Before Buying Land in Lagos

11. Overleveraging Loans

Taking loans can help your business grow, yes. But debt should only be a tool, not a lifestyle.

If you always have to take loans to fund every single thing your company needs, you may be heading towards bankruptcy and not know it.

Hire an accountant to evaluate your assets and see how much risk your portfolio can carry.

They will direct you to know when to borrow and when not to, based on their review of your portfolio at a time.

12. Poor Record Keeping

Managing a real estate portfolio is not the same thing as running a small-scale business. 

You must document everything you do, such as 

  • Land purchase and hidden costs
  • Building expenses
  • Land appreciation
  • Rent inflow
  • Maintenance outflow

This simple action is what differentiates the billionaire investors from the rest. Keeping a good record shows that you have a goal and you are working towards it.

13. Forgetting Taxes

If you own a real estate company in Nigeria, tax avoidance is the last thing that should be on your mind. 

As a real estate entrepreneur, you have the responsibility to pay taxes such as 

  • Capital gains tax
  • Land use charges

You may look at your friend who owns a fashion store and ask why they are not paying those taxes. It is because real estate has its own tax rules. 

And sadly, ignorance isn’t an excuse at law. Your office may get closed down even if you claim not to know about the law.

14. Avoiding Professional Advice

No man is an island. If you don’t hire lawyers, surveyors, or planners because you want to “save money”, you may end up spending even more!

Am I saying you should spend all your money on hiring professionals? No

Find affordable ones and go for them!

There are many benefits to getting professional advice:

  • A good accountant will show you the best and the worst times to take loans.
  • A lawyer will save you from years of legal battles by ensuring that you only get valid documents.
  • A surveyor will protect your investment by measuring every inch of property.

7 Rules for Avoiding Real Estate Investment Mistakes in Nigeria

  • Inspect before you invest.
  • Verify all documents with the land registry.
  • Work with a trusted real estate consultant, not your cousin or friend.
  • Create a long-term investment plan.
  • Listen to professional advice.
  • Start small and expand your portfolio gradually
  • Ask questions. Then ask again.

Final Thoughts

If you have made one or two of these mistakes, you are not alone! Many investors still make them too!
As you are reading this, an investor may even be making one or two of these mistakes!

What makes you a smart investor is that you learn from your mistakes, create new strategies, and move forward.

Stop guessing- use expert advice when you can!

And if you are thinking of buying land in Nigeria, message us via our Instagram channel or call us to get a guide to investing with long-term value in mind.

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

This image is about the future of real estate in Nigeria

What Is the Future of Real Estate in Nigeria? 

The future of real estate in Nigeria looks brighter regardless of what it looks like now.

In Africa today, Nigeria’s economy is considered one of the most volatile because of factors like insecurity and a high inflation rate.

However, real estate continues to be one of those few assets that keep growing regardless of the economic situation over time!

But even with this stability, many Nigerian investors are still not ready to trust in the real estate system.

Why?

  • Many people have lost their money to land fraud cases
  • It can be very hard sometimes to register a title
  • The government taking lands
  • Misleading ROI claims by developers

Many investors will buy land and will not see any ROI even after 3 years!

This is why they have mostly given up on ever investing in Nigeria!

But the truth is: real estate in Nigeria is evolving very fast.

Only investors who have exclusive information about the market will be able to position themselves for the profits and benefits that the future of real estate in Nigeria present.

In the article, I will show you:

  1. Data and facts that predict the next 5 - 10 years of the future of real estate in Nigeria
  2. How you can still build wealth using these formulas

Why Investors Are Nervous in 2025

Once again, you should see why there are so many fears around the real estate space in Nigeria today

  • A man buys land in Ibeju-Lekki in 2021, only to find out it falls under government acquisition in 2024.
  • A woman pays N1.2 million for land in Mowe with a “survey,” but the survey turns out to be fake.
  • A property agent promised 50% ROI on a land in Ibadan in 12 months. Three years later, nothing.

These are not imaginary tales. 

They happened. I saw people it happened to.

It may have happened to you. Or to your friends or family members.

Many investors fear:

  • Losing money to fraud
  • Buying land with no real documents
  • Investing long-term without knowing when or how it pays off

So, is real estate still safe in Nigeria? 

YES, but only if you know how to navigate your way around it. For instance, you should avoid real estate investing mistakes such as

  • Impulse buying
  • Not getting the correct documentation
  • Skipping due diligence 
  • Purchasing from dubious real estate agents with no track record
  • Buying when the deal is too good to be true

Key Data That Show Real Estate Still Works

Like I said already, there are risks- so many of them. 

But despite these risks, the numbers tell a different story.

1. Properties in Ibeju-Lekki appreciated by 15–25% in 2024 alone.

This is because of the massive development going on in the area, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Dangote Refinery activity.

2. Epe lands doubled in value

Within 12–18 months, thanks to the development of the Epe–Ijebu–Ode Expressway.

