How to invest in property in Kano?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Nigeria Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Nigeria Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Kano. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At TheAfricanvestor, we explore the Nigerian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What are the exact steps a foreigner has to follow to legally buy property in Kano?

Foreign investors must follow a specific 9-step legal process to purchase property in Kano, which differs significantly from freehold purchases in other countries.

The process begins with defining your budget and property criteria, followed by searching for suitable properties through reputable online platforms or local agencies. Due diligence is absolutely critical—you must verify the property title, ownership status, and land records at the Kano Ministry of Lands to check for any encumbrances or zoning restrictions.

Next, you negotiate terms and draft a comprehensive sales agreement with the assistance of a qualified Nigerian property lawyer. After arranging for an official property survey and establishing a payment schedule, you must obtain Governor's Consent for the transfer, which is mandatory for all foreign property purchases under Nigeria's Land Use Act.

The final steps involve executing the Deed of Assignment or Sale while completing your payment, registering the entire transaction at the state Land Registry, and obtaining your Certificate of Occupancy that officially recognizes your leasehold ownership rights.

It's something we develop in our Nigeria property pack.

What documents are mandatory to complete the purchase, and which ones are optional?

The Kano property purchase process requires eight mandatory documents for legal completion, while several additional documents may be needed depending on your specific situation.

Document Type	Mandatory/Optional	Purpose
Valid International Passport/National ID	Mandatory	Identity verification for foreign buyers
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)	Mandatory	Proof of legal land ownership rights
Governor's Consent	Mandatory	State approval for foreign property transfer
Authenticated Survey Plan	Mandatory	Official property boundaries and measurements
Deed of Assignment/Sale	Mandatory	Legal transfer of property rights
Purchase Receipt	Mandatory	Proof of payment completion
Stamp Duty Evidence	Mandatory	Tax compliance documentation
Land Registry Registration	Mandatory	Official government record of ownership
Building Approvals	Optional/Situational	Required only for developed properties
Deed of Mortgage	Optional/Situational	Needed only when using bank financing

Can the whole process be done without physically being in Nigeria, or is personal presence required?

The entire property purchase process can be completed remotely without requiring your physical presence in Kano, provided you establish proper legal representation.

You can appoint a trusted local representative through a legally executed Power of Attorney, which allows them to handle all documentation, inspections, and official procedures on your behalf. Many international investors successfully complete purchases this way, using video calls for property inspections and digital document verification through their Nigerian legal counsel.

Remote property investment has become increasingly common in Kano, with established procedures for international buyers who cannot travel to Nigeria. Your appointed representative can attend all meetings, complete paperwork at government offices, and handle the final registration process.

However, you must ensure your Power of Attorney is properly notarized and authenticated according to Nigerian legal requirements, and your chosen representative should be a qualified lawyer or licensed real estate professional with proven experience in foreign property transactions.

How long does the entire purchase process usually take from start to finish?

The complete property purchase process in Kano typically takes between 1 to 4 months, which is faster than many other Nigerian states due to more efficient local procedures.

Kano often completes standard property sales within approximately 30 days for straightforward transactions, though the timeline extends when official government approvals are required. The main delays usually occur during the Governor's Consent approval phase and the final registration process at the Land Registry.

The timeline can vary significantly based on the complexity of your transaction, the efficiency of your legal team, and current government processing speeds. Properties with clear titles and no complications move through the system much faster than those requiring additional verification or dispute resolution.

As of September 2025, most foreign investors experience completion times closer to the 2-3 month range when working with experienced local professionals and ensuring all documentation is prepared correctly from the beginning.

What are the total costs, fees, and taxes involved in a property purchase, and can you give a full breakdown?

Foreign property investors in Kano should budget for total additional costs of 10-20% above the property purchase price, with some transactions requiring even higher percentages depending on complexity.

The major cost components include agency fees ranging from 5-10% of the property price, legal fees typically set at 5% of the purchase value, and various government taxes and registration fees. Stamp duty costs 0.75% for residential properties and 1.5% for commercial properties, while registration fees range from 0.5-5% of the property value.

Governor's Consent represents one of the largest expenses, ranging from 1.5-15% of the property price depending on the specific state regulations and property value. Survey fees vary from ₦50,000 up to ₦17 million based on location and property size, while due diligence costs typically run about 0.6% of the property value.

Annual ongoing costs include land use taxes of approximately 0.4% of the assessed property value, which continues throughout your ownership period. Additional optional costs for renovation and move-in preparations often add another 4% or more to your total investment.

It's something we develop in our Nigeria property pack.

Is it possible to buy property in Kano with cash, and are there any restrictions on large cash transactions?

Cash purchases are legally permitted in Kano, but Nigeria's strict anti-money laundering regulations create practical limitations on large cash transactions that foreign investors should understand.

Banks and financial institutions will flag unusually large cash transactions as part of their compliance procedures, and you may be required to provide additional documentation explaining the source of funds. Electronic transfers and other traceable payment methods are strongly recommended over physical cash for substantial property purchases.

For very large property investments, banks typically require prior clearance and comprehensive documentation before processing the transaction. This includes proof of income sources, bank statements, and sometimes additional verification from your home country's financial institutions.

Most experienced foreign investors use wire transfers, certified bank drafts, or other electronic payment methods to avoid potential delays and comply with Nigerian banking regulations while maintaining clear transaction records for tax purposes.

Do banks actually offer mortgages to foreigners, and if so, what are the rates, conditions, and tips to qualify?

Nigerian banks do offer mortgage financing to foreigners, particularly through diaspora programs and to investors with established Nigerian business connections, though options remain more limited than for local buyers.

