Lagos is one of the hottest real estate markets in Africa. But even with rising land demand, selling land fast in Lagos requires more than just placing a "For Sale" sign.
Whether you inherited a plot, invested years ago, or just need quick cash, this 2025 guide will show you how to:
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Price your land smartly
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Work with trusted agents
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Handle legal documents properly
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Market your land to real buyers
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Avoid costly delays and fraud
Let’s dive in.
1. Price It Right (And Attract Serious Buyers)
If your land is priced too high, buyers will ignore it. If it’s too low, you’ll lose profit. You need a price that’s fair, competitive, and market-driven.
How to Set a Competitive Land Price:
| Factor | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Location | Compare nearby plot sales in the last 3–6 months |
| Land title | C of O or Gazette land sells higher than untitled plots |
| Road access/infrastructure | Land near roads, drainage, and electricity is more valuable |
| Development level | Cleared/fenced land sells faster |
| Market demand | Ask local estate agents what buyers are paying |
Tip: Use websites like PropertyPro, PrivateProperty, or NigerianPropertyCentre to compare land prices in your area.
2. Use Trusted Real Estate Agents
Agents sell land faster because they already have ready buyers, investor lists, and digital marketing tools.
What to Look For in a Land Agent:
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Licensed by a real estate association (e.g., REDAN)
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Local experience in your area
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Digital presence (website, WhatsApp, Facebook)
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Agreement-based commission (5%–10% of sale)
| Agent Type | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
| Local estate agents | Know the area well; may lack online reach |
| Digital marketers | Broader exposure; need clear terms |
| Real estate firms | Professional but may charge higher fees |
Always sign a simple agent agreement before handing over documents or keys.
3. Prepare Your Legal Documents
No buyer will pay until your land documents are ready.
Here’s what to prepare before listing:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Gazette or Excision | Proves government-approved ownership |
| Survey Plan | Shows land size, boundaries, coordinates |
| Deed of Assignment | Transfer ownership (to be signed after sale) |
| Land Receipt (if inherited) | Shows original purchase |
| Tax Clearance (optional) | Some buyers may request it |
| Governor’s Consent (for resale) | Required for resale under the Land Use Act |
Tip: Photocopy and scan all documents so they’re easy to share with agents or interested buyers.
4. Market the Land Like a Pro
Don’t rely on word-of-mouth alone. The more eyeballs your land gets, the faster it will sell.
Where & How to Market Land in Lagos (2025):
| Platform | Advantage |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp & Facebook Groups | Target local buyers quickly |
| Property listing websites | Attract investors and diaspora buyers |
| Flyers and banners near site | Gets attention from neighbors & passersby |
| Partner estate marketers | Leverage their customer database |
| TikTok/Instagram Reels | Showcase visuals of the land for engagement |
Pro Tip: Take clean photos — front view, boundary markers, road access, and neighborhood.
5. Handle Buyer Inquiries & Negotiations Professionally
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Respond quickly to serious inquiries
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Be transparent about land status
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Know your lowest acceptable price
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Be ready to show buyers the documents and site
Red Flag: Avoid buyers who want to “pay small now and balance later” unless legally documented.
6. Close the Deal Legally
Once you’ve agreed on a price:
Legal Process for Closing a Land Sale:
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Sign a Land Sale Agreement
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Prepared by your lawyer
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Includes buyer/seller details, location, and price
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Collect payment via bank transfer
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Never accept full payment in cash
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Issue a Receipt and execute a Deed of Assignment
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Hand over signed documents
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The buyer can then apply for Governor’s Consent if applicable
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Notify your community or estate office
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To avoid future “omo onile” issues
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7. Avoid These Common Land Sale Mistakes
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Selling without verifying buyer funds | Insist on full payment via traceable method |
| Using unverified agents | Work with registered or known professionals |
| No lawyer involvement | Always involve a real estate lawyer |
| Not disclosing land disputes | Be transparent to avoid legal backlash |
| Delayed documentation | Keep your land files complete and updated |
Conclusion
Selling land fast in Lagos is 100% possible if you price it right, work with the right agents, and prepare your documents in advance.
Don’t let land sit idle while its value grows cold. Market it smartly, close legally, and walk away with a clean deal and full payment.