3. Rental properties in places like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt now yield returns of 12–18% annually, because of factors including

  • Infrastructure development
  • Urban migration, and
  • Government planning.

The power of real estate lies mostly in its ability to be inflation-proof. This helps it to preserve the value of the property while earning long-term value.

Currently, real estate is one of the easiest ways for the average earner in Nigeria to create generational wealth. This is because it is now very accessible and affordable through installment payment plans.

How Will The Future of Real estate in Nigeria Look Like?

Over the years, you may have observed that industries such as finance have gone from traditional bank systems to fully online transaction portals.

For every major industry, there will be a shift. In the Nigerian real estate industry, this shift will be highlighted by significant changes like these:

  • Urban Expansion

Cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are running out of central land. 

This has caused the majority of their population to move to satellite towns such as Epe, Mowe, Omu, Karu, Karshi, Gwagwalada, Eleme, Degema, and Choba respectively. 

These new hubs have more available land mass and are therefore open to more development. 

Investing early in these satellite towns guarantees eventual ROI.

  • Digital Land Platforms (Proptech)

You may have heard people say things like The future is tech. The same is true in the next phase of real estate investment and growth in Nigeria.

For the first time in forever, people are now trusting real estate brands online.

I have sold land to people in the UK and the USA, and they have yet to visit their site. But they did a virtual inspection, sent someone here in Nigeria to inspect physically.

And I sent them their Deeds of Assignment and other documents via reliable courier services.

Another way to invest in real estate in Nigeria is to invest in technology that will serve these 4 functions

  • Help people buy and develop properties faster and easier
  • Give people a chance to do all of these online
  • Create fully online land documentation and verification systems.
  • Assist Nigerians to buy properties as a group online.

As long as you can make real estate look safer for people, you have a guarantee of their trust and their money.

  • Diaspora Involvement

More Nigerians abroad are buying land with digital receipts and remote verification. 

The World Bank even estimates diaspora remittances to Nigeria crossed $20 billion in 2024, much of which went into real estate.

Unlike before, Nigerians abroad are now trusting the systems back at home. This is another thing you will see in the Nigerian real estate of the future. 

So, if people who are not in Nigeria can buy in Nigeria, you should clear out every excuse not to!

  • Land Banking

Long-term investors now buy multiple plots and wait 5–10 years. I’m telling you that this is the true future of those satellite towns I mentioned earlier.

This model is more affordable for the average Nigerian. It also offers better appreciation. And it is perfectly suited for young guys who want to make the best out of their future!

  • Government Regularization

The Lagos State Land Bureau is leading the way in making land titles fully digital.

When this is fully achieved by 2026, fake documents will drastically reduce.

So, what should you do?

Step up and buy now before all the new rules drive prices up!

What to Do Differently As an Investor in 2025

If you have started investing in real estate in 2025, I commend you big time!

But if you haven’t, I will ask you to plan well. Use these 5 principles to guide your investment as you begin your journey. They are simple, practical, but they will save you a lifetime of courtroom drama and heartache…

1. Verify all Titles Thoroughly

Don’t just stop at verifying a survey plan. Take it a little further, visit the State Land Office and verify other titles such as the Deed of Assignment, the C of O, and the Gazette.

2. Work with Property Lawyers

Yes, I know you can get lawyers anywhere today, even in the market. But I will advise you to only work with lawyers who have experience in the real estate sector.

They know how to cross-check titles better because they have the legal knowledge and the onsite links to verify such claims.

This will help you prevent any form of land disputes.

3. Use Tech Tool

In my last article, I talked about Lagos eGis portal. It is one of those reliable platforms that allow you to digitally verify your property documents before making a purchase.
However, note that the site only works for registered properties in Lagos.

4. Invest Where Government Is Going, Not Where They’ve Been

If you can get inner circle information on where the government has earmarked for future development, leverage it and go to those places.

You can also check and see where the government is already going. Places like Epe, Mowe, and the outskirts of Abeokuta and Sagamu are having crazy development.

Don’t think too hard. Those places are real estate goldmines. Buy now, hold, let it appreciate, then sell at a profit much later.

5. Buy with Flexible monthly payments

See, you don’t need to be ultra-rich to buy real estate in Nigeria anymore. With a good savings culture, you can invest in real estate through monthly payments.

For a company like Possila Properties, their Save-and-Invest Challenge has gone through 4 different eras.

It has helped over one hundred of professionals and students to become real estate owners across Lagos, Osun, and Ibadan today!

You can also start now- it is never too late! 

Real Estate Predictions for 2025–2030

The coming years will redefine the future of real estate in Nigeria and how real estate works in Nigeria:

  • Epe will become the new Lekki: 

If you look closely, schools are already up. Gated estates are the in-thing now. Tech start-ups are setting up offices while facilities like construction and agro hub offices are already springing up!

