by Christopher Nwankwo
Knowing how to buy a house in Ajah without ending up in a “what I ordered vs what I got” situation is the first rule for any smart buyer.
Ajah is one of Lagos’ hottest property markets, but behind the glossy ads, you might find scams, fake documents, and houses that flood even before it rains.
This quick guide shows you exactly what to check before paying, which documents to verify, and the legal steps to follow so you can buy safely and confidently.
How to Spot Scams When Buying a House in Ajah (Scam Alert Section)
Buying a house in Ajah can be smooth or a total disaster, depending on whether you spot the red flags early.
Here are the biggest warning signs that should make you pause (or run):
- 🚩 No Original Documents: If the seller keeps giving excuses for why you can’t see the original C of O, Deed, or Survey, that’s a huge red flag.
- 🚩 Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: If the price is way below market rate, there’s usually a catch. Don’t let “promo deals” and distress sales prices rush you into trouble.
- 🚩 Unregistered Survey or Missing Governor’s Consent: This means your purchase may not be recognised by Lagos State.
- 🚩 No Receipt or Written Agreement: Verbal agreements don’t hold up in court. Always get a written contract and a signed receipt.
- 🚩 Seller Says “No Lawyer Needed”: This is scammer language. A legit seller won’t stop you from involving legal or professional verification.
If anything feels off, step back. It’s cheaper to lose a deal than to lose millions to a scam.
How to Know the Best Place to Buy a House in Ajah
When deciding where to buy a house in Ajah, think beyond the elegant POP and check the roads first. You don’t want to live on a street that turns into the Red Sea every rainy season. the best places to live Ajah.
Secondly, ensure the property is close to the Lekki-Epe Expressway for easy movement and that the inner roads are motorable.
In addition, check if the area has good drainage. Ask locals about flooding (because no one posts that in their brochure).
For comfort, confirm there’s a reliable power source (estate transformer, PHCN connection) and access to water (borehole or public water supply).
Finally, look around for nearby amenities that make life better, like schools, hospitals, and malls.
Property Inspection: Don’t Get Catfished by a House
Before you pay a single naira, inspect the house like your life depends on it. Don’t rely on edited pictures or 3D videos
- Check the structure: Look closely at the walls, roof, and foundation. Any cracks? Sagging roof? That’s a red flag.
- Plumbing & wiring: Turn on taps, flush toilets, switch on lights. Make sure everything ACTUALLY works.
- Finishing quality: Do the paint, tiling, and fittings look like what was advertised?
- Water issues: Look for signs of water damage on the walls and ceilings. This would save you money and save your life, too.
Take your time, visit during the day (and if possible, after rain) so you know exactly what you’re getting into before signing anything.
Documents You Need to Buy a House in Ajah
Before you part with your hard-earned money, you need to see (and verify) the right documents.
Failure to do this will ensnare you in a property deal that traps you in court for a long time, cost you money, or lead to your house being demolished (like you see in the
Below are some important documents you need to buy a house in Ajah.
Survey Plan
This is the first thing you should request when buying a house in Ajah. It shows the exact boundaries and location of the land. Cross-check that the survey matches the property on the ground and confirm that it’s not under government acquisition.
Title Documents
You must confirm that the property has a valid title (C of O, Governor’s Consent, or Excision). These documents prove ownership and protect you from future disputes. Title verification is one of the most important steps when figuring out how to buy a house in Ajah safely.
Deed of Assignment
Think of this as your official receipt. It legally transfers ownership from the seller to you. Without a registered Deed of Assignment, the property is not officially yours, even if you’ve paid in full.
Approved Building Plan
If the house is already built, make sure there’s an approved building plan from the Lagos State physical planning authorities. This ensures the building isn’t marked for demolition due to violations.
Estate Agreement
Are you buying inside a gated estate in Ajah? If you decide to live in any of the best estates in Ajah, ask for the estate agreement. It will list the rules, service charges, and levies so you’re not surprised with hidden fees after moving in.
Legal Search & Due Diligence
Even if the documents look perfect, don’t just take the seller’s word for it. This is where you play detective to make sure you’re actually buying what you think you’re buying.
Conduct a Land Registry Search
Visit the Lagos State Land Registry (or have your lawyer do it) to confirm that the seller is the true owner and that the property is free from disputes, mortgages, or liens. This is a key step in how to buy a house in Ajah without getting scammed.
Check Government Acquisition Status
Some parts of Ajah are still under government acquisition or mapped for future projects. If you buy such land, you risk demolition or repossession. Always confirm the survey plan is either excised, gazetted, or has Governor’s Consent.
