Buying property in Nigeria from abroad is a dream for many, but it’s also a journey riddled with pitfalls. Every year, Nigerians in the diaspora lose millions to avoidable mistakes-often because they’re far away and unable to oversee every detail. If you’re planning to buy property remotely, here are the ten most common mistakes and how you can sidestep them to secure your investment with confidence.

1. Not Doing Enough Research

Many buyers rely solely on information from agents or relatives, skipping independent research on the property’s location, legal status, and market value. This can lead to buying land with government encumbrances, poor resale value, or even double sales.

How to Avoid:
Use multiple sources to verify property details, check local market trends, and compare prices. Insist on seeing the property’s title and ownership history. Don’t let anyone rush you-take your time to investigate thoroughly.

2. Ignoring Legal Processes

Skipping due legal diligence is a recipe for disaster. Many buyers jump at attractive offers without verifying title documents, land use regulations, or the seller’s right to sell.

How to Avoid:
Engage a qualified real estate lawyer to review all documents, conduct a title search, and ensure the property isn’t under government acquisition or litigation.

3. Trusting Verbal Agreements

In Nigeria, verbal promises mean little in court. Relying on “gentleman’s agreements” or handshake deals can leave you with no legal recourse if things go wrong16.

How to Avoid:
Insist that all agreements-price, payment terms, and conditions-are documented and signed by all parties.

4. Depending on Relatives or Friends

Many diaspora buyers entrust their property search to family or friends. While well-intentioned, these individuals may lack the expertise or objectivity needed and can be influenced by personal interests or limited knowledge.

How to Avoid:
Work with reputable and trusted real estate agents and legal professionals. If you must use a representative, ensure they have relevant expertise, clear mandate and keep you updated at every step.

5. Not Using Trusted Professionals

Trying to “save money” by avoiding professional help often leads to bigger losses. Unregulated agents, “Omo Onile,” or self-proclaimed property experts can mislead buyers or even sell the same land to multiple people.

How to Avoid:
Hire professional realtors, and lawyers with integrity and experience.

6. Failing to Verify Documentation

Accepting documents at face value is risky. Fake C of O’s, forged deeds, or incomplete paperwork are common traps.

How to Avoid:
Always verify documents at the land registry and with the appropriate authorities. Never pay for a property until your lawyer confirms the documents are genuine and the seller has the legal right to sell.

7. Not Visiting or Virtually Inspecting the Property

Distance can make it tempting to skip inspections, but photos and videos can be misleading. Some buyers have discovered their “dream property” doesn’t even exist or is in a poor location.

How to Avoid:
If you can’t visit, arrange for a trusted professional or use virtual tours and live video walkthroughs. Consider hiring a third party service for an unbiased report.

8. Underestimating Hidden Costs

Many buyers focus only on the purchase price, ignoring taxes, legal fees, agency commissions, and development levies. These hidden costs can add up and derail your budget.

How to Avoid:
Request a full breakdown of all costs from your agent or lawyer. Also budget for title registration, and any ongoing maintenance or service charges are key.

9. Procrastinating on Genuine Opportunities

While caution is wise, waiting too long can mean missing out on prime properties or favorable prices. Procrastination can also mean falling prey to market inflation or losing out to faster buyers.

How to Avoid:
Once you’ve done your due diligence and are satisfied, act decisively. Good opportunities rarely wait.

10. Neglecting Remote Property Management

Buying is just the first step. Managing your property from abroad-especially if you plan to rent it out-can be challenging. Without proper oversight, properties can fall into disrepair or be mismanaged.

How to Avoid:
Engage a reputable property management company or agent with experience serving diaspora clients. Set up regular updates and inspections.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Investment, Wherever You Are

Buying property remotely in Nigeria is absolutely possible-but only if you approach it with diligence, patience, and the right team. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to a secure, profitable investment.

Ready to buy with confidence? Look forward to my upcoming comprehensive guide for diaspora buyers, packed with checklists, expert tips, and the latest legal updates.

Have questions or need professional help?
Leave a comment below or contact me directly, myself and my team are here to help you succeed, no matter where you are in the world.