Investing in Nigerian real estate from thousands of miles away requires a unique kind of courage. For Diaspora investors in the US, UK, Canada, and beyond, the horror stories are all too familiar: funds diverted by relatives, off-plan projects abandoned by developers, or beautifully photographed homes that turned out to be architectural illusions built on quicksand.
To bridge the gap between foreign capital and local realities, you must replace trust with rigorous inquiry. Whether you are dealing with a developer, a broker, or a family member, asking the right questions is your first line of defense.
Before you wire a single dollar, euro, or pound, demand documented answers to these 15 critical questions.
Legal & Title Verification
1. What is the exact title document covering this property, and can I see the verifiable registration number? Do not accept vague terms like “Freehold” or “Family Receipt.” Demand the C of O number, Governor’s Consent, or Gazette number for independent verification at the state registry.
2. Have the property coordinates been charted by a registered surveyor against the state’s master plan? This determines if the land is free from global government acquisition.
3. Are there any existing encumbrances, caveats, or pending litigation on the property?
4. Who holds the legal right to sign the Deed of Assignment? Ensure the signatory is the legally recognized owner, not a proxy without a registered Power of Attorney.
Financial & Contractual Clarity
5. What is the total landed cost? Beyond the purchase price, ask for the exact figures for the Survey plan, Deed of Assignment, Development fee, and Agency commissions.
6. For off-plan purchases, what is the default clause if the developer misses the delivery timeline? Look for penalty clauses that protect your capital, not just the developer.
7. If I opt for a payment plan, what are the specific penalties for late payments? Understand the grace periods and termination clauses to avoid losing both the property and your initial deposit.
8. How is the service charge calculated, and is there an inflation-indexed cap? High-end estates in Lagos and Abuja can have debilitating, unregulated service charges. Know what you are signing up for.
Structural & Technical Integrity
9. For built properties, can you provide the structural engineering report and approved building plan? Never buy a house that was built without state government approval; it is liable for demolition.
10. What kind of foundation was used, and is a soil test report available? Especially critical for coastal and reclaimed areas like Lekki and Sangotedo. You need to know if it’s a raft or piled foundation.
11. Who is responsible for infrastructural deployment (roads, water, grid connection), and what is the exact timeline? For site-and-service estates, an empty promise of “future infrastructure” will trap your investment in an unlivable bush.
12. What is the flood history of the immediate neighborhood, and what drainage master plan is in place?
Developer Track Record
13. How many projects has this specific developer successfully completed and handed over? Ask for names, locations, and handover dates.
14. Can I get a video walkthrough or a live virtual tour of the property and its immediate surroundings? Do not rely on 3D renderings or heavily edited, tightly cropped photos.
15. Is there a facility management company currently contracted for the estate? Long-term value relies on maintenance. Without professional management, premium estates deteriorate into slums within five years.
Partner with Nexora Homes
You shouldn’t have to navigate this interrogation process alone. At Nexora Homes Ltd, we have pre-vetted every property in our portfolio using these exact metrics and more. We exist to protect the investments of the Diaspora.
Let’s secure your slice of home, stress-free.
- Phone: +234 701 497 6785
- Office Address: KM 48, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Sangotedo.
- Email: Nexorahomeslimited@gmail.com