- MOCKINBIRD.COM.NG - A La Une - 21/Jul 08:40

Buying Land in Lagos: 10 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

 By Dennis IsongIt was a quiet Saturday morning in Lagos when Tolu, a 33-year-old banker, got a call that changed everything. “Oga, dem don fence your land o,” the voice said urgently. Confused, Tolu rushed to the site in Ibeju-Lekki—land he bought six months ago—only to meet a tall concrete fence, a new gate, and a strange man claiming ownership. It turned out the land had been sold to four other people. Tolu stood there, stunned, helpless, and angry. That day, he joined the long list of first-time land buyers in Lagos who learned the hard way.Buying land in Lagos: 10 mistakes first-time buyers make is not just a catchy phrase. It’s a real-life alarm bell. Because in Lagos, one misstep can cost you millions—and your peace of mind.Let’s unpack the most common mistakes first-time buyers make and how you can avoid falling into the same traps.1. Trusting Verbal Promises Over DocumentsMany people enter the Lagos property market with the heart of a lamb and the hope of a saint. They meet a land agent who looks honest, speaks Yoruba fluently, calls them "Chairman," and promises heaven and earth. Before you know it, they shake hands and transfer millions—without even a receipt.One of the biggest mistakes is accepting words without evidence. In Lagos real estate, documents are everything. Whether it’s a survey plan, a deed of assignment, or proof of land ownership, you must verify and crosscheck. You can't take someone’s word that the land is “genuine.” No matter how polished the agent sounds or how cheap the land seems, always ask: Who owns the land? Is it family land, government land, or under acquisition?Lagos land matters are not casual. If there’s no paper trail, you’re buying air.2. Skipping Due Diligence Because “A Friend Referred Me”“My friend introduced me to the landowner himself, so I didn’t think it was necessary to check further.”That’s how many first-time buyers end up in trouble. Lagos is a place where even referrals can mislead you—knowingly or unknowingly. Just because someone you trust recommends a deal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many people assume that if a relative or friend is involved, then all is well. But property is not palm wine you buy in the village market. It’s a long-term investment. You must do your own due diligence.This means visiting the land physically, confirming the coordinates, cross-checking with the Lagos State Ministry of Lands, and even hiring a lawyer. If the property is under any kind of dispute or government acquisition, it will show in the records. That’s the only way to be sure you’re not walking into a landmine.3. Paying for Land Without Knowing the Real CostHere’s another trap first-time buyers fall into: buying land without understanding the true cost. In Lagos, N3 million for a plot may sound like a good deal—until you realize you’ll still pay another N1.5 million for documentation, survey, development levy, fencing, and so on.Unfortunately, many developers and sellers don’t disclose this upfront. They present a sweet entry price and keep dropping new bills after you’ve paid the first deposit. This can stretch your budget and cause frustration, especially if you were planning to build soon.Before committing to any land, ask: What are the total costs involved—from payment to documentation to final allocation? Ask for everything in writing. If the seller can’t give you clear answers, that’s your red flag.4. Buying Land Based on Future Promises, Not Present Reality“I bought the land because they said the airport is coming, Dangote is investing, and prices will triple next year.”Lagos has become the land of future promises. From Epe to Ibeju-Lekki, there’s always one big thing “coming soon.” And while some of these developments are real, others are simply speculative talk. First-time buyers often get excited by these projections and rush to buy land—only to find that the area has no road access, no light, no neighbours, and possibly no value anytime soon.Yes, buying land in Lagos for future growth can be smart. But ask yourself: If the future doesn’t come in 10 years, can I still use or sell this land? What is the current state of infrastructure? Is there a nearby community? What kind of title does the land have?Real estate is not betting. It’s better to buy a land that has both present and future value than to buy land that is only a dream on paper.5. Ignoring Legal and Professional HelpThis one is simple: many first-time buyers try to save money by skipping professionals. They don’t hire a lawyer. They don’t consult a surveyor. They don’t use a credible real estate advisor. Instead, they rely on “uncle’s friend” or “one trusted agent.”And Lagos will punish that decision.The job of a property lawyer is not just to write agreements. They help you spot legal red flags, negotiate better terms, and protect you from fraud. A surveyor ensures the land you're buying is exactly where they say it is—and not inside a canal or under powerlines. A good real estate advisor knows the terrain and can guide you away from shady deals.Trying to save N100k on legal fees could cost you N5 million in legal battles later. Let professionals do their job. That’s the Lagos survival code.In ConclusionBuying land in Lagos is not a walk in the park. It’s a jungle—with smart traps and sweet-talking salesmen. But if you go in prepared, with the right knowledge and people around you, you’ll walk out with something solid—your own land.The story of Tolu is sad, but not uncommon. Many first-time buyers in Lagos learn these lessons after losing money, time, or peace of mind. But you don’t have to be one of them.So if you're thinking about buying land in Lagos, take this to heart: the real mistake is not in the money you spend, but in the steps you skip.Make your land journey a wise one. And if you ever need someone to guide you through it, you know who to call. I’ll be here—looking sharp, land documents in hand, and waiting for your “Oga Dennis, abeg guide me.”Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041