What to Check Before Sending Money for Land Purchase from Abroad
- Zikan Realtors
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
For many Nigerians in the diaspora, buying land back home is more than a financial move — it’s an emotional milestone. However, this dream can easily become a nightmare if you send money without proper verification. Each year, countless diaspora investors lose funds to fraudulent agents, fake documents, or unverified sellers.
Before you make any transfer, here are the critical checks every overseas buyer must complete to avoid costly mistakes.
1. Confirm the Seller’s Authenticity
Always start with who you’re buying from.Whether it’s an individual, family, or company:
Request a valid means of identification (International Passport or Corporate Affairs Commission certificate for companies).
Verify their ownership claim with a copy of the Deed of Assignment, C of O, or Survey Plan.
If buying from a family, confirm the signing authority — only the head of family and principal members can legally sell communal land.
Zikan Prop Solutions conducts seller verification and background checks to confirm ownership legitimacy before any payment is made.
2. Verify the Property Title Documents
Don’t rely on photocopies or verbal assurances. Every document should be authenticated at the relevant land registry.Key documents to request include:
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Governor’s Consent.
Deed of Assignment.
Registered Survey Plan.
Approved Layout Plan (if within an estate).
Avoid land that’s under government acquisition or litigation. A quick title search through Zikan Prop Solutions or a real estate lawyer can save you millions.
3. Conduct an Independent Site Inspection
Even from abroad, you can still inspect what you’re buying.Request:
Live video tours or drone footage of the land.
GPS coordinates for verification on Google Maps.
Pictures showing beacons, boundaries, and access roads.
This ensures the land actually exists, is accessible, and matches the documents presented.
4. Confirm Land Use and Zoning Status
Different locations have different land use designations — residential, agricultural, industrial, or mixed-use. Buying land for housing in an industrial zone, for example, can lead to regulatory issues.Your real estate consultant should help confirm zoning approval and development compatibility from the planning authority.
5. Use a Lawyer to Review All Documents
Never transfer funds before your lawyer reviews:
The sales agreement.
Proof of ownership.
Payment schedule.
Land survey plan coordinates.
Ensure the name on the title matches the seller’s identity and that there are no existing encumbrances (court disputes, family claims, or unpaid government fees).
6. Request a Formal Offer Letter and Invoice
Professional real estate firms issue:
An offer letter detailing the land location, size, price, and title type.
A payment invoice with an official bank account (company name, not an individual).
Avoid paying into personal accounts, especially via informal channels. Zikan Prop Solutions provides secure escrow or verified corporate accounts for all transactions.
7. Confirm the Payment Channel and Exchange Compliance
When wiring funds from abroad:
Use licensed international transfer services or banks to ensure compliance with Nigerian foreign exchange laws.
Retain your SWIFT transaction receipts as legal proof of payment.
Never use untraceable money transfer apps for property payments.
8. Ensure a Proper Receipt and Deed of Assignment
After payment, insist on:
A payment receipt on the company’s letterhead.
A Deed of Assignment signed by both parties and stamped at the land registry.
This document legally transfers ownership and protects you against future disputes.
9. Cross-Check the Property’s Development Timeline
If buying land in a developing estate, ask for:
Project completion timelines.
Infrastructure development plans (roads, drainage, electricity).
Maintenance and service charges.
These details affect long-term property appreciation and resale value.
10. Engage a Reputable Real Estate Partner
The safest approach is to work with a certified, transparent real estate company that handles everything — from verification to title processing.
Zikan Prop Solutions provides diaspora investors with:
Verified land options.
Title and legal checks.
Payment security through escrow.
Continuous updates until documentation is completed.
Final Word
Before sending money from abroad, treat every property deal as an investment, not a favor. Verify everything — seller, documents, land, and payment process — before parting with a single dollar or pound.
At Zikan Prop Solutions, we bridge the gap between diaspora investors and Nigeria’s real estate market. We ensure your land purchase from abroad falls through, every deal is safe, transparent, and profitable.
Ready to buy land safely from abroad? Visit 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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