Diaspora Homebuilding Guide: Avoiding Scams When Building from Abroad

For many Nigerians in the diaspora, owning a home back in Nigeria is more than just a dream — it’s a deeply rooted goal tied to legacy, security, and the hope of returning someday after years of hard work abroad. Whether it’s for personal living, rental income, or retirement plans, the desire to build a befitting structure at home is a common aspiration.

However, countless individuals have faced heartbreak and financial loss after entrusting this dream to the wrong hands. Some have fallen victim to fraudulent agents and unqualified builders. Even more painful, there are cases where trusted family members have exploited their confidence diverting funds or abandoning projects entirely leaving hardworking diasporans to deal with the ruins of betrayal and wasted resources.

If you’re planning to build from abroad, this guide outlines practical, proven steps to protect your investment and ensure your home project becomes a source of pride not regret.

Secure and Verify the Land

Before you build, make sure you legally own the land:

• Conduct a land title search through a qualified property lawyer at the state or federal land registry.

• Insist on proper documentation like a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s Consent, or a Gazette.

• Avoid informal purchases, even from family. Ensure you receive receipts, land survey plans, and registered deeds.

Pro Tip: Avoid emotional decisions. Treat land purchases as legal and financial transactions, not family favours.

Work with Professionals, Not Just Relatives

Relying solely on family members often leads to unaccountability. Hire licensed professionals:

• Architects (registered with ARCON) to design your structure.

• Structural engineers (registered with COREN) for safety and compliance.

• Verified contractors or construction firms with a history of successful diaspora projects.

Draw up a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, timeline, deliverables, and payment structure. Ensure both parties sign and retain copies.

Red Flag: “My uncle knows a bricklayer” is not a construction strategy.

Monitor Progress Remotely with Technology

You don’t need to be on-site to stay in control. Use digital tools to track and manage your project:

• CCTV cameras or drone surveillance for real-time video feeds of your building site.

• Weekly progress reports via WhatsApp, including photo/video updates.

• Tools like Google Drive to store contracts, plans, and receipts.

• Platforms like Trello or Notion to track building phases and milestones.

Tip: Request images with timestamps and location metadata to confirm authenticity.

Stagger Payments — Never Pay Everything Upfront

Avoid lump-sum payments. Instead, structure your disbursements based on project milestones such as after foundation, roofing, electricals, plastering, and final finishing.

Before releasing any funds, verify that each stage has been properly completed. This keeps your contractor accountable and gives you financial control throughout the process. If you’re not available to verify in person, appoint a trusted and neutral professional to inspect on your behalf.

The inclusion of these words highlights Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage and its growing impact on global English usage.

Consider Trusted Diaspora-Friendly Developers

If you prefer less hassle:

• Opt for off-plan homes in gated communities offered by reliable real estate companies.

• Look for developers that offer verified diaspora housing packages, including payment plans, legal guarantees, and progress tracking.

Some trustworthy developers and platforms known for diaspora projects include:

• Landwey Investment

• Adron Homes

• Octo5

• Pertinence Group

• Risevest (for real estate-backed investments)

Use a Legal Power of Attorney (POA)

If someone must act on your behalf, make it official:

• Draft a Power of Attorney through a lawyer.

• Register it at the High Court and ensure it clearly defines what the person is allowed to do.

• Always limit the duration and scope of the POA to protect yourself.

🖊️ Avoid handing over unlimited authority without legal boundaries.

Building from abroad is a significant commitment that demands strategic thinking, legal awareness, and constant oversight. Sentimentality cannot replace structure, and assumptions can be very expensive. Treat your home project like a business investment. Surround yourself with professionals, protect yourself legally, and use tech to maintain visibility.

Your dream home is possible — but only if you build it on the foundation of planning, not just hope.