Top 10 Mistakes Diaspora Nigerians Make When Buying Land—And How to Avoid Them
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 19, 2025
- 4 min read
Buying land in Nigeria while living abroad is one of the smartest ways to build long-term wealth, prepare for retirement, and stay connected to home. But it also comes with risks — especially when you’re not physically present to verify things yourself.
Too many diaspora investors have lost money through avoidable mistakes, misinformation, or misplaced trust.
This guide breaks down the top 10 most common mistakes diaspora Nigerians make when buying land — and how to avoid them so your investment is safe, profitable, and stress-free.
Relying on Family and Friends Without Independent Verification
Good intentions don’t equal expertise.
Many diaspora buyers hand over money to family members or friends who lack the knowledge to verify documents, negotiate properly, or detect land fraud.
How to avoid it:Use professionals — licensed consultants, surveyors, and property lawyers — to handle verification and documentation. Keep family support separate from due diligence.
2. Buying Land Without Checking the Title
The fastest way to lose your money?Buying land based on “we have papers” or “the family is trustworthy.”
How to avoid it:Verify titles through:
The land registry
Surveyor General’s office
Local authorities
Always confirm whether the land is:
Freehold
Gazette
Excision in process
Under government acquisition
C of O
Registered survey
Never skip this step.
3. Paying Without a Proper Contract of Sale
Many buyers transfer millions without a signed contract or written agreement.This is extremely risky.
How to avoid it:Insist on a legally sound contract of sale, drafted or reviewed by a property lawyer. It must include:
Property description
Location and size
Seller details
Purchase price
Terms of payment
Delivery of documents
Non-encumbrance clause
Timelines and obligations
Your receipt is NOT your contract.
4. Buying Land in Disputed or Encroached Areas
Some properties have multiple claims or unresolved family issues.Diaspora investors often fall victim because they cannot visit the site physically.
How to avoid it:Conduct a site inspection through your consultant — including video walkthroughs, drone footage, and boundary verification.If the land has more than one claimant, walk away immediately.
5. Focusing Only on Cheap Land
Cheap land is the biggest trap.Low-cost properties are often inside:
Flood zones
Government acquisition areas
Swamps without approved sand-filling
Non-developable or remote locations
Places with no title
Disputed territories
How to avoid it:Start with your purpose, not the price. Buy land that will appreciate, not land that looks cheap today but becomes a liability tomorrow.
6. Not Using a Reputable Real Estate Consultant
Many diaspora investors try to navigate the Nigerian property market alone — or rely on developers who have no accountability.
How to avoid it:Work with a consultant who provides:
Verified listings
Title checks
Virtual inspections
Transparent pricing
Documentation support
Allocation follow-ups
Development monitoring
A consultant acts as your eyes, ears, and advocate on the ground.
7. Ignoring Important Infrastructure and Future Development
Some land is affordable because it’s in the middle of nowhere — no road network, no drainage, no power development, no prospects.
How to avoid it:Check for:
Road connections
Proximity to major projects
Future government plans
Nearby estates
Commercial activity
Soil type & flooding risks
Location is everything.
8. Poor Documentation and Record-Keeping
Some buyers misplace receipts, allocation papers, cadastral surveys, or building approvals.This causes major issues when they want to resell, build, or transfer ownership.
How to avoid it:Digitize EVERYTHING.Keep a secure folder containing:
Receipts
Contract of sale
Deed of assignment
Survey plan
Allocation letter
Payment breakdown
Land verification reports
Cloud storage is your best friend.
9. Starting Construction Without Approved Building Plans
Many diaspora investors rush to build immediately after purchase — often without approved plans.This leads to government demolition or forced modification.
How to avoid it:Get:
Architectural drawings
Structural designs
Building approvals from the relevant authorities
Then hire a project manager to monitor the construction for you.
10. Not Thinking Long-Term (Land Banking Strategy)
Some investors buy land randomly with no long-term plan.As a result, they get stuck with land they cannot use or monetize.
How to avoid it:Define your objective before buying:
Future home?
Retirement investment?
Airbnb or rental?
Land banking for resale?
Commercial development?
Your purpose determines the location, title, and budget you should prioritize.
Final Thoughts
Buying land in Nigeria from abroad doesn’t have to be a gamble.With the right guidance, due diligence, and professional support, you can invest confidently and protect your hard-earned money.
Avoid these mistakes, and your land purchase will become a profitable asset, not a painful regret.
🏢 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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