  • Group Ownership Will Rise

Investors will form co-ops to buy larger properties together. This is because Gen Z always pushes for community and will do anything in their power to keep it.

Guess what?

This is not actually a Gen Z thing. Many parents joined cooperative societies. That’s how they own their current home and properties today. 

So, you are at a great advantage if you live at this time too!

  • Rental Market Will Explode

Nigeria’s population is exploding faster than ever. The youth population shows that more people will rent smart apartments, co-living spaces, and shortlets.

So, yes, this is your cue to invest in these properties today!

  • Satellite Towns Will Boom

Places like Ogun, Nasarawa, and Delta states will become new real estate goldmines. Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja are slowly becoming too unaffordable for the average person, and people want to survive, so they will look for options in nearby towns!

 

Will you still be watching from the sidelines, or will you prepare and invest smartly now?

 

Real also: How to Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria 

Conclusion on the Future of Real Estate in Nigeria

The future of real estate in Nigeria has its challenges and risks. But it is also full of big-time opportunities than you can ever imagine!

But these opportunities are only for those who are informed, strategic, and patient.

Don’t expect magic in 6 months. Instead,

  • Choose verified properties
  • Use legal and digital tools
  • Think long-term

...and you’ll be among the few who’ll watch their N500k plot grow into an N8 million estate in a couple of years to come!

Start today. Talk to a verified property agent. Ask for the real documents.

In the end, the future belongs to those who invest when others doubt.

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

This image is about the 5 reasons to invest in Lagos real estate in 2025

Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Lagos Real Estate Market in 2025

If you ask the average real estate investor today, they will tell you they will never invest in Lagos real estate.

Just look at the number of Igbo traders who have mansions in their hometowns but will not bother to even buy half a plot in Lagos. The reasons for this are not far-fetched…

Many people have bought land and properties that have later been taken over by the government.

Sometimes, they even settle into the land, but they lose it down the line because they had someone with a better title take over! They eventually realized that the land document they were given was fake!

But here’s the truth: 2025 is probably the best time in the history of Lagos to buy real estate!

Major reforms are taking place alongside super infrastructural growth, which is regulated with better laws!

So, if you have not been able to decide whether or not you want to buy real estate in Lagos, this article will show you

  • How to confidently get back into the market
  • 5 things that Lagos real estate millionaires consider

Why Investors Are Scared of Investing in Lagos

Over the years, 2 major fears have made people not want to buy Lagos real estate:

Fear of Government Seizure

Many people bought properties in Lagos without knowing that these properties were under government acquisition.

So, when they developed the land or moved into the property, the government reclaimed it, and they lost all their right to the property.

This kind of problem always leaves investors stranded. And they would rather spend their money on something else as long as it is not Lagos real estate.

Fear of Wrong or Incomplete Documentation

Lagos is very infamous for fake documents. You can get a C of O or Deed of Assignment from a landowner or sales agent, and you will realize that they have given you something fake.

This is why many people give up on Lagos real estate. One minute, they are happy they finally won something. Next minute, they have lost it all because someone else with the original document has come to lay claim to their property!

The truth is that your fears are real!

But Lagos has changed. And understanding what has changed will help you regain confidence to invest again!

Read also: 6 Tips for Real Estate Investment in Nigeria 

Reason 1: Tighter Land Title Regulations

The Lagos State Government has provided information on how people can verify their property and its documentation. You can easily go to the Land Bureau to verify titles such as the following:

  • Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
  • Governor’s Consent
  • Gazette
  • Deeds of Assignment

All you need to do is physically check the property status at the Lagos Land Bureau.

But if you cannot go through the process yourself, you can easily hire a real estate lawyer to help. This is one of the important aspects of real estate investment education.

This clear process reduces your chances of buying land that is under dispute. Following this simple step can save you a lifetime of court troubles.

Read also: 5 Things You Must Know Before Buying a House in Lagos

Reason 2: Government Infrastructure Boom

Lagos State is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa because of its infrastructure. Here are 4 major projects being executed by the government:

  • The 4th Mainland Bridge
  • Lekki-Epe International Airport
  • Victoria Island - Epe Coastal Highway
  • Dangote Refinery neighborhood development

These projects are driving crazy demand for real estate because of the ultra-urban development they bring to specific areas like Epe, Omu-Ketu, Ikorodu, and Lagos Island.

One of the facts about real estate investment is that it is best done in areas around developing projects. This is because these projects attract investors, which then increases the value of the land.

This boosts rental demand and, by default, guarantees passive income for you as an investor!

Reason 3: Rise of Credible Developers

It is very rare to see individuals selling land in Lagos today.

Organized real estate companies have completely taken over! They have no control over market prices and offer great value, such as:

  • Verified documentation
  • Legal support
  • Flexible payment plans (even installment options over 12–24 months)
  • Development guarantees

Companies like Possila Properties, Realtypoint, Lifepage, and Veritasi Homes provide more secure properties made fully safe through an efficient customer experience.

