Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Nigeria Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Lagos' property market is included in our pack
Buying property in Lagos is more complex than purchasing real estate in Western countries, but entirely possible with proper guidance.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the complete process of purchasing a house in Lagos, Nigeria, covering everything from document requirements to common pitfalls that could cost you money. As of September 2025, the Lagos property market continues to attract foreign investment despite regulatory challenges.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Nigeria, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Property acquisition in Lagos requires extensive due diligence, legal verification, and typically takes 1-4 months to complete with costs ranging 10-15% above the property price.
Foreign buyers can legally purchase property but must obtain Governor's Consent and follow the same registration process as Nigerian nationals, with no path to residency or citizenship.
| Process Stage | Timeline | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Property Search & Verification | 2-4 weeks | LASRERA-registered agent, title search |
| Legal Documentation | 2-3 weeks | Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment |
| Government Approvals | 4-8 weeks | Governor's Consent, Land Registry registration |
| Payment & Transfer | 1-2 weeks | Secure banking, stamp duty payment |
| Final Registration | 2-3 weeks | LASRERA registration, document handover |
| Total Process | 1-4 months | ₦500,000-₦1M+ in fees (excluding price) |
| Common Delays | Additional 1-2 months | Document issues, government processing |
How easy is it compared to buying a house in Western countries?
Buying property in Lagos is significantly more complex than purchasing real estate in Western countries like the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.
The primary challenges include extensive document verification requirements, higher fraud risks, and less transparent market practices. While Western countries offer standardized processes with robust consumer protection laws, Lagos property transactions require buyers to conduct much more rigorous due diligence.
The legal framework in Nigeria relies heavily on the Land Use Act, which makes all land technically owned by the government, creating additional bureaucratic layers. Western countries typically have more streamlined title registration systems and stronger legal protections for property buyers.
However, as of September 2025, Lagos has improved its property registration processes through digitization efforts and the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency (LASRERA), making transactions more transparent than in previous years.
Foreign investors should expect to invest significantly more time and resources in legal verification compared to Western property markets.
What is the step-by-step process of buying a property in Lagos?
The Lagos property acquisition process follows a specific sequence that typically spans 1-4 months depending on document availability and government processing times.
Start by determining your budget and property goals, considering currency exchange rates if you're purchasing from abroad. Next, engage a LASRERA-registered estate agent or legal consultant with verified credentials and strong client references.
Conduct thorough property search and inspection, either in-person or through a trusted proxy if you're buying remotely. Perform comprehensive title and land verification at the Lagos State Land Registry to confirm the seller's legal ownership and check for any encumbrances or disputes.
Negotiate the purchase price and terms with assistance from your agent and lawyer, then draft and sign the Deed of Assignment or Contract of Sale. Transfer funds through secure banking channels and maintain detailed payment receipts for all transactions.
Complete the legal process by obtaining Governor's Consent, paying stamp duty, and registering the property at the Land Registry before taking possession with all registered documents.
What documents do I need, and which ones are mandatory versus optional?
| Document Type | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) | Mandatory | Primary title document proving legal ownership |
| Valid ID (Passport/National ID) | Mandatory | Buyer identification for registration purposes |
| Authenticated Survey Plan | Mandatory | Official property boundaries and measurements |
| Deed of Assignment | Mandatory | Legal transfer document from seller to buyer |
| Stamp Duty Payment Evidence | Mandatory | Government tax payment confirmation |
| Payment Receipts | Mandatory | Proof of all financial transactions |
| Deed of Mortgage | Optional | Required only if using bank financing |
| Letter of Allocation | Optional | Needed for government-allocated plots |
| Tax Clearance Certificate | Optional | Sometimes requested for high-value transactions |
Can I buy a house in Lagos without being physically present in Nigeria?
Yes, remote property purchase in Lagos is entirely possible and increasingly common among diaspora buyers as of September 2025.
You'll need to engage a trusted proxy, typically a qualified property lawyer or professional property manager, who can inspect properties, verify documents, and complete transactions on your behalf. Many reputable agencies now offer comprehensive virtual tour services and remote transaction support specifically designed for overseas buyers.
Ensure your proxy has proper legal authority through a Power of Attorney document, which must be notarized and authenticated by the Nigerian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Your proxy should provide regular updates, photos, and video documentation throughout the process.
Remote buyers should be extra cautious about fraud and ensure all payments go through secure, traceable banking channels. Consider visiting Lagos for the final property handover and document signing, though this isn't strictly mandatory if your proxy is thoroughly trustworthy.
It's something we develop in our Nigeria property pack.
Don't lose money on your property in Lagos
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
Are real estate agents in Lagos generally reliable, and how do you find a trustworthy one?
Real estate agent reliability in Lagos varies significantly, with both highly professional firms and fraudulent operators active in the market.
Prioritize agents registered with LASRERA (Lagos State Resident Registration Agency), which provides some level of regulatory oversight and accountability. Verify their registration status through the official LASRERA website and request their license numbers for independent confirmation.
