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 For many Nigerians abroad, owning property back home is a big dream,  whether it’s a retirement home, a rental property, or land for future investment.
But the fear is real. Many keep asking about how to buy property in Nigeria from overseas safely.

 Most people  don’t know how to know if the land or property is real and they are afraid of getting scammed.

That’s the reason I decided to put up this post and if you are asking the same questions,  you’re not alone.  So, here is  how Nigerians in the diaspora can buy property safely in Nigeria.  

Can you buy property in Nigeria while abroad and not be scammed?

Yes, You Can Buy Property in Nigeria From Abroad  Without Coming Home

Let’s start with this because it’s the biggest worry.
You do NOT have to travel to Nigeria to buy property.
Thousands do it safely every year.

To buy property safely in Nigeria from abroad, you need the following:

•  Verified property
•  A trusted real estate lawyer
•  A Power of Attorney (POA)
• Proper due diligence
• Safe payment methods
• Real-time updates
  If you follow the steps in this guide, you can confidently buy land or a house in Nigeria from the UK, US, Canada, or anywhere abroad.

Step 1: Verify the Property (Don’t Skip This,  Ever)

This is where most diaspora buyers make mistakes.
Before you pay anyone a single naira, you need:

Complete land/property verification

• Your lawyer must check:
• Title documents
• Survey plan
• Land status at the Land Registry
• Whether it’s under government acquisition
• Whether it’s been sold to someone else
• If the estate is real (not fake)

These checks protect you from Omo Onile issues and fake sellers. 

Step 2: Use a Power of Attorney (POA), So Someone Can Sign for You

This is how Nigerians abroad sign documents legally without being physically present.
Your lawyer drafts a Power of Attorney for buying property in Nigeria, you sign it abroad, notarize it, and send it back.

This allows your lawyer to:

• Sign documents
• Represent you at meetings
• Pay for the property
• Collect receipts
• Protect your interests

This is the safest option for diaspora buyers.

Step 3: Use Safe Payment Methods Only

Many Nigerians abroad lose money because they send funds directly to agents or developers without protection.

Here’s what to use instead:

• Escrow service
  Your money is only released after documents are confirmed.
• Lawyer-managed client account
  Safer and more traceable.
• Direct transfer to the developer (after verification)
  Never before. 

 Step 4: Get Real-Time Updates (Photos, Videos, Reports)

You must NEVER be kept in the dark.
Your lawyer/representative should send:

• Site visit videos
• Photos of the land
• Drone shots (if available)
• WhatsApp progress reports (if developing your property)
• Stage-by-stage documentation updates

If they cannot provide updates, that’s a red flag.

Step 5: Secure Your Documents Immediately

Once payment is made, the following documents should be handed over to you immediately:

• Deed of Assignment
• Survey Plan
• Contract of Sale
• Receipt
• Allocation
• Omo Onile receipts (if any)
• Registered title (C-of-O, Governor’s Consent, etc.)

Make sure these are scanned and sent to your email and/or WhatsApp.

 Step 6: Register the Property (Don’t Leave It Hanging)

Many people stop after collecting the deed, this is dangerous.
Your property must be registered to show that ownership has officially changed.

Your lawyer will handle:

• Stamp duties
• Land registry filing
• Governor’s Consent
• File tracking

Once properly registered,  it becomes hard for someone to claim your land or property.  

 Step 7: Management After Purchase (Optional But Important) Property

If you’re abroad, managing property alone is difficult.
Here’s what you can outsource:

• Rent collection
• Tenant screening
• Repairs & maintenance
• Inspections
• Facility management
• Reporting to you monthly 

Red Flags to Avoid (This Is How Diaspora Buyers Get Scammed)

If you notice any of the following red flags while trying to purchase a property or land in Nigeria, walk away:

• Sellers refusing verification
• No registered survey
• Documents have “Excision in Process”
• They insist you pay before verification
• You can’t speak directly to a lawyer
• They rush you
• They refuse video calls
• They offer unbelievable discounts

If you notice ANY of these,  walk away. It is possibly a scam.

Who Should You Trust When Buying Property in Nigeria From Abroad?

Always use:

• A real estate lawyer
• A verified developer
• A licensed surveyor
•  A registered estate agent (not random family members)

Your lawyer coordinates the entire process.

 In conclusion:
Buying property in Nigeria from abroad doesn’t have to be scary.
If you follow the right process, you’ll get:

• A verified property
• Clean documents
• Zero scams
• Stress-free signing
• Peace of mind from beginning to end 

Need help buying property safely in Nigeria?
Halo Partners offers:

• Property verification
• Title search
• Purchase agreement drafting
• Representation for diaspora clients (sourcing, development and  management)

Click here to request a free consultation.