Introduction
In today’s fast-growing Nigerian real estate market, the dream of owning land or a home can quickly turn into a nightmare, especially for first-time buyers or Nigerians in the diaspora. Every year, hundreds of people fall victim to land scams, losing millions to fraudulent agents and fake property deals.
But here’s the good news: buying a verified property in Nigeria is absolutely possible — if you know what to look for.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot a verified property, what documents to demand, and how to protect yourself from real estate fraud.
✅ What Is a Verified Property?
A verified property is one that has been thoroughly assessed and confirmed to have:
- A clear and legitimate title (e.g., C of O, Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment)
- Proper ownership history
- No legal encumbrances, disputes, or government acquisition issues
- A registered survey plan and layout approval
Buying a verified property means you’re getting legal, risk-free ownership, and long-term value for your investment.
🚩 Common Red Flags of a Land Scam
Before diving into verification, know the warning signs of a scam:
- The seller refuses site inspection or rushes the transaction
- The price is too good to be true for the area
- No valid documents are shown
- You’re asked to pay into a personal account, not a registered company
- Seller avoids lawyers, agents, or land verification processes
If you notice any of these, pause immediately.
📝 How to Check if a Property is Verified
1. Ask for Title Documents
Always request to see key documents:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Governor’s Consent
- Deed of Assignment
- Registered Survey Plan
- Excision or Gazette (for land under government release)
📌 Pro Tip: Photocopies are not enough — ask to sight the originals or certified true copies.
2. Verify at the Land Registry
Visit the relevant state land registry (e.g., Alausa in Lagos) or hire a professional to:
- Confirm land ownership
- Check if the land is under acquisition or litigation
- Ensure documents are not forged or duplicated
3. Use a Trusted Real Estate Firm
The best way to avoid scams is by working with a reputable, registered real estate company like Goodlords Estates. We:
- Only list 100% verified properties
- Handle document checks and legal reviews
- Offer site inspections and walk you through every step
4. Engage a Real Estate Lawyer
Don’t skip legal help. A licensed property lawyer will:
- Review contracts
- Validate documents
- Handle due diligence and protect your interests
It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
5. Visit the Site Personally or with a Trusted Agent
Never buy land or property without visiting the site. This helps you:
- Confirm that the land physically exists
- Check the neighborhood and infrastructure
- Verify landmarks and boundary markers
At Goodlords Estates, we offer guided site inspections to make this easy for local and diaspora clients.
🔐 Final Thoughts
Buying property in Nigeria can be one of your best financial decisions — but only if done wisely. The risks of land scams are real, but so are the solutions.
If you’re looking for verified properties with:
- Clear titles
- Flexible payment plans
- Expert guidance
- And total transparency
Then it’s time to talk to Goodlords Estates.
✅ Ready to Invest with Confidence?
👉 Contact us today to view 100% verified properties in Lagos and beyond.