Current mortgage terms typically include interest rates around 9% annually, require a 30% down payment, and offer repayment periods up to 20 years. Qualification requirements include demonstrable income proof, established Nigerian bank accounts, and either physical presence in Nigeria or substantial business ties to the country.

Foreign investors with the strongest mortgage approval chances include Nigerian diaspora members, business owners with Nigerian companies, and investors who can demonstrate stable income sources that banks can easily verify. Most lenders require at least 6 months of banking history in Nigeria before considering mortgage applications.

Despite available financing options, the majority of foreign property buyers in Kano choose cash purchases due to simpler qualification requirements and faster transaction completion. Those seeking mortgages should establish relationships with major Nigerian banks well in advance of their property search.

What kinds of properties can foreigners legally buy, and which types are restricted?

Foreign investors can legally purchase residential, commercial, retail, and developed urban properties in Kano under leasehold arrangements, but several property types face restrictions or additional regulations.

1. **Permitted property types include:** - Residential apartments and houses in urban areas - Commercial office buildings and retail spaces - Mixed-use developments in city centers - Condominiums and gated community properties - Industrial properties for business purposes2. **Restricted or regulated properties include:** - Agricultural land (requires special permits and additional approvals) - Federal government lands (generally unavailable to foreigners) - Oil and gas sector properties (restricted to Nigerian nationals) - Certain traditional or rural lands (subject to community restrictions) - Properties in strategic security zones (require special clearances)

Most foreign investment focuses on urban residential and commercial properties where regulations are clearest and ownership rights are most secure. Agricultural land purchases face significant additional restrictions and should only be attempted with specialized legal guidance.

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.

Does buying property in Kano provide any path to residency or citizenship?

Property investment in Kano does not provide any direct pathway to Nigerian residency or citizenship, as Nigeria does not operate a golden visa or investor residency program based on real estate purchases.

Unlike some countries that offer residency permits to significant property investors, Nigeria treats real estate investment purely as a commercial transaction without immigration benefits. Your property ownership will not influence visa applications, residency permit renewals, or citizenship eligibility.

Foreign property owners must maintain appropriate visas for any visits to Nigeria and handle immigration status separately from their real estate investments. Business visas, work permits, or other immigration categories require independent applications based on employment, business registration, or family connections.

While property ownership demonstrates financial ties to Nigeria, it carries no weight in immigration proceedings and should not be considered as part of any residency strategy.

Are real estate agents generally reliable, and how can you find a trustworthy one?

Real estate agent reliability in Kano varies significantly, making careful selection and verification essential for foreign investors who lack local market knowledge.

Trustworthy agents typically hold membership in recognized professional associations, maintain established offices with verifiable addresses, and can provide references from previous international clients. Recommendations from international business networks, expatriate communities, or established Nigerian companies offer the most reliable starting points for finding reputable representation.

Always verify agent credentials independently, insist on written agreements for all services, and require independent legal oversight regardless of agent recommendations. Established local agencies with public reputations and long-term market presence generally provide more reliable service than individual operators.

Warning signs include agents requesting upfront payments, refusing to provide verifiable references, pressuring for quick decisions without proper due diligence time, or discouraging independent legal advice. Professional agents will encourage thorough verification and legal review as standard practice.

Will the legal system protect a foreign investor's property rights in case of disputes?

The Nigerian legal system does protect foreign property rights when documentation is complete and properly registered, though the judicial process can be slow and requires patience from international investors.

Property rights enforcement depends entirely on having complete official documentation including Governor's Consent, proper registration at the Land Registry, and authenticated legal papers. Disputes involving properties with incomplete documentation face significant challenges regardless of the owner's nationality.

The Nigerian judiciary functions effectively but processes cases slowly, with commercial property disputes sometimes taking months or years to resolve fully. However, foreign investors with properly documented ownership enjoy the same legal protections as Nigerian citizens under the law.

Prevention remains far more effective than litigation—ensuring complete documentation, proper registration, and thorough due diligence before purchase provides the strongest protection for your investment. Working with experienced local legal counsel familiar with foreign investment requirements is essential for maintaining enforceable property rights.

What are the most common mistakes and pitfalls foreigners make when buying property in Kano, and how can they be avoided?

Foreign property investors in Kano frequently make seven critical mistakes that can result in significant financial losses or invalid property purchases.

1. **Skipping comprehensive title verification and due diligence**2. **Failing to obtain mandatory Governor's Consent before completion**3. **Not properly registering the Deed of Assignment with authorities**4. **Trusting unlicensed agents or falling victim to property scams**5. **Attempting transactions without qualified Nigerian legal representation**6. **Failing to verify the seller's legal authority and property history**7. **Using informal payment methods without proper documentation**

These mistakes can be completely avoided by working exclusively with recognized legal professionals, conducting thorough title verification at government offices, and demanding original documentation for all property records. Never skip official registration procedures, avoid cash payments without proper receipts, and always complete due diligence regardless of time pressure from sellers.

Successful foreign investors consistently use secure payment methods with clear documentation trails, verify all seller authority independently, and maintain qualified Nigerian legal counsel throughout the entire transaction process. Taking time for proper verification and professional guidance prevents the vast majority of problems that affect foreign property buyers.

It's something we develop in our Nigeria property pack.

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.

Sources

1. Nigeria Real Estate for Foreigners - The African Investor
2. Kano Property Market Guide - The African Investor
3. Nigeria Real Estate Investment Guide 2025 - LexShield Properties
4. Invest in Nigeria Real Estate - The African Investor
5. Can Foreigners Buy Property in Nigeria - Arab MLS
6. Guide to Buying Property in Nigeria for Foreigners - LinkedIn
7. Documents Required for Land Purchase in Nigeria - LinkedIn
8. Complete Guide to Buying Land in Nigeria for Foreigners 2025 - LexShield Properties