The Lagos real estate market is booming — and with good reason. Whether you're buying land to build, investing for profit, or selling inherited property, Lagos remains Nigeria’s most lucrative land market. But with all the opportunities come risks and complexity.
This 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about buying and selling land in Lagos, including legal requirements, documents, prices, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Buying Land in Lagos: Step-by-Step Process
|
Step |
What to Do |
|
1️⃣ |
Identify genuine land through agents, developers, or estate firms |
|
2️⃣ |
Visit the site and inspect it thoroughly |
|
3️⃣ |
Request and verify land documents |
|
4️⃣ |
Consult a certified real estate lawyer |
|
5️⃣ |
Conduct land verification at the Lagos State Land Registry |
|
6️⃣ |
Negotiate price and payment terms |
|
7️⃣ |
Sign a Deed of Assignment and obtain receipts |
|
8️⃣ |
File for land registration or C of O |
Important: Always check land coordinates and survey at the Surveyor General’s Office before payment.
Documents Required to Buy Land in Lagos
|
Document |
Purpose |
|
Survey Plan |
Shows land size and boundaries |
|
Deed of Assignment |
Legal proof of ownership transfer |
|
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) |
Recognized government proof of ownership |
|
Gazette |
Proves land has been excised from government use |
|
Governor’s Consent |
Required if land is being transferred/resold |
|
Receipt of Payment |
Proof of transaction between buyer and seller |
Land Prices in Popular Lagos Areas (2025)
|
Area |
Price Per Plot (Approx.) |
Investment Potential |
|
Ibeju-Lekki |
₦2M – ₦20M+ |
High (Dangote refinery, Lekki Port) |
|
Epe |
₦1.5M – ₦10M |
High (Emerging growth zone) |
|
Ikorodu |
₦2M – ₦15M |
Moderate |
|
Ajah |
₦15M – ₦40M |
Premium location |
|
Lekki Phase II |
₦30M – ₦100M+ |
Luxury residential/commercial |
|
Badagry |
₦2M – ₦8M |
Growing tourism spot |
Prices vary based on proximity to roads, development, and title documents.
Red Flags to Avoid When Buying
|
Red Flag |
What It Could Mean |
|
Seller refuses inspection |
Land might not exist or has disputes |
|
No documents provided |
Land could be government-owned or encumbered |
|
Payment pressure (“pay now!”) |
Scam alert — never rush without legal checks |
|
No lawyer involved |
Increases risk of fraud or illegal transfer |
|
Seller has no proof of ownership |
Land may be stolen or part of family land issues |
Selling Land in Lagos: What You Must Know
Selling land in Lagos is also profitable — but you need proper documentation and legal support to protect yourself and the buyer.
How to Sell Land Legally
|
Step |
Action |
|
Confirm ownership |
Ensure your name is on valid legal documents |
|
Hire a lawyer |
To prepare the Deed of Assignment and sales terms |
|
Get land valued |
Know market price before negotiation |
|
Provide original documents |
C of O, Gazette, Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment |
|
Sign formal agreement |
Buyer, seller, and lawyer must sign documentation |
|
Issue a receipt |
Use your lawyer to issue a land sale receipt |
Documents You Must Have to Sell Land
|
Document |
Why It's Needed |
|
C of O or Gazette |
Confirms you are the legal owner |
|
Survey Plan |
Proves boundaries and avoids land overlap |
|
Deed of Assignment |
Transfers ownership to buyer |
|
Governor’s Consent (if reselling) |
Needed to legalize second transfer |
|
Sale Receipt |
Shows payment was received from buyer |
Why You Need a Lawyer (Buyer or Seller)
|
Task |
Why It's Crucial |
|
Verify documents |
Prevents fraud and fake ownership |
|
Draft deed and agreements |
Legalizes the transaction |
|
Conduct land search |
Uncovers any hidden issues or disputes |
|
File documents at Registry |
Makes you the recognized owner in Lagos records |
Buying From Real Estate Companies vs. Individuals
|
Seller Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Real Estate Company |
Safer, organized, often has documentation |
Usually more expensive |
|
Individual Seller |
May be cheaper, faster deal |
High fraud risk without verification |
Pro Tip: Only buy from developers with government-approved estates or verified history.
Summary Checklist Before Buying or Selling Land in Lagos
|
Task |
Status |
|
Physical site inspection done |
✔️ |
|
Legal documents verified |
✔️ |
|
Lawyer consulted |
✔️ |
|
Land verified at Land Registry |
✔️ |
|
Agreement signed by all parties |
✔️ |
|
Governor’s Consent or C of O obtained |
✔️ |
Conclusion
Whether you're buying land for your dream home or selling property for profit, understanding the legal, financial, and practical process is key. Lagos is full of land opportunities—but also land fraud.
Follow the steps in this guide, avoid shortcuts, and always use a qualified lawyer. That way, you secure your investment and protect yourself from trouble.