Verify Omo-Onile Sign-Offs
If the property is on family or community land, make sure all principal members (Omo-onile) have signed off on the sale. Missing signatures, especially important ones, can lead to endless disputes.
Engage a Professional
Hire a qualified real estate lawyer or estate surveyor to review all documents, conduct searches, and confirm everything is legit. Yes, it costs money, but it’s cheaper than losing your entire investment.
Legal & Administrative Process of Buying a House in Ajah
Now that you’ve done all your checks, it’s time to seal the deal. Here’s the step-by-step process to make your house purchase in Ajah official:
Step 1: Hire a Lawyer or Estate Surveyor
This is non-negotiable. As mentioned above, a professional will verify documents, prepare contracts, and ensure you don’t fall into a property scam.
Step 2: Negotiate the Price & Payment Terms
Agree on a price that works for both you and the seller. If paying in instalments, make sure there’s a written agreement that clearly states timelines and penalties.
Step 3: Execute the Deed of Assignment
Once payment is made (or as agreed), sign the Deed of Assignment. This document legally transfers ownership from the seller to you.
Step 4: Obtain Governor’s Consent
This is crucial because, without Governor’s Consent, your ownership can be challenged in the future. Get it as soon as the Deed of Assignment is ready.
Step 5: Register the Property
Take the registered Deed of Assignment to the Lagos State Land Registry and have the property officially recorded in your name. This step protects you from double sales or disputes.
Step 6: Pay All Fees & Taxes
This includes stamp duties, registration fees, and Lagos State land use charge. Budget at least 5–10% of the purchase price to cover these costs.
Step 7: Obtain Permits (If Needed)
If you’re buying land to build, apply for a building plan approval before starting construction. If the house is already built, confirm there’s an occupancy permit in place.
Cost of Buying a House in Ajah
Having the money and knowing how much to budget is half the battle when figuring out how to buy a house in Ajah.
Prices in Ajah vary depending on where exactly you’re buying (closer to Lekki = more expensive) and the type of property (land vs. fully built house).
- Land Prices: As of 2025, a plot in Ajah can cost anywhere from ₦6 million to ₦14 million+, depending on proximity to the Lekki-Epe Expressway, title status, and whether it’s in a developed estate.
- House Prices: A finished 3-bedroom terrace or duplex can range from ₦45 million to ₦80 million+, with luxury homes costing even more.
But don’t stop at the purchase price, there are hidden costs most first-time buyers forget to budget for:
- Legal fees & lawyer’s professional charges
- Survey fees (if you’re buying land)
- Governor’s Consent & registration fees
- Agency fees (typically 5%)
- Stamp duties & Lagos State land use charge
Always budget an extra 5–10% of the purchase price for documentation and miscellaneous fees. This saves you from last-minute stress when those costs pop up.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a House in Ajah
Even when you’re not being scammed, it’s still possible to make costly mistakes when buying a house in Ajah.
Here are the traps first-time buyers fall into most often and how to avoid them:
- Falling for Fake Documents: Always cross-check every document with the Lagos State Land Registry before you pay.
- Buying in a Government Acquisition Area: Some parts of Ajah are reserved for future government projects. Without proper clearance, you could lose your property overnight.
- Skipping Governor’s Consent: If you don’t process this, your ownership can legally be challenged later, even after you’ve moved in.
- Ignoring Flood Risks: Ajah has a few low-lying areas. Visit during the rainy season, ask neighbours about flooding, and check for proper drainage.
- Underestimating Hidden Costs: Service charges, permits, and registration fees can quickly add up. Budget extra so you’re not caught off guard.
Treat property buying like an investment, not just an emotional decision. Doing your homework now saves you years of stress later.
Quick Checklist For Buying a House in Ajah
Buying a house in Ajah? Run through this checklist first:
- Road Test: Can you drive there during the rainy season without turning your car into a boat?
- Paperwork Audit: Triple-check Survey Plan, Deed, and Governor’s Consent to ensure they’re authentic.
- Legal Clearance: Have you done a Land Registry search? Are you certain no court cases are lurking?
- Flood Reality Check: Ask locals, inspect drains. It is far better to do that now than when your sofa is floating.
- Budget Reality Check: Add legal fees, permits, service charges — no nasty surprises later.
- Signed & Sealed: Lawyer-reviewed agreement, properly stamped and registered.
Conclusion: Buy Smart, Sleep Well
Knowing how to buy a house in Ajah is your best defence against costly mistakes. Skip the shortcuts; due diligence today means peace of mind tomorrow.
We have helped over 6000 people get homes in Lagos. Click here to contact us now to help you inspect, verify, and purchase safely, so your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare. You deserve to get the house of your dreams without being scammed!
