There’s nothing like the feeling of owning your first piece of land. That sense of pride when you stand on your plot, imagining what you’ll build there one day, is priceless.
But many first-time landowners in Nigeria learn their biggest lessons after they’ve bought land. Some realize they overpaid, some discover they bought land under government acquisition, and others find out too late that their “agent” wasn’t who they thought he was.
So, if you’re planning to buy land (or you just did), here are the five most common mistakes new landowners make and how you can avoid them.
- Buying Land Without Proper Verification
This one tops the list every time. Many people buy land because “my friend said it’s legit” or “they showed me documents.”
But without verifying those documents yourself, you’re walking into a potential land dispute. Every piece of land in Nigeria should have traceable documents like a Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment, or Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Before paying a dime, verify the land’s status at the state land registry or engage a trusted realtor like Auspicious Properties to help you confirm ownership. If the land doesn’t have clear documentation, don’t fall for “we’ll process it later.” Walk away.
- Ignoring Location and Accessibility
Some people buy land just because it’s “cheap.” But cheap land can be expensive if it’s in a bad location.
If the area has poor road access, flooding issues, or zero development prospects, you might end up with land that no one wants to buy or build on. When inspecting, don’t just stand at the site, walk around. Check nearby roads, ask residents about flooding, and observe the direction of development.
A well-located land might cost more today, but it’s always worth it in the long run.
- Skipping Legal Guidance
Real estate is not the place to “do it yourself.”
Many first-time buyers skip hiring a lawyer because they think it’s expensive, but losing your land is far more costly.
A real estate lawyer helps you confirm ownership, review the Deed of Assignment, and ensure there are no hidden legal issues tied to the property.
Think of it this way: a lawyer doesn’t cost you money, they save you from losing money.
- Neglecting to Fence or Secure the Land
This one sounds simple, but it’s a big deal.
After buying land, some people relax, no fence, no signboard, no presence. That’s how lands get encroached upon or resold to multiple buyers.
Once you complete your purchase, take possession immediately.
Fence it, mount a signpost with your name or company name, and if possible, visit occasionally. This shows physical ownership and deters land grabbers (“omo onile” wahala).
- Not Thinking Long-Term
A lot of new landowners buy land with emotion, not vision. They focus on the price, not the potential.
Before buying, ask yourself:
- What’s the development plan for this area?
- What’s my plan for this land — residential, commercial, or resale?
- Is this land in a place that’s likely to grow in value?
When you buy with foresight, you’re not just buying land, you’re buying into the future.
Buying land is one of the best investments you can ever make, but it only pays off when you do it right. Avoid these mistakes, get the right guidance, and secure your property with confidence.
Thinking of buying land soon?
👉 Schedule a visit today and let’s help you make a smart, secure choice.