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
Buying property in Kano as a foreigner comes with costs that go well beyond the purchase price, and knowing exactly what to budget for in 2026 can save you from expensive surprises.
In this guide, we break down every tax, fee, and hidden cost you will face when purchasing residential property in Kano, from stamp duties to legal fees to annual ownership charges.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rates and regulations, so you always have current information at your fingertips.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Kano.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Kano in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, total buyer closing costs in Kano typically range from 10% to 16% of the purchase price, which means a property costing 50 million naira (about 31,000 USD or 29,000 EUR) would require an extra 5 to 8 million naira (3,100 to 5,000 USD or 2,900 to 4,600 EUR) for closing.
The minimum extra budget for closing costs in Kano is around 9% to 12% of the purchase price, or roughly 4.5 to 6 million naira (2,800 to 3,700 USD or 2,600 to 3,500 EUR) on a 50 million naira property, if you keep everything to the bare legal requirements with a clean title.
On the high end, buyers in Kano should realistically plan for up to 16% to 22% of the purchase price, meaning 8 to 11 million naira (5,000 to 6,900 USD or 4,600 to 6,400 EUR) on the same property, especially if title issues need fixing.
Whether your closing costs fall at the low or high end in Kano depends mainly on whether the property has a clean, registered title or requires remediation work, how much legal support you need, and whether there are outstanding ground rent or Land Use Charge arrears to settle.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Kano?
The usual total percentage of fees and taxes for a straightforward residential purchase in Kano in 2026 is around 10% to 16% of the purchase price.
This range covers most standard Kano property transactions, with lean deals coming in closer to 10% and more complex purchases with additional services reaching 16% or slightly higher.
Of that total, roughly 8% goes to government charges (3% stamp duty plus 5% registration fee in Kano), while the remaining 2% to 8% covers professional service fees like lawyers, searches, and optional items like valuations or agent fees.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Kano.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Kano include the 3% stamp duty on the transfer instrument (paid to KIRS), the 5% registration fee for the assignment of title, and some form of legal documentation to make your purchase enforceable.
While not strictly required by law, an independent title search, a professional property valuation, and a boundary survey are highly recommended in Kano because they protect you from buying a property with disputed ownership or incorrect boundaries.
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What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Kano in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, Kano does not have a single "property transfer tax" but the functional equivalent is the 3% stamp duty on the deed of assignment, which is the main tax you pay when transferring property ownership.
There is no published foreigner surcharge on stamp duty or registration fees in Kano's official fee schedule, meaning foreign buyers pay the same percentage rates as Nigerian citizens, though foreigners often face higher practical costs for extra documentation and legal work.
VAT at 7.5% generally does not apply to the sale price of residential property itself in Kano, but it does apply to professional services like lawyer fees, valuation fees, and agent commissions that you pay during the transaction.
Stamp duty in Kano is paid during the documentation phase before or during registration, and it is calculated as 3% of the property's value as stated in the deed of assignment, with payment processed through KIRS.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Kano?
Kano's published fee schedule does not include a specific first-time buyer discount for stamp duty or registration fees, so first-time buyers pay the same 3% stamp duty and 5% registration fee as repeat buyers.
If you buy property through a company in Kano instead of as an individual, you will face higher compliance costs for corporate documentation and board resolutions, plus rental income and eventual sale gains would be taxed under corporate rules with different withholding mechanics.
The main tax difference between buying a new-build versus a resale property in Kano is VAT exposure, since developer transactions often include VAT-able construction or service components that resale transactions from individuals typically do not have.
Since there is no formal first-time buyer exemption program in Kano, there are no specific documents or conditions to qualify for one, though owner-occupier exemptions exist at the ownership stage under Kano's Land Use Charge law for certain residential properties.
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.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Kano in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, conveyancing lawyer fees in Kano typically cost between 1% and 2.5% of the purchase price for a standard transaction, which works out to 500,000 to 1.25 million naira (310 to 780 USD or 290 to 730 EUR) on a 50 million naira property.
Lawyer fees in Kano are usually charged as a percentage of the property price rather than a flat rate, though some lawyers may offer fixed fees for straightforward deals with clean titles.
Translation and interpreter services for foreign buyers in Kano typically cost between 30,000 and 150,000 naira (20 to 95 USD or 18 to 88 EUR) total, depending on how many meetings and document reviews you need.
A tax advisor is not always necessary in Kano, but if you plan to rent out the property or buy through a company, expect to pay 150,000 to 600,000 naira (95 to 375 USD or 88 to 350 EUR) for a one-time setup consultation.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Kano.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent fee in Kano is around 5% of the sale price for the seller's agent, while buyer-side agents (if you hire one) usually charge 1% to 3% or a flat success fee.
In most Kano transactions, the seller pays the main agent commission, but it is very common for buyers to also face "agency" or "commission" requests, especially when representation arrangements are informal.
