Resources · Investing Guide
A disciplined, professional approach to property investing — from title verification and Governor's Consent to underwriting and exit. Written for the investor who measures twice and commits once.
01
Nigerian land titles range from Family/Communal allocations through Deeds of Assignment, Registered Surveys, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and Governor's Consent. A C of O on the parcel — or a property whose chain of title traces back to one — is the gold standard. Never close without a current title search at the State Lands Registry.
02
Engage a property lawyer who acts only for you. Verify the seller's identity, the survey plan against the parent layout, government acquisition status, and any litigation history. Cross-check at the Land Use Allocation Committee and the relevant LGA planning office.
03
Build a simple model: acquisition cost, transfer costs (5–10%), development cost, projected yield (residential rentals typically 4–6% gross in Lagos/Osun) and exit assumption. If the deal only works on aggressive appreciation assumptions, walk.
04
Three core strategies for new investors: (a) buy verified land in a path-of-growth corridor and hold 3–5 years; (b) buy a developed asset for cashflow; (c) co-invest in a structured estate development for blended returns. Match the strategy to your liquidity horizon, not the market mood.
05
Single-asset holdings should sit in your name or a sole-purpose vehicle. Joint ventures need a written JV agreement covering capital, control, exit and dispute resolution. For estates, insist on perimeter wall, gatehouse, drainage and a registered residents' association before paying balance.
06
Survey: 2–4 weeks. Deed of Assignment: 1–2 weeks. Governor's Consent: 3–9 months. C of O: 12–18 months. Budget for the timeline and the legal fees — both are part of the cost basis.
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