What Documents You MUST Bring Home When Shopping for Real Estate This Detty December
- Zikan Realtors
- Dec 6, 2025
- 3 min read
If you’re a Nigerian in the diaspora planning to explore land or property opportunities during Detty December, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is coming home without the right documents.
These papers can determine whether you secure your dream property… or waste your entire trip.
This guide breaks down every essential document you must bring home to avoid delays, missed opportunities, or transaction failures.
1. Your Means of Identification
Nigeria’s real estate market requires valid ID for verification, payment, and documentation.
Bring at least one of the following:
International Passport (most preferred)
National ID (NIN) slip or card
Driver’s Licence
Voter’s Card
Don’t rely on photocopies — originals are often required.
2. Your BVN or NIN (If You Have One)
Though not always mandatory, these help with:
Bank verification
Securing receipts
Developer onboarding
Preventing identity mismatch
If you don’t have a BVN/NIN yet, consider getting one during your visit.
3. Proof of Address (From Abroad)
Some developers and banks request this to validate your residency.
Acceptable documents include:
Utility Bill
Bank Statement showing address
Tenancy Agreement
Government-issued letter
Make sure your name matches your valid ID.
4. Payment-Ready Documents
If you plan to make payments, bring:
Your foreign bank card
Proof of funds (if needed)
Bank authorization letter (if your bank requires it for large transfers)
This avoids delays and reduces the risk of “payment blocked” issues.
5. Marriage Certificate (If Applicable)
For joint ownership or shared investments, many developers request proof of marital status.
Bring it if:
You’re buying jointly with your spouse
You want both names on the document
You want to avoid future inheritance disputes
6. Passport Photographs
Many developers or agencies still require hard-copy passport photos for:
Allocation files
KYC forms
Co-operative purchases
Estate documentation files
Bring at least 6–10 copies.
7. Power of Attorney (If Someone Will Represent You)
If you won’t be around long enough to complete paperwork, you’ll need:
A notarized Power of Attorney
Clearly stating the person’s rights on your behalf
This is essential for:
Signing documents
Collecting receipts
Following up paperwork
Completing verification after you return abroad
8. Your Foreign ID (If Buying Under a Company Abroad)
Bring:
Company registration certificate
Tax documents
Corporate resolutions (if required)
This applies to diaspora investors who want to purchase under a foreign company for liability or tax reasons.
9. Your Nigerian Bank Account Details
If you already have a local bank account:
Bring your account number
Bring your token
Bring your banking app login info (or ensure it works)
Your bank account is needed for:
Receipts
Refunds
Payment flexibility
Verification
10. Any Existing Property Documents You Already Have
If you’ve bought land or started an investment before, bring those documents home:
Receipts
Contracts
Allocation letters
Survey plans
Layout maps
This helps your lawyer or realtor confirm status, settlement, or title before you consider new purchases.
Bonus: Store Soft Copies in the Cloud
Scan and store everything in secure cloud platforms like:
Google Drive
OneDrive
iCloud
This protects you from loss, theft, or damage during travel.
Final Thought
Many diaspora buyers lose opportunities simply because they didn’t carry the right documents back home.
But with this checklist, you can:
Process purchases quickly
Avoid unnecessary delays
Complete verification in days, not weeks
Protect yourself legally
Save time and money
🏢 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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