by Christopher
How to buy land in Lagos is one of the most frequently searched queries by Nigerians and international investors looking to secure property in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
With its dynamic economy, rapid urban development, and expanding middle class, Lagos is a hotspot for real estate investment. However, navigating the complexities of land acquisition in this megacity can be tricky without proper guidance.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding how to buy land in Lagos the right way will save you from legal troubles, financial loss, and regrets down the line.
In this detailed guide, we break down the critical steps, processes, and key considerations you must know before making a land purchase in Lagos.
Why is This Guide Necessary?
With a population of over 17,000,000 residents (mostly youths), Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and one of the most lucrative places to invest in real estate.
From Lekki and Ikoyi to Epe and Ibeju-Lekki, land prices are appreciating rapidly due to infrastructure expansion, urban migration, and rising housing demand.
However, considering some of the changing ills in the industry, learning how to buy land in Lagos is essential for:
- Protecting your investment from land scams and encumbrances
- Ensuring your documents are valid and legally recognized
- Understanding zoning, land use, and community dynamics
- Gaining peace of mind with secure land ownership
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Buy Land in Lagos
Understand the types of land titles
Choose the right location
Verify land ownership and title documents
Conduct a physical site inspection
Hire a property lawyer
Review market data and pricing trends
Prepare the necessary documents
Watch out for red flags
Understand all associated costs
Consider buying from reputable developers
The above is a comprehensive list of how to buy land in Lagos. Now you know them, let’s examine the core of each below.
1. Understand the Types of Land Titles in Lagos
Before you commit to buying any land, the first step is to understand the types of land titles. Each land title determines ownership rights and the level of legal security you have.
Common land titles in Lagos include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – The highest level of legal ownership.
- Governor’s Consent – Required for subsequent buyers after a C of O has been issued.
- Excision and Gazette – Recognised for the lands released by the government to indigenous families.
- Deed of Assignment – Shows the transfer of ownership between parties.
Buying land with a proper title document is a non-negotiable step in how to buy land in Lagos safely and securely.
2. Choose the Right Location
Location is everything in real estate. A major part of knowing how to buy land in Lagos is choosing an area that aligns with your investment goals. Some buyers prefer highbrow areas like Victoria Island or Ikoyi, while others look for emerging zones like Epe or Ibeju-Lekki.
Key questions to consider:
- What is the land’s proximity to roads, schools, businesses, or future developments?
- Is the area prone to flooding?
- What is the demand trend in that location?
Choosing the right location is a foundational part of how to buy land in Lagos that ensures your land appreciates over time.
3. Verify Land Ownership and Title Documents
One of the riskiest mistakes buyers make when learning how to buy land in Lagos is skipping proper land verification.
You must ensure the seller has legitimate authority to sell and that the land is free from government acquisition, family disputes, or legal encumbrances.
What to verify:
- Land title document authenticity
- Survey plan and coordinates
- Seller’s ownership rights
- Records at the Lagos State Land Registry and Surveyor General’s Office
Verifying documentation is the most critical safeguard in how to buy land in Lagos and avoid falling victim to “omo-onile” fraudsters or land grabbing.
4. Conduct a Physical Site Inspection
A practical but often overlooked part of how to buy land in Lagos is inspecting the land physically. Don’t rely solely on pictures or verbal descriptions. Go and see the land yourself—or send a trusted representative.
Why this matters:
- Confirm the land size and boundaries
- Check if it’s waterlogged or encroached
- Speak to local residents about land history and potential issues
Site inspection helps you assess what you’re truly buying. It’s a hands-on way to validate every other step in how to buy land in Lagos.
5. Hire a Property Lawyer
Knowing how to buy land in Lagos is not complete without hiring a real estate lawyer. They will protect your legal interests and ensure due diligence is followed during the purchase process.
A lawyer will:
- Conduct land search at the Land Registry
- Review or draft sale agreements
- Guide you through contract signing and title registration
- Facilitate Governor’s Consent application (if needed)
Legal support is an essential checkpoint in how to buy land in Lagos, especially for high-value or disputed lands.
Data on the Lagos Real Estate Market
To understand how to buy land in Lagos wisely, you need to look at real market trends. Lagos is Nigeria’s most active real estate hub, and land demand keeps rising due to population growth, infrastructure projects, and investor interest.
