A Step-by-Step Property Inspection Checklist for Diaspora Nigerians Visiting This December
- Zikan Realtors
- Dec 16, 2025
- 4 min read
Visiting Nigeria this Detty December and planning to inspect property?This checklist is your definitive, real-estate professional guide to inspect with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, protect your investment, and negotiate from strength.
Whether you’re looking at land, homes, or buildings, this inspection process will ensure you don’t miss critical signs that could cost you money, time, or peace of mind. This is especially vital for diaspora buyers whose time on the ground is limited and stakes are high.
Why a Property Inspection Is Non-Negotiable for Diaspora Buyers
Inspecting a property before you buy isn’t just a nice-to-do — it’s a must-do, especially in Nigeria. Local property markets have:
Title fraud and duplicate sales risk
Omo-Onile & boundary disputes
Incomplete or substandard construction
Undisclosed infrastructure problems
Documentation gaps that can invalidate ownership A professional and thorough inspection gives you clarity on condition, value, defects, legal status, and risk, helping you make a confident purchase.
Pre-Inspection Preparations (Before You Land)
1. Conduct Preliminary Research Online
Before you step foot in Nigeria:
Ask for high-resolution plans, survey maps, and GPS coordinates from your agent.
Request live video tours or drone footage of the property.
Compare property location with Google Earth and local topography to verify surroundings and access roads.
2. Prepare Your Inspection Kit
Bring or have someone on the ground bring:
Flashlight
Measuring tape
Smartphone (photos & video)
Notebook & pen
Boundary survey plan
Checklist printout
These help you record issues as you go — documentation is power when negotiating.
Step-by-Step On-Site Inspection
When you’re in Nigeria this December, follow this sequence for best results:
1. Land & Plot Assessment
If it’s land you’re inspecting:
✔ Verify Boundaries with Survey Plan — Make sure physical beacons match the official survey coordinates.
✔ Check Topography — Is the land flat? Sloped? Does water drain away from where you want to build?
✔ Access Roads — Are roads passable in the rainy season (important in December/January)?
✔ Encroachment & Disputes — Look for neighbors breaking into boundary lines.
2. Exterior & Structural Inspection (Buildings)
If inspecting a building or house:
Foundation & Walls
✔ No major cracks, bulges, or signs of structural movement.
✔ Uneven walls often signal foundation issues. (propertyaccess.ng)
Roof & Drainage
✔ Check for leaks, missing roofing sheets, water stains.
✔ Ensure gutters and drainage systems direct water away from the structure.
Electrical & Plumbing Systems
✔ Test sockets, switches, and circuit breakers.
✔ Check water pressure, drainage, and leakage around sinks and toilets.
3. Compound & Perimeter Security
Perimeter fencing/wall — Is it solid and secure?
Gate functionality — Does the main gate open smoothly?
Security features — Do security posts or guardhouses exist?
Flood & Drainage patterns — In Nigeria’s tropical climate, bad drainage = major future repairs. (propertyaccess.ng)
4. Neighborhood & Environment Check
Don’t just inspect the home — inspect its setting.
✔ Visit the neighborhood at:
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Look for:
Traffic patterns
Noise levels
Security presence
Walking convenience to schools, markets, and hospitals
Future government or private infrastructure plans
A good neighborhood = better investment potential. (propertyaccess.ng)
Legal & Documentation Inspection (Critical for Diaspora Buyers)
No property inspection is complete without document verification.
1. Verify All Title Documents
Ensure the seller/developer provides:
✔ Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
✔ Deed of Assignment
✔ Survey Plan
✔ Governor’s Consent
✔ Receipt of Payments
These prove the land/property is legally yours once the transaction is complete.
2. Independent Title Search
Don’t accept copies from an agent or seller — verify at the Land Registry or through a licensed real-estate lawyer. Title fraud is one of the biggest causes of loss for diaspora investors.
3. Document Storage & Backup
After verification:
Keep originals safely stored
Make digital backups
Send copies to family or legal representatives abroad
This ensures you can finalize follow-up registrations even after you leave Nigeria.
Use Professionals Strategically
You can inspect yourself — but in Nigeria’s real estate environment, a local professional adds value:
Real Estate Lawyers
They interpret titles, verify authenticity, conduct searches in physical registry offices, and draft legally binding agreements.
Certified Property Inspectors
They catch issues that laypersons miss, such as foundation shifts, drainage problems, structural weaknesses, and electrical compliance.
Third-Party Verification Services
Companies like NaijaSight offer on-site property inspections and media reports (photos/videos) that give you independent assurance before buying. (Naijasight - Property Inspection)
Practical December-Specific Tips (Holiday Context)
Plan Inspections Early in Your Trip
December is a peak travel month; agents and lawyers can get booked fast.
Avoid Scanning Weekends (25th–27th)
Government offices (for title checks) may be unavailable.
Monitor Weather Forecasts
Sudden rains can hide drainage and flood problems; a dry inspection ≠ flood-proof property.
Final Checklist You Must Complete
Before you pay ONE KOBO:
✔ Confirm property boundaries match the survey.✔ No major structural defects visible.✔ Plumbing & electrical systems tested.✔ Neighborhood checked at multiple times.✔ All title documents verified by a lawyer or registry.✔ Receipts, contracts, and payment timelines documented.✔ Professional reports (if used) stored safely.
Closing: Inspection = Confidence + Negotiation Power
Arriving prepared with this step-by-step inspection checklist means:
✔ You avoid hidden defects that can turn into costly repairs.
✔ You negotiate with leverage when defects are found.
✔ You protect your diaspora investment from scams and disputes.
✔ You buy with certainty, not guesswork.
Need help on the ground this December?Zikan Prop Solutions specializes in guiding diaspora buyers through the entire inspection and purchase process — from verification to closing, even while you’re abroad. Contact us to organize inspections, legal checks, and investment advice tailored to your needs.
🏢 Zikan Prop Solutions
🥇 Certified Real Estate Consultant | Multi Award-Winning Realtor
Helping you make the best real estate purchase & investment decisions.
📱 +234 703 000 3514
📲 IG: @zikanpropsolutions
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