Top Mistakes Diaspora Nigerians Make When Buying Property Back Home
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Top Mistakes Diaspora Nigerians Make When Buying Property Back Home
Every year, thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora invest in land and properties back home — hoping to secure their future, retire in comfort, or support their families. Yet, a significant number of these investors lose money due to preventable mistakes.
If you’re living abroad and planning to buy property in Nigeria, learning from these common pitfalls can save you time, stress, and millions of naira.
1. Trusting Family or Friends to Handle Transactions
This is the most common and costly error.Many diaspora investors rely solely on relatives to:
Inspect land.
Negotiate with agents.
Transfer funds.
Unfortunately, sentiment doesn’t replace due diligence. Without professional supervision, you risk being scammed, overcharged, or sold encumbered land.
Better alternative: Work with licensed real estate firms like Zikan Prop Solutions that provide transparent verification, video inspections, and legal support before any payment is made.
2. Buying Land Without Title Verification
A property without proper documentation — such as C of O, Gazette, or Deed of Assignment — is a red flag. Many investors assume having a receipt or survey is enough, only to discover later that:
The land belongs to the government.
It’s under litigation.
It has multiple ownership claims.
Always request to verify titles directly at the Land Registry through a trusted property consultant before any transaction.
3. Ignoring Legal Representation
Too many investors skip legal review to save money — and lose millions later.Every real estate purchase should be accompanied by:
A formal contract of sale.
Verification of the vendor’s ownership.
Clear documentation of payment and transfer.
Hire a real estate lawyer experienced in land transactions to oversee the deal. Zikan Prop Solutions partners with certified property lawyers to ensure every document is genuine and enforceable.
4. Sending Funds Directly to Sellers
Another common mistake is wiring money straight to an individual or unregistered company.Without a verifiable transaction record or escrow structure, recovering funds becomes nearly impossible if something goes wrong.
Instead, use a secure payment channel facilitated by an authorized real estate agency with traceable receipts and documentation.
5. Buying “Too Cheap to Be True” Land
If the price sounds unbelievably low, it probably is.Scammers often lure diaspora buyers with:
“Hot deals” below market value.
“Quick sales” in fast-developing areas.
Fake promotional discounts.
Before you buy, compare market rates in that location and confirm ownership through an independent verification process.
6. Failing to Inspect or Request Visual Proof
Many investors buy “blind” — without inspecting the property or requesting verifiable visual proof.Modern technology makes this unnecessary. At Zikan Prop Solutions, diaspora clients receive:
Live video tours.
Drone footage of the property.
Real-time location updates and coordinates.
Never pay for what you haven’t seen or verified.
7. Neglecting Ongoing Property Management
Owning property in Nigeria while living abroad comes with maintenance challenges. Tenants can default on rent, structures can deteriorate, or unoccupied land can be encroached upon.
Avoid this by partnering with a professional property management company that handles rent collection, maintenance, and security on your behalf.
8. Not Having a Long-Term Investment Plan
Some diaspora investors buy property emotionally — for family prestige, not profitability.Without a clear investment goal (resale, rental income, retirement, or development), your property may remain idle or depreciate.
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we help clients align purchases with their financial goals, ensuring that every property delivers tangible ROI.
Final Takeaway
Diaspora real estate investment doesn’t have to be risky — it just has to be strategic. By avoiding these mistakes, working only with trusted, transparent professionals, and prioritizing documentation over emotion, you safeguard both your capital and your peace of mind.
Zikan Prop Solutions ensures that every diaspora client invests confidently, knowing that their property is genuine, secure, and future-proof.
Start your verified investment journey today at ZikanPropSolutions.com
🏢 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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