The realistic range for agent fees in Kano runs from 1% (buyer-side only, negotiated) up to 5% or more (seller-side, sometimes passed indirectly to buyers), so always clarify who pays what in writing before you sign anything.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Kano?
Legal checks in Kano, including title search, liens verification, and permits review, typically cost between 50,000 and 300,000 naira (30 to 190 USD or 28 to 175 EUR) when itemized separately from legal fees, with the official search report fee being just 5,000 naira at the land ministry.
Property valuation fees in Kano range from 100,000 to 500,000 naira (60 to 310 USD or 58 to 290 EUR) depending on the property size and the valuer's reputation.
The title search is the most critical legal check you should never skip in Kano because it reveals whether the seller actually owns the property, whether there are competing claims, and whether any outstanding charges or encumbrances exist.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Kano.
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What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Kano right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Kano?
The most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Kano include outstanding ground rent or Land Use Charge arrears that must be cleared before registration, extra processing fees when the property file is incomplete, and informal "facilitation" payment requests that should raise immediate red flags.
Yes, buyers in Kano can inherit unpaid property taxes, specifically Land Use Charge and ground rent arrears, because you often cannot perfect your title cleanly without settling these outstanding amounts first.
Scams involving fake listings and fake fee demands do happen in Kano, and the best way to avoid them is to insist that all payments go through official channels like KIRS or the KIRMAS platform, and always verify that you receive proper government receipts.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront in Kano include buyer-side agency commissions, document regularization costs when the title has issues, and any arrears the seller has accumulated on the property.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Kano, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Kano?
If the property you buy in Kano has a sitting tenant, expect extra costs of roughly 50,000 to 200,000 naira (30 to 125 USD or 29 to 117 EUR) for tenancy agreement reviews, handover documentation, and potential settlement negotiations.
When you purchase a tenanted property in Kano, you typically inherit the existing tenancy agreement and must honor its terms, including the tenant's right to occupy until the lease expires.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase in Kano is generally not possible unless the lease has a specific clause allowing it or the tenant agrees, and forcing a tenant out prematurely can lead to legal disputes.
A sitting tenant in Kano can affect the property's market value both ways: it may lower the price if the buyer wants vacant possession, or it may be attractive to investors who want immediate rental income without finding tenants.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Kano.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Nigeria. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Kano?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Kano right now?
The closing costs that are usually negotiable in Kano include lawyer fees (especially for straightforward deals), agent commissions, and who pays for outstanding arrears like ground rent or Land Use Charge.
The closing costs that are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated in Kano are the 3% stamp duty and the 5% assignment registration fee, which are published rates from the Kano State government.
On negotiable fees in Kano, buyers can typically achieve a 10% to 30% reduction on legal fees for simple transactions, and agent commissions can sometimes be cut by half if you negotiate upfront and put it in writing.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Kano?
Asking a seller to cover some closing costs in Kano is possible and reasonably common, especially in a buyer's market or when the property has issues that give you negotiating leverage.
The closing costs sellers in Kano are most commonly willing to cover include outstanding Land Use Charge or ground rent arrears, title remediation expenses needed to make the file clean, and sometimes part of the agent commission if the agent is effectively their representative.
Sellers in Kano are more likely to accept covering closing costs when the property has been on the market for a long time, when the title has problems the seller knows about, or when there are multiple properties competing for buyers in the same area.
Is price bargaining common in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is very common in Kano residential property deals, and sellers generally expect buyers to negotiate rather than accept the asking price.
Buyers in Kano typically negotiate between 5% and 12% below the asking price in normal market conditions, which could mean a discount of 2.5 to 6 million naira (1,500 to 3,700 USD or 1,400 to 3,500 EUR) on a 50 million naira property, with distressed or flawed-title properties sometimes seeing discounts of 12% to 20%.
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What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Kano?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Kano right now?
A realistic monthly owner budget in Kano in 2026, excluding any mortgage payments, is between 50,000 and 250,000 naira (30 to 155 USD or 28 to 145 EUR) depending on your property type and location.
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget in Kano include security contributions or guard fees, generator and power backup running costs, water supply or borehole maintenance, routine repairs, and waste disposal.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Kano runs from about 50,000 naira (30 USD or 29 EUR) for a modest property with minimal services, up to 250,000 naira or more (155 USD or 145 EUR) for a larger home in an estate with full service charges.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Kano is generator fuel and maintenance, because unreliable grid power means you may rely heavily on backup power during certain periods, which can dramatically increase your expenses.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Kano here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax in Kano is primarily the Land Use Charge, which is estimated at roughly 0.1% to 0.5% of your property's assessed value per year, meaning a property assessed at 50 million naira might pay 50,000 to 250,000 naira (30 to 155 USD or 28 to 145 EUR) annually.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual property taxes in Kano depends heavily on your property's classification and location, with simple owner-occupied homes in non-premium areas potentially paying less, while larger or commercially-zoned properties in places like GRA pay more.