With these developers, you don’t just buy land — you buy peace of mind. This is something you don’t get every day when doing real estate investment in Nigeria.

Reason 4: Availability of Legal Verification Tools

Tech has changed the game. Nobody can bamboozle you anymore!

With certain online resources such as Lagos eGis Portal, Google Maps, and Social Media, you can:

  • Use online Lagos land registry portals to verify a property's status.
  • Hire property lawyers who offer excellent services.
  • Map and confirm land coordinates and official allocation with satellite mapping.

You don’t have to think about how safe real estate investment is again.

Just buy smartly- not blindly!

Reason 5: Appreciation Rates Still Beat Inflation

Despite the rise of the dollar against the naira, real estate in Lagos has proved to be inflation-proof. If you understand this concept, you will know how to make money in the real estate business in Lagos!

Let me show you some examples…

So, while other investors are burning their money in risky investments they do not understand, it is more reliable to lock into new territories within Lagos!

Just know that by starting small today in an area like Omu-Ketu or Omu-Epe, you can cash out big tomorrow.

Good for you, we are currently running an instalment plan for people who want to cash in on the Omu-Ketu real estate goldmine today!

 

Best Places to Invest in Lagos in 2025

If you're wondering where exactly to invest in Lagos, here are the best places that offer maximum ROI with minimal entry cost:

1. Epe

  • Affordable now.
  • Future tech, commerce, and educational hub.

2. Ibeju-Lekki

  • Appreciating fast because of the Lekki Deep Seaport and the Free Trade Zone.

3. Badagry

  • Opening up due to the development of coastal roads and tourism investments.

4. Omu-Ketu

  • Super affordable
  • Central to major commercial and industrial hubs such as Ikorodu, Ketu, and Epe.

5. Alimosho

  • Massive population growth
  • Future residential goldmine.

Read Also: 5 Reasons Omu Ketu is the Next Biggest Real Estate Hotspot 

Conclusion: Why 2025 is Your Fresh Start

I am writing this article in the last week of April, but I know that it is not too late for you to start!

Yes, the pains of the past were real…but as you have seen, the Lagos real estate market has changed. For the first time in forever, you can now have access to

  • Better documentation
  • Credible developers
  • Clear Legal processes
  • Fast-growing areas

Don’t wait till 2026. You can start building a mine of wealth for yourself and for your generations unborn without the fear of losing your properties!

Send us a message on Instagram today to be a part of Lagos State’s next generation of real estate millionaires!

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

real estate in Nigeria is a gold mine. This image is about why you should invest in real estate in Nigeria

Why You Should Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria

“Real estate in Nigeria is not safe.”

“You will be duped of your hard earned money”

“No real estate agent can be trusted. Family members cannot be trusted - they are all scammers!”

"They can get diabolical with you after you've paid and take your precious life."

These are real fears that people have, and that is why they do not want to invest in real estate in Nigeria. They don’t believe that you can invest in real estate in Nigeria and not be duped.

They don’t believe that you can buy land and it will be secure against people like Omo Onile and other scam artists!

But that is not true!

As much as there are so many scams out there, you can still find safe and secure real estate to invest in. Yes, you can still secure your investment without spending too much money.

And yes, you can choose to do this without any fear of losing your hard-earned money.

In this blog post, I will show you

  • How to make a safe real estate investment in Nigeria today
  • The super benefits of real estate investment in an economy like Nigeria’s
  • Things you can do to protect your investment

Why You Don’t Want to Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria 

In all my years as a real estate investor and consultant in Nigeria, I have seen 2 major reasons why Nigerians are very scared of investing in real estate.

And it is not because they do not have the money, no!

It is just two emotional reasons that you may also have, but that you do not know yet:

  • The fear of losing money
  • Land document scams

And this is valid, because I have seen it happen to many people!

Some people buy land today, and when they come back next month, they find out that someone else has started building on it.

Sometimes, they buy land and get documents only to discover that the documents were fake and unreliable!

Some even go as far as doing due diligence. They check for the validity, only to discover that they have bought government-owned land!

So, what do you do when it looks like everyone is a scam?

Real estate companies are not trustworthy

And private agents are not reliable…

 

Why You Should Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria

When I tell people not to invest in real estate just to make money, they are shocked. Like: “What else is there to investment?”.

What people don’t really know about real estate investment is that it is a long-term deal that helps you solve long-term problems.

If you want to invest in real estate in Nigeria in April and you are expecting returns in December, you may need to press the brakes. 

Will you make money? Yes, real estate has made lots of billionaires out there today!

But will it take time? Yes, also. Time determines the growth of your real estate investment.

Here are 5 other benefits that you get when investing in real estate in Nigeria:

1. Long-term stability

If you like saving in fixed deposit accounts, you will agree with me that your interest on your deposit is sometimes very little. This is why many people choose real estate investment instead.

