Top 10 Mistakes Diaspora Nigerians Make When Buying Land — And How to Avoid Them
- Zikan Realtors
- Dec 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Buying land in Nigeria is one of the most rewarding investment decisions a diaspora Nigerian can make. But it can also be one of the riskiest if handled wrongly.Many Nigerians abroad lose money, fall for emotional sales tactics, rush into deals, or trust the wrong people—simply because they’re far away.
This guide breaks down the top 10 real mistakes diaspora investors make and gives you clear, practical steps to avoid them.
1. Buying Land Without Verifying Title Documents
Many diaspora buyers rely on photos, videos, or the seller’s “trust me” pitch. But no land is safe until the documents are verified.
Common mistakes:
Accepting scanned documents
Relying on the seller’s explanations
Not checking the registration status
How to avoid this:✔ Conduct a proper search at the land registry✔ Work with a trusted real estate consultant✔ Hire a property lawyer to verify documents independently
2. Paying for Land Through Middlemen or “Agents of Agents”
Diaspora investors often fall for agents who claim to “know someone who knows the owner.”
Why this is dangerous:
Inflated prices
Fake ownership
Zero accountability
How to avoid this:✔ Deal directly with developers or verified real estate consultants✔ Request official receipts and contracts with registered names✔ Confirm the company has a physical office and registration number
3. Neglecting a Physical Inspection
A video call is not an inspection.
Risks include:
Buying land in waterlogged areas
Purchasing land far from the advertised location
Discovering encroachment only after payment
How to avoid this:✔ Send a trusted representative✔ Book a virtual inspection with real-time GPS location sharing✔ Choose consultants who insist on site visits
4. Ignoring Future Development Plans
Some land looks cheap today but will never appreciate because nothing is happening around it.
Signs you’re buying in a dead zone:
No road infrastructure
No government projects
No nearby estates
How to avoid this:✔ Buy in areas with clear masterplans✔ Ask for government layout maps✔ Check proximity to highways, airports, universities, or industrial zones
5. Rushing to Buy Because of “Limited Plots Left”
Diaspora investors often fall for urgency-based marketing.
Emotional buying leads to:
Poor location choices
Overpriced land
Overlooking due diligence
How to avoid this:✔ Take your time—real land doesn’t disappear✔ Request documents before paying✔ Ask for a 24–48 hour decision window
6. Not Understanding the Different Types of Land Titles
Titles determine ownership and security. Many diaspora buyers don’t know the difference between:
Excision
Gazette
C of O
Governor’s consent
Deed of Assignment
Survey plan
This leads to costly mistakes.
How to avoid this:✔ Ask your consultant to explain the title in simple terms✔ Always confirm that the title matches the land being sold✔ Avoid unverified “family land” unless you’re buying through a registered company
7. Underestimating Total Cost (Hidden Fees)
Buying land in Nigeria involves more than just “the land price.”
Common hidden costs:
Survey
Deed of assignment
Development levy
Documentation fee
Legal fee
How to avoid this:✔ Request a full cost breakdown before payment✔ Avoid developers who are vague about additional fees✔ Ensure fees are stated in your contract
8. Poor Record Keeping
Many diaspora investors lose documents or forget payment schedules because everything was done through WhatsApp chat.
This leads to:
Disputes
Lost receipts
Uncompleted payment plans
How to avoid this:✔ Save all documents in cloud storage✔ Request soft and hard copies✔ Create a dedicated email folder for your transactions
9. Buying From Unregistered or Unknown Real Estate Companies
The more “popular” an Instagram agent looks, the more careful you should be.
Risks include:
Companies without proper registration
Offices that disappear after you pay
No legal accountability
How to avoid this:✔ Ask for the company’s CAC registration number✔ Visit their official website✔ Search for customer reviews beyond social media
10. Not Having a Long-Term Plan
A lot of diaspora Nigerians buy land emotionally—“Let me just buy something in Nigeria.”
Without a plan, the land becomes abandoned and yields no value.
How to avoid this:✔ Clearly define your goal:
Land banking?
Future home?
Airbnb?
Retirement?
Rental units?✔ Buy in areas that match your long-term purpose✔ Work with a consultant who aligns your goals with the right locations
Final Thoughts: Buying Land in Nigeria Is Safe—When You Follow the Right Steps
Diaspora Nigerians who build wealth through land investment are those who:✔ Verify everything✔ Work with trusted professionals✔ Plan long-term✔ Avoid emotional decisions
If you avoid these 10 mistakes, you’ll protect your money, secure your land, and build generational wealth with confidence.
🏢 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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