Property tax in Kano is calculated based on the open market value of the property as assessed by KIRS, with different rates applied depending on property type and use, plus fixed components like ground rent where applicable.
Yes, there are exemptions available in Kano: the Land Use Charge law includes exemptions for certain owner-occupied residential properties based on size and location conditions, though properties in highbrow areas like GRA generally do not qualify for these exemptions.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Nigeria. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Kano in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, rental income for individual property owners in Kano is taxed under Nigeria's personal income tax framework, which uses progressive rates that can result in an effective tax of roughly 10% to 24% on net rental income depending on your total income.
Yes, landlords in Kano can generally deduct reasonable property-related expenses from rental income before calculating tax, including maintenance costs, insurance, property management fees, and depreciation, though proper documentation is essential.
After allowable deductions, the realistic effective tax rate for typical landlords in Kano falls between 10% and 20%, depending on the level of expenses you can document and your overall income position.
Foreign property owners in Kano are generally subject to the same rental income tax framework as residents, though the withholding tax mechanics and compliance requirements may differ, making it advisable to work with a local tax advisor.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term rental income in Kano is taxable just like long-term rental income, and you must declare it under the personal income tax framework with the same progressive rates.
Short-term rental income in Kano is not taxed at a different rate than long-term rentals, but short-term operators often face additional VAT exposure at 7.5% on services like cleaning and property management that they purchase to run their rental business.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Kano.
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If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Kano in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a property in Kano typically ranges from 5% to 10% of the sale price.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range for total selling costs in Kano is about 5% for straightforward sales with minimal agent involvement, up to 10% or more when you include full agent commission, legal fees, and any title clean-up needed to make the property transfer-ready.
The specific cost categories that make up this total in Kano include agent commission (often the largest item), legal and documentation fees, and any expenses to resolve outstanding issues or make the title clean for the buyer.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Kano is usually the real estate agent commission, which can run up to 5% of the sale price if you use a full-service agent.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Kano in 2026?
As of early 2026, the capital gains tax rate on property sales in Nigeria, including Kano, is generally 10% on the chargeable gain you make when selling.
Exemptions to capital gains tax in Nigeria can include certain reinvestment scenarios and reliefs depending on the nature of the disposal, though the specific conditions can be complex and may require professional advice.
Foreigners selling property in Kano are generally subject to the same 10% capital gains tax framework as Nigerian residents, with no published "foreigner surcharge," though documentation requirements and remittance procedures may involve extra compliance steps.
The capital gain in Kano is calculated as the sale price minus the original purchase price, with potential adjustments for documented improvement costs, and Nigeria's tax administration has been evolving so it is wise to verify current procedures when you sell.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Nigeria compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Kano, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Kano State Ministry of Land Fee Schedule | Official Kano State government document listing land ministry charges. | We used it as the backbone for Kano buyer costs, especially stamp duty and registration fees. We also identified small fixed fees like search reports from this schedule. |
| Kano State Land Ministry Payments Portal | Official ministry site showing current fee structures. | We used it to cross-check that fee items match current practice. We also aligned our workflow descriptions with what the portal shows. |
| Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) | State tax authority collecting Kano taxes like stamp duty. | We used it to confirm which authority collects which tax in Kano. We also kept our terminology consistent with KIRS administration. |
| Kano Land Use Charge Law (Gazetted) | Legal basis for Kano's annual property charge. | We used it to confirm the annual Land Use Charge structure. We also pulled exemption logic for owner-occupier properties from this law. |
| KIRMAS Payment Platform | Official Kano payment gateway for state bills. | We used it to support how payments actually work in Kano. We also referenced it for scam avoidance advice. |
| PwC Stamp Duties Guide | Top-tier tax advisory firm's technical guide on Nigerian law. | We used it to frame what stamp duty is and how it works. We also sanity-checked Kano rates against nationwide concepts. |
| PwC Nigeria Individual Tax Summary | Professional reference summarizing Nigerian individual tax rules. | We used it to anchor how rental income is taxed for individuals. We also kept our landlord tax sections consistent with this framework. |
| KPMG VAT Implementation Guide | Big-4 publication based on official FIRS VAT circular. | We used it to anchor VAT at 7.5% and separate VAT-able services from property prices. We also kept VAT discussion accurate as of 2026. |
| Kreston Pedabo Finance Act Commentary | Professional services firm discussing Finance Act changes. | We used it to support that VAT often is not charged on property sales. We also cross-checked it against VAT circular guidance. |
| KPMG CGT Clarification Document | Big-4 technical note on Nigerian CGT Act and FIRS interpretation. | We used it to anchor the 10% CGT framework for property disposals. We also based our "sell later" section on this guidance. |
| Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) | Public-facing site for Nigeria's reformed revenue administration. | We used it to flag that tax administration may be evolving. We also advised verifying current authorities at transaction time. |
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