You can predict that your money will appreciate better in value than anywhere else. This is because of the nature of good real estate. It is always in danger because of 4 major factors in Nigeria:

  • High population growth rate
  • The desire of other non-landowners to buy their own
  • The increasing number of businesses that need offices
  • Rising yearly government projects in specific parts of the country.

So, there is a better guarantee that you will always make money with real estate as long as you can settle for the long-term option.

2. Generational Wealth

People talk about Bill Gates as the richest man in the world at some point because of Microsoft. But even the richest man in the world has so much real estate that it can be seen from space!

This shows you that while tech and other investment avenues can be run over by better innovation, real estate remains original because of its nature. And this makes it great for creating generational wealth.

Some houses in major parts of Ikeja, Onitsha, and Ibadan have been standing since the early 90s. Their owners have died, but it is still bringing in rental income for their children!

So, if you're looking for reliable and non-volatile ways to leave a good inheritance for your children and grandchildren, consider real estate.

3. Peace of mind

Speaking of volatility, real estate is one of the most stable means of investment you can hold in the world. Unlike many other forms of investment, like crypto and forex, you can invest in real estate in Nigeria and keep your mind at rest.

Am I saying that forex or crypto do not work? No, they do

But what I am saying is that if something has been used by generations and confirmed to bring results over those years, it is more reliable than any other thing that may be presented to you.

And that's why I always advise people to invest in real estate in Nigeria.

Just buy the land or property.

Hold it for 3 - 5 years, depending on the appreciation rate.

Get an agent to find you a buyer.

Sell it.

Rinse and repeat the process.

And you can do all of these without all the high stakes that other investment avenues cause you!

4. Protection against inflation

The only asset class that I've found to be the best when it comes to protection against inflation is real estate.

The inflation rate in Nigeria keeps increasing by the day but the value of real estate keeps going up.

If you rented a 2 bedroom apartment for 750,000 naira in 2022, it's now being rented for between 1.2m and 1.5m naira in the same location in 2025.

I can boldly say that owners of properties are happy when inflation rate goes up.

5. Appreciation

Nigeria is not bad at all when it comes to real estate appreciating in value.

In some places, you get up to 500% return on investment in just 5 years. The secret to enjoying this kind of appreciation is to buy in prime locations.

Some people argue that real estate don't appreciate fast in Nigeria. It's a blatant lie.

Why most people say that is because they invest in places that don't have the growth metrics. And such places might not really increase in value in 10 years or more.

Real Estate Investment Mistakes to Avoid in Nigeria

While there are so many scams in the real estate scene in Nigeria, you can still find authentic lands and properties to buy.

And this is very easy to do. Just avoid these 4 major mistakes:

1. Neglecting Due Diligence

I can talk about this for 1 month, and 75% of Nigerians will still make the same mistake!

As much as you want to ‘invest’ so you won’t spend your savings, you need to take it slow and do your due diligence.

Due diligence is beyond just knowing the price of the land. Here are 3 things you should do when you doing due diligence on Nigerian real estate:

  • Meet the Landowner

If you have found a land or property that you want to buy, make sure you connect with the landowner if it is a private property. But if you are buying a family land, make sure you meet the head of the family and the other decision-makers in the family. 

I spoke more about it in this post. Do well to read up on it.

But if you will be dealing with an agent, make sure that they are communicating your demands and needs to the owner of the property. Also, confirm that you are communicating with the owner’s legitimate agent.

  • Go to the Land Office

Many times, you may want to trust the agent, the family head, or the community chief because they have produced land documents. But where you have doubts, do these 

  • Get a surveyor to generate the coordinates of the land you want to buy. 
  • Take the coordinates to the Land Office of the state you are buying in. 
  • At the Land Office, you will be told who owns the land. You will also get to know whether or not the land is owned by the government or not.

This way, you will avoid buying land that is already reserved for government use.

  • Ask the people around the property

You can meet the landowner and go to the land office and still have issues. But if you ask the people around, you have a better chance of knowing the real story about the property.

So, don't just limit your investigation to meeting the landowner and land office... talk to the people around the property

2. Overlooking Proper Documentation

You can get good documents, yes, but you have the sole responsibility to verify them. 

If a property already has a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), confirm if it is valid. The best way to do this is to reach out to the Governor’s Office.

If you are using an agent, follow up on every transaction that they make on your behalf. 

Ensure that the Deed of Assignment is signed by the right parties. Also, look for an independent lawyer to verify the parties to the Deed. 

3. Falling for Unrealistic Deals

This is the number one mistake that over 80% of Nigerian real estate buyers make.

When you see that a real estate deal is too good to be true, don’t jump at it!

Nobody will sell a plot of land in Ikorodu for 3 million.

Nobody will sell a house in Epe for 20 million.

