Are property agents in Nigeria trustworthy?

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 Nigeria. 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 Port Harcourt. 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.

How do most Nigerians find property agents they trust?

Most Nigerians rely on referrals from family, friends, or colleagues to find trusted property agents, as personal recommendations carry more weight than online reviews in the Nigerian market.

Word-of-mouth remains the primary method for agent selection, with approximately 60-70% of property seekers choosing agents based on personal connections and recommendations from people they know.

Online platforms like PropertyPro, PrivateProperty, and Jiji are increasingly used for initial agent searches, but Nigerians typically verify these digital leads through personal networks before making commitments.

Professional networks, particularly among expatriates and diaspora buyers, often share agent recommendations through WhatsApp groups, LinkedIn connections, and community forums.

As of September 2025, social media platforms have become supplementary tools for agent discovery, though they rarely serve as the sole basis for trust-building in property transactions.

What percentage of property deals in Nigeria end with disputes between clients and agents?

Approximately 30% of property transactions in Nigeria end in disputes between clients and agents, making it one of the higher dispute rates in African real estate markets.

The most common dispute categories include issues with property ownership verification, incomplete or fraudulent documentation, and disagreements over commission payments and hidden fees.

Lagos State reports the highest concentration of agent-client disputes, largely due to the volume of transactions and the prevalence of unregistered agents operating in the market.

Documentation problems account for roughly 40% of these disputes, while commission disagreements and agent disappearances make up another 35% of reported cases.

The dispute rate is significantly lower—around 10-15%—when dealing with ESVARBON-registered agents who follow proper documentation procedures and provide written agreements.

How much do Nigerian property agents charge in commission?

Nigerian property agents typically charge 10% commission on rent or sale value, as recommended by NIESV (Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers), but actual rates are highly negotiable.

Commission rates range from 0.5% for high-value commercial properties to 20% for smaller residential transactions, depending on the property type, transaction size, and agent's market position.

Lagos State has implemented regulations capping agency fees at 15% when multiple agents are involved in a single transaction, providing some protection against excessive charges.

Rental transactions generally see commission rates between 5-15% of annual rent, while property sales typically range from 2-10% of the sale price for residential properties.

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

Which licenses and professional bodies regulate Nigerian property agents?

ESVARBON (Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria) serves as the primary regulatory body for property agents, requiring mandatory registration for all practicing estate surveyors and valuers.

NIESV (Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers) acts as the professional body that sets standards, provides continuing education, and advocates for industry best practices among its members.

Regional associations like ERCAAN (Estate Rent Commission Agents Association of Nigeria) operate in specific states, with ERCAAN being particularly active in Lagos State regulation and enforcement.

State-level agencies work alongside federal bodies to implement local regulations, with Lagos leading in comprehensive agent licensing and oversight mechanisms.

As of September 2025, ongoing legal reforms are expanding mandatory registration requirements and increasing oversight, particularly in high-activity markets like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

How can clients verify if a property agent is properly registered?

Clients can verify ESVARBON registration directly through the official ESVARBON website at esvarbon.gov.ng by searching the Register of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.

The verification process involves entering the agent's full name or registration number in the online database, which displays current registration status, qualification level, and any disciplinary actions.

Direct contact with ESVARBON offices allows for seal and registration number confirmation, providing an additional verification layer for suspicious or unclear online results.

Some online property platforms highlight agent verification status, but manual double-checking through official channels remains the most reliable verification method.

Failure to provide proof of registration or reluctance to share registration details should be considered major red flags when selecting a property agent.

What are the most common scams involving Nigerian property agents?

1. **Fake property sales with forged documents** - Agents present falsified Certificates of Occupancy, deeds, or titles for properties they don't actually control 2. **Double sales schemes** - The same land or property is sold multiple times by different agents or through "Omo-Onile" arrangements 3. **Hidden charges and unexplained fees** - Additional costs appear after initial agreements, often doubling the expected transaction expenses 4. **Agent disappearance after payment** - Collecting money upfront and then becoming unreachable without providing promised services 5. **Fake estate developments** - Promoting non-existent or illegally developed properties with fabricated approval documents 6. **Family friend intermediary fraud** - Using fake relationships or connections to build false trust before executing fraudulent transactions 7. **Incomplete title transfers** - Taking payment but failing to complete proper legal documentation transfers

How often do agents provide written agreements instead of verbal promises?

Written agreements and receipts are mandatory under Nigerian tenancy law, especially in Lagos State, but many agents still operate through verbal agreements or issue informal receipts.

