A Real Estate Due Diligence Checklist for Diaspora Buyers

Buying property in Nigeria from abroad can be exciting. For many Nigerians in the diaspora, real estate represents more than an investment. It can be a way to build wealth, secure a future home, support family or establish a financial connection to home. But buying property from thousands of kilometres away also comes with risks that should not be underestimated.

The biggest mistake a diaspora buyer can make is assuming that a property is legitimate simply because it was recommended by a relative, advertised by a popular agent or presented with impressive documents. Property transactions require verification, and distance makes independent due diligence even more important.

Before committing your money, start by verifying the identity of the person or company selling the property. If you are dealing with an individual, establish that the person is genuinely connected to the property and has the legal authority to sell it. If an agent is involved, find out whether the agent has been properly authorised by the owner. For developers and real estate companies, investigate the company itself, including its previous projects and reputation. A professional website, social media page or attractive property brochure does not automatically establish ownership or legitimacy.

The next step is to confirm who legally owns the property. The person offering you the property may not necessarily be its rightful owner. Depending on the property, relevant documents may include a Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, Governor's Consent, Registered Conveyance or other evidence of title. However, simply seeing these documents is not enough. Have a qualified property lawyer investigate them and confirm that they are genuine and that the seller has a transferable interest in the property.

A proper search should also be conducted at the relevant land registry and other appropriate government offices. This can help uncover existing interests, competing claims, encumbrances, disputes or other issues affecting the property. A seller's assurance that "everything is fine" should never replace an independent search.

You should also investigate the property's ownership history. Find out how the current owner acquired it and, where necessary, trace previous transactions. Problems can sometimes arise when a property has passed through several owners but earlier transactions were not properly documented or perfected. If the ownership story keeps changing or important information cannot be verified, that should be treated as a warning sign.

The property's physical location must also match its documentation. If you are buying land, engage a qualified surveyor to verify the boundaries, dimensions and exact location of the property. Do not rely entirely on photographs, videos or a location pin sent through WhatsApp. Someone you trust should physically inspect the site if you cannot travel to Nigeria yourself.

It is equally important to determine whether the land is affected by government acquisition, planning restrictions, infrastructure projects or other government interests. This is particularly relevant in rapidly developing areas where land use and development patterns can change. A property may appear inexpensive and attractive but become problematic if there are restrictions affecting its development or ownership.

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Money is another area where diaspora buyers need to exercise caution. Before making a payment, obtain a clear breakdown of the purchase price and additional costs. Legal fees, survey expenses, documentation, registration, agency charges, government fees and other transaction costs can increase the final amount considerably. Knowing the full cost upfront allows you to budget properly and reduces the risk of unexpected demands later.

Pay close attention to the account into which you are transferring money. Verify payment details independently before making substantial transfers. If someone suddenly changes the bank account or asks you to send money to an unrelated personal account, pause the transaction and confirm the reason through a trusted channel. Do not allow pressure tactics or claims that another buyer is about to take the property to make you skip important checks.

Having an independent Nigerian property lawyer is one of the most valuable safeguards for a diaspora buyer. Ideally, the lawyer should represent your interests rather than being someone provided by the seller or developer. Your lawyer can review the title, conduct searches, examine the sale agreement and identify legal problems before you commit significant funds.

If you will be using a Power of Attorney because you cannot personally handle the transaction in Nigeria, understand exactly what authority you are giving the person acting on your behalf. The document should clearly state the powers being granted, and you should avoid giving broader authority than necessary.

You should also investigate the neighbourhood rather than focusing exclusively on the property itself. Consider accessibility, road conditions, drainage, flooding risks, electricity, water supply, security and surrounding developments. If your objective is investment, consider whether people actually want to live or operate businesses in the area. Do not invest solely because an agent claims that an area will become "the next big thing." Ask what evidence supports the projected growth.

Before signing anything, have your lawyer review the agreement carefully. The contract should clearly identify the parties involved, describe the property, state the purchase price and payment arrangements, and explain the obligations of both parties. If important promises were made verbally, ensure that relevant commitments are properly reflected in the agreement where appropriate.

Finally, keep proper records of the entire transaction. Store copies of title documents, survey plans, agreements, receipts, payment confirmations, correspondence, inspection reports, legal reports and other relevant documents in a secure digital location. Do not rely entirely on an agent, relative or developer to keep records on your behalf.

Most importantly, do not allow distance to create unnecessary urgency. Diaspora buyers are often targeted with messages about limited plots, rapidly increasing prices or other reasons to pay immediately. Some opportunities may genuinely be time-sensitive, but legitimate transactions should still allow reasonable time for verification. If a seller refuses to allow you to conduct proper searches or insists that you pay before you can complete basic due diligence, walking away may be the wiser decision.

Buying property in Nigeria from abroad does not have to be complicated, but it should never be based on trust alone. Verify the seller, confirm ownership, investigate the title, check the survey, inspect the property, research the neighbourhood, investigate the developer where applicable and understand every document you sign.

The safest property purchase is not necessarily the one with the most attractive photos or the lowest price. It is the one where the ownership, documentation, location, legal status and transaction history have been independently verified.

For diaspora buyers, due diligence is not a delay in the property-buying process. It is what protects the investment you are working so hard to make.