Stop believing these kinds of lies. They are crafted to just take your money!

If you see that the deal is too good to be true, drop it immediately. It is a scam waiting to explode!

How To Invest in Nigerian Real Estate

If you want to buy a full plot of land but you cannot afford all of it, you can request to use an installment payment plan. This will allow you to spread your payment over multiple months without paying the lump sum at once. 

The advantage of doing this is that you reduce your financial burden. Most companies will only request you to pay an initial 30% down payment, after which you can spread the remaining 70% over 3 - 12 months.

Another thing you can do is to buy off-plan properties, that is, properties that are still in their pre-launch phase. This is because pre-launch prices are usually more affordable than when it launches on the market officially. 

You can also try co-investment plans. This means buying land with a friend, your family member, or a colleague.

Co-investment plans are great, not because they help you save money, but because they keep you on your toes.

When you have people with you, it gives that extra motivation to also catch up with your end of the bargain.

 

Learn more here: The Complete Guide to Real Estate Investing for Beginners in Nigeria

 

It is Okay to Be Still Scared. But Take the First Step Anyway

See, it is natural to be scared, especially after everything you have heard has happened to your friends and family who have bought real estate in Nigeria.

But you can make the difference.,

Simply do your due diligence. Find a reliable real estate company who have results to show for their work. Speak with them about your desired choice for investment.

Then, start with a secure plot!

You can reach out to us on Instagram and get our 5% OFF Deal for all first-time buyers.

We have helped many professionals, students, and artisans to become landowners.

All you need to do is pick an instalment payment plan that works for you!

You can choose to do 3 or 6, or 12 months. It is your call!

Send us a message to start today!

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo

How to invest in real estate in Nigeria - everything you need to know

How to Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria Step-by-Step

Do you want to know how to invest in real estate in Nigeria? Then, read this. 

This article contains everything you need from start to finish.

The biggest fear beginners have when investing in real estate is losing their hard-earned money.

And this fear is true!

I have met many people who come to meet me, saying that they have lost all their life savings in a real estate deal. Many times, they have seen deals that are too good to be true, and they jump at them.

But that is not how real estate investment works in Nigeria.

If you truly want peace of mind when investing in real estate, you must take safe steps that will help you not to fall into common traps.

In this article, I will answer the questions

  • How does real estate investment work in Nigeria?
  • What red flags should I  avoid in real estate investing?
  • What are the best places to invest in real estate as a beginner in Nigeria?

NOTE: Everything here is a product of years of investment, and also showing people how to invest. If you use it, it will work. If you don’t, I can’t say.


Come with me

Understanding How Real Estate Investment Works in Nigeria 

Real estate investing in Nigeria is simple and direct. But to a beginner, it may look complex.

I will show you the basics.

There are two major ways you can make money in the Nigerian real estate sector: appreciation and rental income.

  • Appreciation

With appreciation, you simply buy land or property when the price is still low. Then you wait till the price of the property appreciates. 

This increase in property value comes as a result of different factors such as urban development, accessibility, location, and government projects.

In this article, I highlighted 5 things you must check to know how fast a property can appreciate.

Some of them include:

- Location of the land or property

- Government Projects

- Road Accessibility

- General development 

- Increase in population

  • Rental income

Rental income is another way to make money in real estate in Nigeria.

Here, you simply lease your land or building to someone who will occupy it for a specified time for a consistent monthly or yearly income.

You can lease your land for farming, and get paid in both cash and kind (in the form of farm produce)

When you lease a building, you can get any form of payment, including

  • One-time rent for shortlets (Airbnbs) and Hotels
  • Yearly rent for living apartments  

If you can combine both rental income with appreciation, you have a guarantee of both long-term and short-term RoI.

However, because property development is very costly, I always advise beginners to start with land banking. This is simply buying land in underdeveloped but promising areas and holding it until prices rise. 

The good thing about buying land in Nigeria is that you don’t need millions upfront. 

Many real estate companies in Nigeria offer monthly instalment plans that allow you to pay over time. But if you buy land using this system, ensure that you check the company’s history of offering such services.

Also, be sure to verify their land documents to know if they are legitimate. 

Where to Start: The Beginner’s Path to Property Investment 

Location is not the only thing you should think about when buying a property. As a beginner, there are other factors that you must consider to have a successful real estate investment.

If you can tick all of these boxes, you have a guarantee of strong profit in the long term:

  • Location and Accessibility

The location of your property directly affects the value and the appeal of your property.

Go for areas that are closer to essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, markets, and public transport systems.

These properties tend to appreciate faster because there is a greater population there.

  • Funding 

Am I financially ready to buy real estate?

One of the first questions you must ask yourself is if you are financially ready to start investing in real estate.

If you want to start buying with your own money, are your earnings and savings enough yet?

If you want to take loans from banks, are you creditworthy enough?