Approximately 40-50% of property agents provide proper written agreements and formal receipts, with higher compliance rates among ESVARBON-registered professionals compared to unregistered operators.

Lagos State enforcement of written documentation requirements is more stringent than other states, leading to better compliance rates in the commercial capital.

For legal protection and evidence in potential disputes, clients should always insist on signed agreements and formal receipts regardless of agent preferences or local practices.

The trend toward digital documentation and online transaction records is improving written agreement adoption, particularly among agents working with tech-savvy clients and diaspora buyers.

What legal protections exist if an agent defrauds a client?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handles real estate fraud cases and has established dedicated units for property-related financial crimes.

The Federal Ministry of Housing's fraud reporting portal at reports.fmhud.gov.ng provides a government-backed channel for housing estate disputes and fraudulent activities.

State land registries offer dispute resolution mechanisms for title and transaction conflicts, with varying levels of effectiveness across different states.

ESVARBON and regional associations like ERCAAN can take disciplinary action against registered agents, including license suspension or revocation for fraudulent practices.

Digital registries and transparency tools are being implemented to improve reporting efficiency and monitoring capabilities for fraud prevention and prosecution.

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 transparent are agents about showing real ownership documents?

High-quality, registered agents typically provide proper ownership documents before payment, but document transparency varies significantly across the Nigerian property market.

Many agents, particularly in high-demand areas like Lagos Island and Abuja Central, show fake or incomplete documentation to close deals quickly, requiring independent verification.

All property documents must be independently verified at the relevant state land registry and reviewed by legal counsel before making any financial commitments.

Common document verification includes confirming Certificate of Occupancy authenticity, checking survey plans against official records, and ensuring clear title chains.

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

How do online platforms help reduce risks with untrustworthy agents?

PropertyPro, PrivateProperty, and Jiji reduce scam risks by requiring agent verification, displaying user reviews, and maintaining transaction transparency records.

These platforms profile registered agents with ESVARBON verification status, professional credentials, and client feedback scores to help buyers make informed decisions.

Digital listing verification processes check property authenticity and agent licenses before allowing advertisements, though buyers should still conduct independent validation.

User review systems on these platforms provide insights into agent reliability, transaction completion rates, and client satisfaction levels based on past experiences.

Despite platform safeguards, buyers should independently validate ownership documentation and agent registration status rather than relying solely on platform verification.

What do past clients say about agent satisfaction in major cities?

City	Satisfaction Level	Common Complaints
Lagos	Mixed (60% positive with registered agents)	Hidden charges, slow documentation, agent disappearances
Abuja	Moderate (65% positive overall)	Lack of written agreements, document processing delays
Port Harcourt	Lower (50% positive)	Limited agent options, transparency issues
Kano	Moderate (55% positive)	Cultural barriers, limited professional agents
Ibadan	Mixed (60% positive)	Informal practices, documentation challenges
Benin City	Lower (45% positive)	Limited regulation, agent credibility issues
Calabar	Moderate (58% positive)	Small market, limited professional options

What practical steps confirm if a property agent is legitimate?

1. **Verify ESVARBON registration** through the official website or direct contact with the registration board 2. **Request original ownership documents** including Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan for independent verification 3. **Insist on written agreements and receipts** with all transactions conducted through traceable banking channels, avoiding cash payments 4. **Check online reviews and platform ratings** to cross-reference agent reputation across multiple sources 5. **Consult a real estate lawyer** for document review and legal advice before making any payments 6. **Avoid high-pressure tactics** and rushed transactions that don't allow time for proper due diligence 7. **Verify property at state land registry** to confirm ownership and check for any legal encumbrances 8. **Meet at the actual property location** rather than conducting business solely in offices or remote locations 9. **Request client references** from recent transactions and contact them directly for feedback 10. **Confirm agent's physical office address** and business registration with relevant authorities

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 Blog - How to Find a Good Real Estate Agent
2. BuyLetLive - Estate Agent Commission Rates
3. PropertyPro - Estate Agents and Agency Fees
4. ESVARBON Official Website
5. Punch Newspapers - ERCAAN Regulation Advocacy
6. Brit Properties - Latest Land Scams in Nigeria
7. EFCC - Property Development KYC Requirements
8. Federal Ministry of Housing - Fraud Reporting
9. Socialander - Real Estate Buyer Leads Nigeria
10. Nigeria Real Estate Blog - Spot Fake Agents