Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook have become major marketplaces for real estate in Nigeria.
Real estate companies and independent agents use promotional videos, attractive discounts and promises of instant allocation to market land to thousands of prospective buyers.
Although buying property online offers convenience, it also exposes unsuspecting buyers to fraudulent agents and questionable developers.
Many Nigerians have reportedly lost millions of naira after relying on promotional videos and celebrity endorsements without conducting proper legal checks.
Before committing money to any property advertised online, prospective buyers should carry out essential verification exercises to protect their investments.
Tribune Online highlights seven important things to check before purchasing land through social media advertisements.
1. Conduct A Physical Site Visit And Inspect Boundaries
Promotional videos on Instagram and TikTok can conceal environmental problems, structural defects and misleading property locations.
Never purchase land based solely on drone footage, graphic designs or short promotional videos shared by real estate influencers.
Visit the property personally or appoint a trusted representative to inspect its exact boundaries.
Physical inspection helps establish whether the land exists where the seller claims. It also allows buyers to assess accessibility, possible flooding risks and available electricity infrastructure.
2. Verify Land Charting At The State Surveyor-General’s Office
Every parcel of land falls within a particular government land-use plan. Some locations may be reserved for public projects, roads or environmental protection.
Purchasing land within a government acquisition area or restricted zone could prevent the buyer from obtaining building approval.
Request the property’s coordinates and survey plan from the seller.
Take the details to the Office of the State Surveyor-General or use the relevant state eGIS portal to establish the land’s status.
Official charting can reveal whether the property is free from government acquisition, under general acquisition or located within a restricted layout.
3. Check The Authenticity Of Title Documents At The Land Registry
Real estate advertisements frequently use terms such as Gazette, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and Governor’s Consent to attract buyers.
However, seeing these terms in an advertisement does not establish legal ownership.
Obtain copies of the property’s title documents and conduct an official search at the relevant State Lands Bureau or Ministry of Lands.
The search can help establish whether the documents are authentic, identify the registered owner and reveal existing mortgages or registered claims against the property.
Buyers should also investigate any ongoing legal disputes involving the land.
4. Confirm Corporate Registration With CAC And LASRERA
Some businesses advertising properties online may operate without proper corporate registration or regulatory accountability.
Before making payment, search the company’s name through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) public registry.
Confirm its legal existence and check the details of its registered directors.
For transactions involving Lagos-based real estate operators, buyers should also verify the company or agent’s registration with the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
The authority regulates real estate practice in Lagos and provides an additional avenue for checking operators.
5. Demand The Original Layout And Approved Perimeter Survey
A legitimate estate developer should be able to provide an approved perimeter survey and an official layout plan.
The documents should show the estate’s boundaries, individual plots, access roads, drainage systems and designated green areas.
Ask the developer for the approved layout rather than relying on promotional graphics or marketing illustrations.
These documents help establish the estate’s defined boundaries and reduce the risk of disputes, including multiple sales of the same plot.
6. Verify Ownership History And Family Roots (Omonile)
When purchasing land directly from traditional landholders or families commonly referred to as Omoniles, investigate the property’s ownership history.
Family disputes remain a significant concern in land transactions across Nigerian cities.
Engage a qualified legal practitioner to investigate the ownership history and consult relevant family representatives and neighbouring landowners.
Confirm that recognised family members have authorised the transaction and that the person receiving payment has the legal authority to represent the family.
7. Insist On Official Bank Accounts And Written Legal Contracts
Be cautious when sellers demand immediate payment into personal bank accounts or pressure buyers with claims that promotional discounts will expire within hours.
Make payments only into the verified account of the registered company or authorised land vendor.
Ensure that the transaction has proper documentation before transferring money.
Essential documents include a signed Contract of Sale, Deed of Assignment and official payment receipts.
A qualified property lawyer should review the documents and transaction terms to protect the buyer’s interests.
Protect Your Investment Before Paying
Buying land advertised on social media requires the same level of caution as any major property transaction.
Physical inspection, title verification, land charting, corporate checks and proper legal documentation can help buyers avoid costly mistakes.
Never allow promotional discounts, celebrity endorsements or pressure from agents to replace independent verification.
A few checks before payment could save prospective property owners significant financial losses and years of avoidable legal disputes.