Create a realistic budget that covers the purchase price, as well as other additional costs like legal fees, survey plans, and agency commissions.

  • Market Factors

The real estate market in Nigeria changes fast because of fluctuating market prices due to supply, demand, and economic conditions.

To get an idea about this, research the recent value of property in your target location. 

Also, check to see the demand for properties in that area. 

Where you see that the cost of land or property in that area has been climbing steadily and there is rising demand, it is a good indicator of a place that is worth your capital input. 

  • Government Policies and Regulations

You should get to know government policies that directly affect real estate in Nigeria, such as land use laws, taxation policies, and housing schemes.

The Land Use Act, for instance, regulates property ownership. This helps you to confirm the legitimacy of the property title. 

Also, take advantage of any government incentives, such as affordable housing programs. It helps you to cut down costs and maximize returns.

  • Purpose of Investment

It is vital to understand why you want to buy the property.

Are you purchasing it to live in?

Are you getting the land to lease out to a farmer while it gathers interest?

Do you want to hold your investment for long-term capital gains? 

  • Legal Documentation and Verification

Nigeria’s real estate market can be very fraudulent when it comes to transactions and land title.

When you want to buy real estate, ensure that the property meets the following criteria:

  • Has property documentation such as Deed of Assignment and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
  • There is vivid possession. If you are buying from a family, make sure you are transacting with the leader of the family and that they have the backing of the principal members of the family.

Don’t close any deal all by yourself.

Always engage the services of a qualified real estate lawyer to conduct due diligence, verify ownership claims, and confirm the property is free from encumbrances or litigation.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: Protect Your Investment

Many people lose money because they rush to buy land without verifying the title. 

But you should not make mistakes like these because of the fear of missing out. Instead, take time to research about the investment types very well before you start investing.

Here are 6 mistakes that people make when they invest in real estate in Nigeria:

1. Skipping Due Diligence

This is the biggest mistake most investors make when they start, and because of this, they keep losing a lot.

Your first duty is to verify the authenticity of property documents and the ownership status. This can help you avoid fraud and many other legal implications.

Always hire a lawyer and other experienced professionals who can help you verify land documents.

2. Ignoring Market Research

Market research, such as market trends, property appreciation rates, and demand, can result in poor investment decisions. 

Ensure you check for areas with high demand and that also have good infrastructural development and economic growth before investing.

3. Keeping Non-Paying Tenants

The fastest way to destroy your investment is getting emotional and allowing non-paying tenants to stay too long in your property. 

It often starts with a minor delay, with excuses like unpaid school fees or salary delays.

Just imagine if you were a bank, you'd reclaim your property without hesitation. Apply the same principle to protect your investment. Cash flow is key to survival as an investor.

Make sure you do the following to keep your rent intact and your tenants in check:

  • Set and enforce eviction rules
  • Act legally and quickly
  • Avoid emotional attachment to property
  • Know your target market and face them only

4. Underestimating Total Costs

Many first-time investors only focus on the purchase price. You should also prepare for other costs like legal fees, taxes, agency commissions, and maintenance expenses. 

Budgeting for these costs makes you financially prepared and gives you peace.

5. Giving Your Property Without Payment

Sometimes, as an investor who is into land banking, you may permit someone, especially an artisan (e.g., mechanics, block makers), to stay on idle properties for security.  This is a big mistake in real estate. 

If the landowner passes away, the occupant may falsely claim ownership, rent out portions, or deceive potential buyers. 

And because the occupant has stayed long enough on the land, the community will perceive that they own the land, making legal battles challenging.

The best solution to this is to:

  • Charge rent (however small)
  • Draft a written agreement
  • Keep payment records

6. Not Defining Investment Goals

Don’t do real estate investing because you heard that “there is money there.” 

Instead, invest with a clear goal in mind. Do you want rental income, resale, or long-term appreciation?

Skipping your goals can result in poor decision-making and reduced returns. Set clear investment objectives before purchasing any property.

Best Places to Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria

One of the best ways real estate makes money for investors is through RoI from promising locations.

If you are looking for the best places to invest in real estate in Nigeria, you should consider any of the locations below. 

This is because they promise better RoI as a result of their infrastructural development, growth, potential for growth, and overall desirability by people moving from most parts of the country.

1. Lagos: The commercial hub and real estate hotspot

Lagos is practically the capital of commerce in Nigeria, and this makes it a convenient location for people to live in.

The city is vibrant with multiple sectors such as technology, finance, entertainment, and manufacturing.

This diversity creates a big demand for residential properties, especially for workers. 

Locations such as Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ikoyi are known for their commercial demand due to the need for luxury apartments, retail outlets, and office spaces.

One of the encouraging facts about real estate investment in Lagos is its rapid infrastructure development. Some of these include 

  • The Lagos Rail Mass Transit 
  • The Lekki Free Trade Zone 
  • The Fourth Mainland Bridge

All of these are designed to ease transportation and encourage accessibility.

