Buying land is one of the smartest investments anyone can make, but it can also become one of the most painful financial losses if handled incorrectly.
Every year, thousands of Nigerians lose millions of naira to bad land deals, avoidable oversights, and incomplete documentation.
As a corporate and real estate lawyer, I’ve seen many of these cases firsthand. Most of them could have been avoided if buyers had paid attention to a few critical details.
Here are 7 costly mistakes Nigerians make when buying land and how you can avoid them.
1. Relying Only on a Survey Plan Without a Proper Sale Agreement
Many buyers assume that once they have a survey plan, they automatically own the land. That’s not true. A survey plan only describes the land’s location and boundaries — it’s not proof of ownership.
What legally transfers ownership is a properly drafted and executed property agreement.
Without it, you have no enforceable right if a dispute arises.
Tip: Always insist on a written sale agreement prepared or reviewed by a qualified lawyer before paying for any land.
2. Paying for Land Without Conducting Due Diligence
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is not investigating the land’s title before purchase.
You must confirm who truly owns the land, whether it’s under government acquisition, or if there’s any pending dispute or encumbrance.
Tip: Never rely solely on what the seller tells you. Engage legal services to conduct a land search on the property you intend to acquire.
3. Delaying the Signing of the Sale Agreement
Many buyers make payment and say, “We’ll sign the documents later.” That’s a risky move.
Delaying the signing of your sale agreement gives room for the seller to change terms, resell the property, or deny ever collecting payment.
Tip: Ensure that your sale agreement is signed immediately after payment or at least before possession is handed over.
4. Paying Without a Written Agreement
Many people rely only on a survey plan or a verbal understanding. But a survey plan only shows the location of land; it doesn’t prove ownership or transfer title.
Without a proper deed of assignment or sale agreement, you have no legal evidence that you bought anything, and without this document, you have little legal protection if the land is challenged later.
Tip: Always ensure a written and signed agreement between the buyer and seller.
5. Not Perfecting Title (Registration and Governor’s Consent)
Even with a Deed of Assignment, your ownership isn’t complete until you register the title and obtain the Governor’s Consent as required by the Land Use Act.
Many people skip this step because of cost or delay, but failure to perfect your title means the government still recognizes the seller as the legal owner.
Tip: Make an adequate budget for perfecting the title as part of your land purchase process; it’s an investment in peace of mind.
6. Ignoring Boundary and Possession Issues
Before or immediately after purchase, make sure you take possession. Clear the land, fence it, put a caretaker, etc.
Tip: Don’t leave it empty for months; possession discourages encroachment and makes your ownership visible.”
7. Not Engaging a Lawyer Early in the Process
Many land buyers think involving a lawyer is an unnecessary expense until things go wrong.
A lawyer helps you verify documents, conduct searches, draft proper agreements, and ensure your transaction complies with Nigerian property laws.
Tip: Engage a lawyer before you pay any money, not after problems arise. Legal advice at the beginning is far cheaper than litigation later.
Conclusion
Buying land in Nigeria can be a smooth and rewarding process provided you do it right.
Every step, from due diligence to documentation, protects you from future loss or disputes.
If you’re planning to buy land or already have, take these lessons seriously. And if you’re unsure where to start, consider consulting a lawyer who understands property law and documentation in Nigeria.
At Lex-Praxis, we help individuals and businesses handle property transactions safely and legally, from due diligence to drafting and registration.
Our goal is to protect your investment and ensure your ownership is undisputed.
Need help with your property purchase or land title? Contact us today to get started on the right legal footing.
