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Buying land in Lagos can be one of the most rewarding investments you’ll ever make. Whether you’re looking to build your dream home, start a business, or secure land as a long-term investment, Lagos offers unmatched opportunities. However, Lagos is also one of Nigeria’s most complex real estate markets, and buying land without proper due diligence can lead to costly mistakes, legal battles, or even losing your investment entirely.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 essential things to check before buying land in Lagos, so you can make a safe, smart, and profitable decision.
1. Verify the Land Title
The first and most important step before purchasing land in Lagos is to verify its title. A land title proves legal ownership, and without it, your investment is at risk. In Lagos, the recognized title documents include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – Confirms government approval of ownership.
- Governor’s Consent – Required when land with a C of O is transferred to a new owner.
- Deed of Assignment – Legal proof that ownership has been transferred.
- Excision and Gazette – Documents that confirm the government has released land back to the community or individual.
- Registered Survey Plan – Provides exact boundaries and ensures the land is not under acquisition.
Tip: Always verify documents at the Lagos State Land Registry before making payment. Fraudulent land documents are common in Nigeria.
2. Confirm the Authenticity of the Seller
Never assume that the person selling land is the rightful owner. Some individuals sell land that doesn’t belong to them, leading buyers into legal troubles.
- Ask for the seller’s valid ID (National ID, Driver’s License, or International Passport).
- Match the seller’s name with the name on the land documents.
- If buying from a family or community, confirm the head of family or principal members are part of the transaction.
Pro Tip: In Lagos, many disputes come from buying land from unauthorized family members (“omo onile”). Always ensure you’re dealing with the rightful owner(s).
3. Conduct a Land Survey and Site Inspection
A land survey is crucial in determining the exact boundaries of the property. It helps you avoid encroaching on neighboring plots or purchasing land under government acquisition.
- Hire a licensed surveyor to map out the land.
- Ensure the survey plan is recorded at the Surveyor-General’s Office in Lagos.
- Physically inspect the land to confirm its size, location, and accessibility.
Walking the land also helps you spot red flags like disputed boundaries, squatters, or ongoing construction.
4. Check the Zoning and Land Use
In Lagos, different areas are zoned for specific uses: residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial. Buying land in the wrong zone can cause serious problems later.
For example:
- You may not be able to build a factory in a residential zone.
- Agricultural land may not be approved for housing development.
Action: Confirm the land use designation at the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
5. Investigate the Land’s History and Community Approval
Every piece of land in Lagos has a history. Some may have been involved in disputes, inherited through families, or acquired by the government.
- Ask questions about past ownership.
- Confirm whether the land is under litigation.
- If buying community land, ensure all necessary family representatives consent to the sale.
Failure to do this could lead to multiple claims of ownership.
6. Ensure the Land is Free from Government Acquisition
Many plots of land in Lagos fall under government acquisition. These lands are meant for future public projects like roads, schools, or housing estates. Buying such land without proper excision or release can lead to demolition.
To avoid this, request a land information certificate from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands to verify the status of the land.
7. Check for Accessibility and Infrastructure
Buying cheap land in a location with no road, drainage, or utilities may look like a good deal, but it can cost more in the long run. Before paying, consider:
- Road Access: Can vehicles easily reach the land?
- Electricity and Water: Is there existing infrastructure nearby?
- Drainage: Is the land prone to flooding during the rainy season?
- Proximity: How close is it to schools, markets, hospitals, and business districts?
Good infrastructure increases the land’s long-term value.
8. Negotiate and Agree on Price Transparently
Land prices in Lagos vary widely depending on the location, infrastructure, and demand. Always research the average price of land in the area before negotiating.
- Compare prices of similar plots.
- Ask locals about the going rate.
- Don’t be pressured into making hasty payments.
Document every transaction clearly to avoid disputes later.
9. Use a Qualified Lawyer for Documentation
Real estate transactions in Lagos should never be done without a qualified property lawyer. A lawyer will:
- Review and verify all land documents.
- Draft the Deed of Assignment or Sale Agreement.
- Ensure the property is properly registered with the government.
- Protect you from fraudulent contracts.
Warning: Many buyers lose money because they rely on agents or word-of-mouth deals without legal backing.
10. Register Your Ownership with the Government
Once the land is purchased, the final step is to perfect your title by registering it with the Lagos State Government. This includes obtaining:
- Governor’s Consent (if required)
- Stamping and Registration of the Deed of Assignment
- Updated Survey Plan
Proper registration ensures you have full legal rights and protection against future disputes.
Bonus Tip: Avoid Buying Land Based on Verbal Agreements
Never pay for land without proper documentation, no matter how trustworthy the seller appears. Lagos is notorious for land disputes, and only documented proof of ownership can secure your investment.
Conclusion
Buying land in Lagos is one of the smartest investments you can make, but it requires caution, diligence, and professional guidance. Always verify documents, confirm ownership, involve a lawyer, and ensure government approval before making any payments.
At REEI Living, we help clients navigate the complexities of land acquisition in Lagos and across Nigeria. With our expertise and network, you can buy land with confidence, knowing every detail has been verified.
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