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
Property scams in Nigeria affect thousands of buyers every year, resulting in financial losses of billions of naira annually. Nigeria's complex land ownership system, combined with fraudulent practices, makes property verification essential for any potential buyer.
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 scams in Nigeria include multiple sales of the same land, forged documents, fake estate schemes, and fraudulent sellers targeting unsuspecting buyers.
Essential protection measures include conducting title searches at Land Registry offices, verifying all documents, checking for legal disputes, and consulting qualified real estate professionals before making any payments.
| Scam Type | Warning Signs | Protection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Sales Scam | Same land sold to multiple buyers | Conduct title search at Land Registry |
| Fake Title Documents | Forged C of O or survey plans | Verify documents at official registry |
| Fake Estate Schemes | Attractive brochures with no legal status | Check developer's business registration |
| Pressure Sales | Urgency to buy quickly | Allow time for proper due diligence |
| Underpriced Properties | Deals that seem too good to be true | Compare with market prices |
| Rent Deposit Scams | Fake landlords collecting deposits | Verify landlord ownership |
| Community Land Fraud | Disputed community ownership | Check for compensation claims |
What are the most common types of property scams in Nigeria that people should be aware of?
Multiple sales scams represent the most widespread property fraud in Nigeria, where fraudsters sell the same piece of land to several buyers simultaneously.
Family friend or insider fraud occurs when trusted acquaintances claim to have genuine property offers but supply forged documents for government-acquired or community land. These scams are particularly dangerous because victims lower their guard due to the relationship factor.
Fake title document scams involve the production of forged Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), survey plans, or Governor's Consent to convince buyers of legitimate ownership. These documents often appear authentic but contain falsified government stamps, signatures, or registration numbers.
Fake estate schemes use attractive branding, professional brochures, and marketing materials to promote non-existent property developments. These schemes often target investors with promises of high returns on properties that will never be built.
Rent deposit scams target tenants, where fake landlords collect security deposits and advance rent payments before disappearing without providing actual accommodation.
How can I verify if the land or property I'm interested in is legally registered with the appropriate government authorities in Nigeria?
Conduct a formal title search at the relevant state Land Registry office for your target property location.
Visit the Land Registry in person or through a qualified legal representative to request an official property search. This process typically takes 5-14 days and fees vary by state, ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 depending on the location and property type.
The title search will reveal the registered ownership status, any existing encumbrances such as mortgages or liens, and the complete litigation history of the property. You'll receive an official Search Report that summarizes all legal aspects of the property.
For properties in Lagos State, visit the Lagos Land Registry at Alausa Secretariat. For Abuja properties, conduct searches at the Federal Capital Territory Administration Land Registry. Each state has its own Land Registry system with specific procedures and requirements.
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What specific documents should I ask for when purchasing a property to ensure it's legitimate?
The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) serves as the highest form of property title in Nigeria, confirming government-recognized ownership rights.
Request the Deed of Assignment, which legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer and must be prepared and stamped by a qualified lawyer. This document should contain detailed property descriptions, transaction terms, and both parties' signatures.
Obtain the Registered Survey Plan that defines exact property boundaries, coordinates, and location details. This document distinguishes between freehold land and government-acquired land, preventing boundary disputes.
Secure the Governor's Consent, which is mandatory for all property transactions under Nigeria's Land Use Act. This document validates the government's approval of the ownership transfer.
Collect property tax receipts and Land Use Charge payment records to confirm no outstanding government charges exist on the property.
How can I check if the seller has a valid title deed for the property they are selling?
Examine all title documents for genuine official stamps, sequential document numbers, and authorized signatures from relevant government agencies.
Cross-reference the seller's name on the title documents with their identification papers to ensure they match exactly. Any discrepancies in names, spellings, or details should raise immediate red flags.
Verify that the property address, coordinates, and boundary descriptions on the documents match the actual property location you're viewing. Use the survey plan coordinates to confirm the exact plot boundaries.
For community land transactions, ensure there is documented consensus from community leaders and no outstanding compensation claims or boundary disputes exist. Request written confirmation from traditional rulers or community development associations.
Visit the Land Registry to authenticate all title documents against official records, ensuring document numbers and owner names match the registry database.
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What steps should I take to verify the ownership of the property with the local land registry?
Submit a formal application for property search at the appropriate state Land Registry office, providing the property address, survey plan number, and seller's identification details.
Pay the required search fees, which typically range from ₦15,000 to ₦50,000 depending on the state and property type. Lagos State charges approximately ₦25,000 for residential property searches as of September 2025.
Provide copies of the seller's title documents for cross-verification against official records in the registry database. This comparison reveals any discrepancies or fraudulent alterations in the documents.
Wait for the official Search Report, which takes 5-14 working days to complete. This report contains comprehensive ownership history, encumbrances, legal disputes, and government acquisition status.
Review the Search Report carefully for any red flags such as multiple ownership claims, ongoing litigation, government acquisition notices, or unpaid charges that could affect your purchase decision.
How do I confirm that the property I'm buying is not involved in any ongoing legal disputes or court cases?
The Land Registry search automatically flags ongoing litigations, court cases, and legal encumbrances associated with the property.