Seek agents with proven track records, client testimonials, and established office locations rather than those operating solely through social media or temporary setups. Major firms like Propertymart, Revolution Plus, and Fine and Country have established reputations, though individual agent quality still varies.
Request at least three client references and speak directly with previous buyers about their experiences. Be cautious of agents who demand upfront fees, refuse to provide written agreements, or pressure you into quick decisions without proper due diligence time.
Professional agents should provide comprehensive market analysis, facilitate property inspections, and coordinate with qualified lawyers for legal documentation.
Will the legal system in Nigeria actually protect me as a buyer?
Nigeria's legal system provides property buyer protection, but effectiveness depends entirely on following proper legal procedures and documentation requirements.
The Lagos State Urban Planning Law, Federal Land Use Act, and Consumer Protection Act establish the legal framework for property rights and buyer protection. However, these protections only apply to properly registered and documented transactions.
Unregistered property deals, handshake agreements, or transactions based on questionable documents receive little to no legal protection. The Nigerian court system, while functional, can be slow and expensive, making prevention through proper due diligence far preferable to litigation.
As of September 2025, Lagos State has improved its dispute resolution mechanisms through specialized property tribunals and digital case tracking systems. Foreign buyers have the same legal rights as Nigerian citizens, provided their transactions comply with all documentation and registration requirements.
Engage qualified property lawyers familiar with Nigerian real estate law to ensure your transaction receives full legal protection.
What are the common mistakes and pitfalls foreigners usually make when buying property in Lagos?
Foreign property buyers in Lagos frequently make costly errors that could be easily avoided with proper guidance and due diligence.
The most serious mistake is skipping comprehensive title searches and land verification at the Lagos State Land Registry, which can result in purchasing disputed or illegally sold property. Many foreigners rely on unofficial receipts or unregistered titles, leaving them vulnerable to ownership challenges.
Failing to physically or virtually inspect properties leads to unpleasant surprises regarding condition, location, or accessibility. Ignoring zoning restrictions and land use regulations can prevent intended property use or development plans.
Not obtaining Governor's Consent and proper registration leaves property ownership legally incomplete and unprotected. Transferring money without lawyer review and secure banking channels exposes buyers to fraud and financial loss.
Many foreigners underestimate total transaction costs, budgeting only for the purchase price while overlooking legal fees, taxes, and administrative expenses that typically add 10-15% to the total cost.
What precautions should I take before signing or transferring money?
Implement comprehensive verification procedures before committing to any property purchase or financial transfer in Lagos.
Engage a qualified property lawyer to review all documentation, conduct title searches, and verify the seller's legal ownership before any commitment. Confirm the property's compliance with Lagos State planning laws and zoning regulations through official government channels.
Verify utility connections, tax clearance status, and ensure no outstanding levies or disputes exist against the property. Insist on purchasing only government-approved properties with proper planning permits and registered survey plans.
Use exclusively secure payment methods such as bank transfers with full documentation, avoiding cash transactions or informal payment channels. Never sign documents or transfer money until your lawyer confirms all due diligence requirements are satisfied.
It's something we develop in our Nigeria property pack.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Nigeria versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How long does the whole process usually take from start to finish?
The complete Lagos property purchase process typically requires 1-4 months from initial property identification to final ownership transfer, though delays are common.
Property search and verification usually take 2-4 weeks, depending on your requirements and market availability. Legal documentation preparation and review require an additional 2-3 weeks for thorough due diligence and contract preparation.
Government approvals, particularly obtaining Governor's Consent and Land Registry registration, represent the longest phase at 4-8 weeks due to bureaucratic processes and document verification requirements. Payment processing and final transfer typically complete within 1-2 weeks once all approvals are obtained.
Common delays include incomplete seller documentation, title disputes, government office backlogs, and banking transfer complications. Properties with clear titles and cooperative sellers tend to complete faster, while complex cases can extend to 6 months or more.
Plan for potential delays and avoid setting rigid deadlines for property transactions in Lagos.
What taxes, fees, and hidden costs should I expect, with a full breakdown?
| Cost Category | Amount/Percentage | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Fees | 5-10% of property value | Throughout process |
| Agency Commission | 5-10% (often buyer pays) | At contract signing |
| Governor's Consent | ₦400,000+ (varies by area) | Before final registration |
| Land Registry Fees | ₦50,000-₦300,000 | At registration |
| Stamp Duty | 0.075-2% of purchase price | Before document signing |
| Survey Verification | ₦10,000-₦50,000 | During due diligence |
| LASRERA Registration | ₦25,000-₦50,000 | Final registration stage |
| Development Levy | Variable by location | Annual ongoing cost |
| Miscellaneous Admin | ₦10,000-₦30,000 | Various stages |
Can I buy in cash, and if yes, what are the pros and cons?
Cash purchases are not only possible but extremely common in Lagos property transactions, with most sellers preferring cash buyers.
Cash buying advantages include faster transaction processing without bank approval delays, stronger negotiation position for price reductions, and simplified documentation without mortgage requirements. You'll also avoid lengthy bank approval processes and mortgage interest costs.