- Population: Over 17,000,000 – 22,000,000 with 500,000+ new arrivals yearly.
- Urban spread: High demand in emerging zones like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, and Badagry due to infrastructure like the Lekki Deep Sea Port and Dangote Refinery. The coastal road has also created a buzz in areas close to the development but not harmed by the recent demolitions.
Average Land Prices (2024 Estimates)
| Location | Avg. Price (600sqm) | Annual Growth [Tentative] |
| Ikoyi | ₦450M | 10–12% |
| Lekki Phase 1 | ₦150M | 8–10% |
| Ibeju-Lekki | ₦10M–₦25M | 12–15% |
| Epe | ₦2M–₦8M | 15–20% |
| Badagry | ₦1.5M–₦5M | 10–14% |
If you’re serious about how to buy land in Lagos, this tentative data highlights where to invest now for long-term value. Some of the data above is tentative; for places like Ikoyi, data has shown land value can increase by 110% in two years.
Key Documents Required for Buying Land in Lagos
Understanding how to buy land in Lagos also involves knowing the required documentation to legally transfer and own land.
Common documents include:
- Deed of Assignment or Purchase Receipt
- Survey Plan
- C of O or Governor’s Consent (if applicable)
- Application for Governor’s Consent (for second ownership transfers)
- Purchase Agreement signed by both parties
Always ensure these documents are vetted by your lawyer and registered at the appropriate government agencies to secure your title.
Red Flags to Watch Out for When Buying Land in Lagos
Not everyone who sells land in Lagos is authorized to do so. Part of mastering how to buy land in Lagos is being able to spot and avoid common red flags.
Watch out for:
- Sellers who pressure you to pay quickly
- Incomplete or suspicious documents
- Disputes among landowners or family members
- Fake C of O or Gazette papers
- Land under government acquisition or litigation
Avoiding these pitfalls can save you millions and heartache in your quest to understand how to or buy land in Lagos safely.
What is the Cost of Buying Land in Lagos?
Knowing how to buy land in Lagos also means understanding the financial implications. Aside from the land price, there are hidden costs buyers must prepare for.
Costs may include:
- Legal fees (5%–10% of purchase price)
- Survey fees (depending on location and size)
- Deed of Assignment registration
- Governor’s Consent (can take 3–6 months)
- Agency commission (typically 5%)
Factor all these into your budget so you don’t get financially stretched during the process of how to buy land in Lagos.
How to Buy Land in Lagos from a Real Estate Company
Many investors now prefer buying land from real estate developers rather than individuals, and it’s becoming a preferred route for those learning how to buy land in Lagos securely.
Advantages:
- Access to verified, titled lands
- Instalment payment plans
- Reduced exposure to fraud or “omo-onile” issues
- Infrastructure development (fenced land, road layout, etc.)
Just be sure the real estate company is registered, reputable, and transparent with documentation to maximize this approach to how to buy land in Lagos.
How to Buy Land in Lagos as a Nigerian in the Diaspora
If you’re based abroad, you can still own land in Lagos, but you’ll need extra precautions. Many diaspora investors fall victim to fraud due to distance and a lack of trusted representatives.
Tips on How to Buy Land in Lagos, Nigeria From Abroad
- Hire a professional real estate agent or legal representative
- Use video calls to inspect the land remotely
- Involve a trusted friend or family member in Nigeria
- Use real estate companies like Victoria Crest Homes with diaspora-focused offerings
Securing land from overseas is very doable once you understand how to navigate your land purchase remotely with the right safeguards.
Final Thoughts
Buying land in Lagos can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make—if you do it right. From understanding titles and verifying documents to choosing the right location and using professionals, there’s a roadmap you must follow.
If you’ve ever wondered how to buy land in Lagos, remember these golden rules:
- Don’t cut corners
- Verify everything
- Hire a lawyer
- Use trusted sources
With these in place, you can join thousands of successful landowners and investors who’ve secured their piece of Lagos’ booming property market.
Need help with how to buy land in Lagos? Contact us now to connect with trusted real estate professionals today for verified land deals, due diligence support, and expert guidance.
