Top 10 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Consultant Before Buying Property in Nigeria
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
When you live abroad, buying property in Nigeria is more than just a transaction — it’s a trust exercise.The distance, unfamiliar documentation, and constant stories of scams make it critical to ask the right questions before committing your hard-earned money.
Before you buy land, sign an agreement, or even make an initial deposit, here are the 10 questions that separate genuine consultants from smooth-talking middlemen.
1. Who is the Actual Owner of the Property?
Many “agents” don’t own or represent the land they’re marketing.Always ask for proof of ownership — such as a C of O, Governor’s Consent, Excision, or Deed of Assignment.
A transparent consultant will show ownership documents upfront and explain who legally owns the land — the developer, the family, or the estate.
2. What Title Document Covers the Land?
The title defines how secure your investment is.Ask:
Is it Excision in Progress, Gazette, C of O, or Governor’s Consent?
Can I see a certified true copy (CTC) of the document?
Has it been verified at the land registry?
If they can’t explain the difference or produce evidence, proceed with caution.
3. Can You Show Proof of Your Registration and Licensing?
A professional consultant is registered with CAC, and ideally with REDAN, NIESV, or LASRERA.Request:
CAC registration certificate
Official company bank account (not personal)
Authorization letters from developers they represent
This single step filters out over 70% of fake agents.
4. What Are the Hidden or Future Charges?
Beyond the cost of land, there are documentation, survey, and development fees.Ask for a written breakdown of all potential costs.If they can’t provide clarity, it’s a sign of poor transparency — or an attempt to trap you later.
5. How Long Before Allocation and Documentation Are Completed?
Legitimate consultants and developers will provide a clear project timeline.If allocation or documentation takes forever, that’s a red flag.A good company sets a timeline — e.g., “within 90 days of full payment” — and keeps to it.
6. Can I Speak With a Past Client — Especially in the Diaspora?
A genuine consultant should have testimonials or be able to link you with previous diaspora buyers.Ask for proof of:
Allocation photos
Signed deeds
Client testimonials or video references
A professional is proud to showcase results. A scammer hides behind “confidentiality.”
7. What Happens if I Decide to Withdraw or Cancel My Purchase?
Request their refund and cancellation policy in writing.A transparent firm has a clear structure — often refunding within a set timeline minus administrative fees.No policy = no protection.
8. Do You Offer Legal or Title Verification Support?
Every property purchase should include legal review and verification.Ask if the consultant works with:
A registered property lawyer
A licensed surveyor
Access to land registry verification
If not, you’re dealing with a marketer, not a real consultant.
9. How Do You Protect Diaspora Investors During Transactions?
Diaspora clients face a higher risk of fraud due to distance.The right consultant should offer:
Virtual inspections via video call
Digital documentation (e-signed deeds and receipts)
Escrow or developer-controlled payments
These are industry-standard safeguards in 2025 — not extras.
10. What Is Your Long-Term Support After Purchase?
A true consultant doesn’t disappear after you pay.Ask if they offer:
Property management or rent collection
Land development updates
Resale or appreciation tracking
It’s not just about buying — it’s about building wealth.If they have no post-sale structure, they’re not growth partners.
Pro Tip
You can tell a professional consultant by their confidence in documentation and patience in explanation.Scammers rush you. Real consultants slow you down — because clarity is part of the service.
Final Takeaway
When you ask the right questions, you take back control.You stop being a target and start being a strategic investor.
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we encourage every diaspora client to question everything — even us.That’s how trust is built, and that’s how generational wealth begins.
Ready to speak with a verified consultant?Our diaspora investment team at Zikan Prop Solutions will walk you through documentation, verification, and ROI analysis before you buy — so you invest with confidence, not fear.
🏢 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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