However, cash purchases carry higher fraud risks due to the large sums involved and may trigger anti-money laundering investigations for international transfers above certain thresholds. Cash buyers miss the additional security that bank due diligence provides, and large cash transfers can be difficult to reverse if problems arise.
Ensure all cash transactions use secure, traceable banking channels with proper documentation rather than physical cash exchanges. Maintain detailed records of fund sources and transfer documentation to satisfy regulatory requirements.
Most successful Lagos property purchases by foreigners involve cash transactions due to limited mortgage availability for international buyers.
Is mortgage financing really available for foreigners, under what conditions, at what rates, and what tips can help me qualify?
Mortgage financing for foreign buyers in Lagos is extremely limited but not impossible, with specific requirements that vary significantly between financial institutions.
Most Nigerian banks require local residency, verifiable Nigerian employment or business income, and extensive documentation including tax returns and bank statements. Interest rates typically range from 15-24% annually as of September 2025, significantly higher than Western mortgage rates.
Some banks offer specialized diaspora mortgage products for Nigerian citizens living abroad, requiring proof of foreign income, employment verification, and sometimes Nigerian co-signers. Foreign nationals face stricter requirements and may need substantial down payments of 30-50%.
To improve qualification chances, establish a Nigerian bank account and banking history, provide comprehensive income documentation, consider enlisting a Nigerian co-borrower, and work with mortgage brokers familiar with foreign buyer requirements. The lengthy approval process typically takes 2-4 months even for qualified applicants.
Given these constraints, most foreign buyers opt for cash purchases or secure financing in their home countries.
What type of property can foreigners legally buy, and are there restrictions?
Foreign nationals can legally purchase property in Lagos but face specific restrictions under Nigerian law, particularly regarding land ownership rights.
Foreigners can acquire leasehold interests in developed properties such as apartments, houses, and commercial buildings, but cannot own land outright (freehold) as all land technically belongs to the Nigerian government under the Land Use Act. Leasehold terms typically range from 99 years to statutory terms of occupancy.
There are no legal restrictions preventing foreign ownership of residential or commercial properties, but the same documentation and approval processes apply as for Nigerian citizens, often with additional scrutiny. Foreign buyers must obtain Governor's Consent and complete full registration procedures regardless of property type.
Agricultural land purchases by foreigners face more complex approval processes and may require additional government permissions. Industrial properties and large-scale developments might trigger national security reviews for foreign ownership.
It's something we develop in our Nigeria property pack.
Does buying property in Lagos give me any path to residency or citizenship?
Property ownership in Lagos does not provide any pathway to Nigerian residency or citizenship under current immigration and nationality laws.
Nigeria's immigration system and citizenship requirements operate entirely independently from property ownership, unlike some countries that offer investor visa programs. Foreign property owners must still comply with standard visa requirements for entry and residence in Nigeria.
Property investment may support visa applications by demonstrating economic ties to Nigeria, but ownership alone grants no special immigration status or residence rights. Citizenship acquisition requires separate processes including naturalization through marriage, ancestry, or extended legal residence.
Foreign property owners should maintain valid visas and comply with immigration requirements regardless of their property investments. Some investors mistakenly believe property ownership provides residence rights, leading to immigration complications.
Consider property purchase as a pure investment or lifestyle decision rather than an immigration strategy.
Where do foreigners typically buy property in Lagos, and why?
Foreign buyers concentrate their Lagos property investments in specific high-end areas known for better infrastructure, security, and investment potential.
Lekki Peninsula, particularly Victoria Island and Ikoyi, attracts the highest foreign investment due to excellent infrastructure, reliable utilities, and strong expatriate communities. These areas offer luxury developments, international schools, and proximity to business districts.
Ajah and Ibeju-Lekki represent emerging investment zones with government infrastructure projects including the new airport and deep-sea port, attracting buyers seeking long-term appreciation potential. These areas offer more affordable entry points with strong growth prospects.
Epe appeals to buyers seeking larger properties and quieter environments while maintaining reasonable access to Lagos business centers. The area offers better value for money and lower transaction competition.
Foreign buyers avoid areas with unclear land titles, poor infrastructure, or high crime rates. They prefer developments with clear documentation, reliable utilities, and established legal frameworks that provide better investment security and resale potential.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Buying property in Lagos requires extensive preparation and professional guidance, but offers significant investment opportunities for informed buyers.
Success depends on thorough due diligence, proper legal documentation, and working with qualified professionals throughout the entire process.
Sources
- The African Investor - Nigeria Real Estate for Foreigners
- Propsult - Tips for Buying Property in Lagos from Abroad
- Manifield Solicitors - Property Investment Protection
- OID Legal Consult - Complete Legal Guide 2025
- LinkedIn - Property Buying Process
- Venturanna - Mistakes to Avoid in Lagos Property
- LawPadi - 10 Steps to Buying Property in Lagos
- Trusted Advisors Law - Legal Guide to Land Purchase
- Facibus Housing - Required Property Documents
- Diya Fatimilehin - Legal Transaction Requirements