 

2. Abuja: The Capital City and Emerging Real Estate Market

Abuja has the perfect blend of political strength and real estate capacity. It is mostly made up of government workers and expatriates, creating an increased demand for housing.

Unlike Lagos, Abuja contains a lot of luxury real estate in places like Maitama and Asokoro.

On the other hand, there are other affordable housing options in neighborhoods like Kubwa and Gwarinpa, which cater to middle-income families.

 

3. Port Harcourt: The oil-rich city with investment potential

Port Harcourt is another one of the best places to invest in real estate in Nigeria. 

Because it is the oil capital of  Nigeria, Port Harcourt provides several investment opportunities for expatriates and professionals. 

So, if you are looking to find a real estate market within Nigeria, you should invest in Port Harcourt.

Here, you will find standard government workers who can afford middle-income properties.

You will also find top civil servants and oil industry personnel who can afford luxury apartments.

Check out these areas in Port Harcourt before you start investing in its real estate.

  • Areas around and in Old GRA and New GRA: Popular for high-end apartments and expensive land
  • Diobu and Eagle: More affordable for investors and residents alike
  • Key areas with major government projects such as Echie (PH Ring Road) and Eleme (the PH Mega City).

4. Ibadan: The Buy-Low, Sell-High Investment Market

The Ibadan real estate market is unique because you can easily buy low and sell high. 

If you want to invest in real estate in this city, you can get huge investment potential for an affordable investment deposit. 

Unlike Lagos and other prime cities within Nigeria, Ibadan generally offers a lower property price. And this makes it a top attraction for first-time investors.

Ibadan is also a great place to invest in because many Lagosians are looking to relocate to more affordable areas. It also has an excellent public transport system and a fast-expanding road network.

 

5. Uyo: The Land of Real Estate Promise

Uyo has a population of 1.4 million people, and houses multiple housing projects such as the Shelter Afrique and the Ewet Housing Estate.

What makes Uyo unique is the presence of two industrial estates that create a steady supply of tenants as a result of work immigration.

Also, the construction of major roads and the Uyo International Airport has opened the state up to multiple economic possibilities.

Like Lagos and Abuja, Uyo is split into two real estate investment locations. The high-end areas include the areas around Ring Road linking to Nung Ete, locations around the Ewet Housing Estate, and the Osong Ama Estate.

 

6. Asaba: Capital City of Real Estate in Delta

Asaba has evolved into one of the fastest-growing real estate investment locations in Nigeria. 

Its position as the state capital and its proximity to Onitsha, an ultra-commercial hub, has led to increased demand for residential and commercial housing.

Compared to other states in Nigeria, Asaba affords one of the most affordable land and property investment opportunities.

If you are considering investment in Asaba, you should go for places such as 

  • Okpanam, which is popular for link roads, the presence of the State Assembly, and the Asaba Shoprite Mall
  • GRA was built to cater to high-end earners.
  • Ubulu-Okiti is a transit town that connects Asaba and Benin. Its huge land availability makes it one of the best places for land banking in Nigeria.
  • Ogwashi-Uku: Home to the Delta State University College of Education (DELSUCOE), this location promises huge rental property returns. And this extends beyond students. It is sought after by many residents for its relative serenity.

If you want to know more about where to invest in real estate, check out this detailed guide

The Power of Instalments in Nigerian Real Estate Investment 

America and the UK have their mortgage systems that allow homeowners to acquire property over many years. This barely operates in Nigeria, but what works instead is the instalment payment.

Many Nigerian real estate companies allow you to lower your risk per time by paying for your land or property in instalments. And this is great because it allows many people to become homeowners and landowners despite not earning too much per time.

This system is great for youngsters also who may have a hard time saving their income to become a lump sum.

I started this same system 3 years ago when I started allowing youngsters and career professionals to pay in bits for land.

In those years, I have seen students on allowance and professionals on their first-year salary being able to become landowners.

 

Conclusion: Invest Smart, Not Just Fast

One of the best ways to invest in real estate in Nigeria is to start with a goal in mind.

 Real estate investment in Nigeria is one of the best ways to grow your wealth—but only when you do it with the right mindset and goal.. 

You may choose to buy your first plot in Ibadan

You may decide to explore the booming demand in Port Harcourt

And you may have decided to go to the luxury market in Abuja…

One thing is clear: strategy beats speed.

You now have a full map on how to invest in real estate in Nigeria, including

  • What to avoid
  • What to look for, 
  • Where to invest, and 
  • How to protect your money. 

The question is, will you use it?

Take your time, verify every deal, and work with professionals. Don’t compare yourself to others and then let the fear of missing out rush you into losing out.

Remember, you don’t need to have millions before you start. You only need the right information and the discipline to use it. And now, you have both.

The next real estate success story could be yours. Why not?

by Tayo Aladetoyinbo