Request copies of any previous court judgments, legal correspondence, or settlement agreements related to the property from the seller. Legitimate sellers should willingly provide this information.
Contact the High Court registries in the property's jurisdiction to search for pending cases involving the property address or the seller's name. This search typically costs ₦5,000-₦10,000 per court registry.
Engage a qualified real estate lawyer to conduct comprehensive legal due diligence, including searches at various court levels and dispute resolution centers.
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What are the best ways to conduct a background check on a property developer or seller in Nigeria?
Search the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) database to verify the developer's business registration, incorporation status, and authorized directors.
Check professional regulatory bodies such as the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) or Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) for membership verification and any disciplinary actions.
Research the developer's track record by visiting their previously completed projects, speaking with past buyers, and checking online reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and property forums.
Request detailed financial statements, bank references, and evidence of project financing to assess the developer's financial capacity to complete the project.
Conduct site visits to ongoing projects to evaluate construction quality, progress timelines, and adherence to approved building plans.
Are there any online platforms or resources I can use to verify the legitimacy of a property listing in Nigeria?
Verify Property (verifyproperty.online) provides comprehensive land registry searches and court case verifications for properties across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Property Verification Service (land.ng) offers document authentication and title search services for potential buyers, with fees starting from ₦20,000 per property search.
State government websites such as Lagos State Land Information System provide online access to property records and ownership verification for registered properties.
Corporate Affairs Commission online portal allows verification of property developers' business registration and incorporation status.
Professional real estate platforms like PropertyPro Nigeria and Private Property Nigeria maintain databases of verified listings and registered agents, reducing exposure to fraudulent listings.
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How can I ensure that the property is not subject to any unpaid taxes or land use charges?
Request current property tax receipts and Land Use Charge payment records directly from the seller, covering at least the past three years of payments.
Visit the local government revenue office or Internal Revenue Service office in the property's location to confirm the payment status and outstanding obligations. This verification typically costs ₦2,000-₦5,000.
Check with the state Land Use Charge office for any unpaid charges, penalties, or arrears associated with the property. Lagos State, for example, maintains detailed records of all Land Use Charge obligations.
Obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate from the relevant revenue agency, confirming that all property-related taxes have been paid up to the transaction date.
Include a clause in your purchase agreement requiring the seller to settle all outstanding taxes and charges before the ownership transfer is completed.
What role does the local community or neighborhood play in helping to identify fraudulent property transactions?
Community members and long-term residents often possess valuable knowledge about disputed properties, previous scam attempts, and legitimate ownership history.
Neighborhood associations and community development committees maintain informal records of property transactions and can identify properties with ownership disputes or multiple sales attempts.
Local traditional rulers and community leaders can provide insights into customary land ownership, family disputes, and community consensus on property transactions.
Engage with immediate neighbors to learn about the property's history, previous owners, and any known legal or ownership issues. These conversations often reveal information not found in official records.
Community gatekeepers, security personnel, and local business owners frequently observe suspicious activities and can alert potential buyers to fraudulent schemes or fake property agents operating in the area.
How can I identify signs that the property I'm interested in might be part of a scam, such as underpricing or pressure to make a quick decision?
Properties priced significantly below market value, typically 30-50% cheaper than comparable properties in the same area, often indicate fraudulent schemes designed to attract unsuspecting buyers.
Sellers who create artificial urgency by claiming multiple interested buyers, limited-time offers, or immediate payment requirements are employing classic scam tactics to prevent proper due diligence.
Refusal to allow property inspections, document verification, or meetings at official locations suggests the seller has something to hide or lacks legitimate ownership.
Requests for payment through unconventional methods such as personal accounts, cash-only transactions, or cryptocurrency indicate potential fraud schemes designed to avoid financial tracking.
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Are there any government agencies or regulatory bodies in Nigeria that I can contact to report suspected property fraud?
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates financial crimes including property fraud and maintains dedicated units for real estate scam cases.
State Ministries of Lands handle property-related complaints and maintain records of fraudulent activities within their jurisdictions. Contact the Ministry of Lands in Lagos, Abuja, or your target state for specific cases.
The Nigeria Police Force Economic and Financial Crimes units at state and federal levels investigate property scams and coordinate with other agencies for prosecution.
State Land Registry offices accept reports of fraudulent documents and can flag suspicious properties or sellers in their databases to prevent future scams.
The Nigerian Bar Association provides legal assistance and can help connect victims with qualified lawyers specializing in property fraud cases and recovery procedures.
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.
Protecting yourself from property scams in Nigeria requires thorough due diligence, proper document verification, and engagement with qualified professionals throughout the transaction process.
Always conduct title searches, verify ownership documents, and allow sufficient time for comprehensive background checks before making any payments or commitments to property purchases.
Sources
- BritProperties - Top 5 Latest Land Scams in Nigeria
- CCDL Global - Land Verification Process in Nigeria
- Trusted Advisors Law - How to Verify Property Titles in Nigeria
- Land.ng - Nigeria Property Verification Service
- Nigeria Housing Market - How to Spot and Avoid Real Estate Scams
- BuildZone - 5 Ways to Spot and Avoid Property Scams
- Olamide Oyetayo Legal - How to Check and Verify Property Titles
- Verify Property Online