Educational
Fake Listings and Real Estate Scams are Severely Affecting Nigerians
When Chika moved to the UK, one of her biggest dreams was owning a home back in Lagos — a place she could return to someday and call her own. She saved for years, scrolling through countless real estate listings online. One day, she found the one: a newly-built duplex in Surulere that seemed perfect — modern design, “verified” documents, and a price that felt just right. At that point, Chika hadn’t learned how Nigerians in the diaspora can avoid real estate scams and fake listing when buying property back at home.
She sent money to an “agent” her friend recommended, and waited eagerly for updates. But weeks later, calls went unanswered. The “office” she was told to visit didn’t exist. The property photos? Stolen from another developer’s page.
Sadly, Chika’s story is one too many Nigerians — both at home and abroad — can relate to. Across Nigeria, misleading adverts, fake listings, and poor data transparency have become some of the biggest threats to real estate investors. Whether you’re buying your first plot of land in Lekki or building your retirement home in Enugu, the risk of losing your money to deceitful practices is real.
But this is not where the story has to end. There’s a smarter way to buy — and that’s where verified property transparency comes in.
READ MORE: Beyond the Façade: How Nigeria’s Infrastructure Gap Impacts Your Real Estate Investment.
The Real Estate Reality in Nigeria
Nigeria’s real estate sector continues to boom — driven by urban migration, the diaspora’s appetite for home investment, and rapid development across major cities.
However, the market also faces significant challenges:
- Fake property listings on social media and websites that misrepresent ownership or value.
- Weak market data that makes it hard for buyers to verify property histories or price benchmarks.
- Unverified agents and middlemen who operate without clear documentation or regulatory oversight.
A report by ResearchGate (2024) highlights that over 65% of Nigerian property buyers rely solely on agent claims without demanding verifiable ownership proof. This lack of transparency weakens investor confidence and fuels fraud.
What Experts Are Saying
According to leading real estate experts in Lagos and Abuja:
“Transparency is the backbone of trust in property investment. Every investor, especially Nigerians in the diaspora, must demand proof — verified titles, survey plans, and transaction histories — before paying a dime.”
Others emphasize that Nigeria’s real estate market will only gain global investor confidence when listing verification systems and market data dashboards become standard industry practice.
In other words, the problem isn’t that Nigerians aren’t buying; it’s that they no longer know who to trust. It is important to learn how Nigerians in the diaspora can avoid real estate scams and fake listings when buying properties at home.
How to Overcome the Transparency Trap
To protect yourself and your hard-earned money, here’s what every smart investor should do:
1️⃣ Insist on Verified Documentation
- Request copies of the property’s C of O, deed of assignment, survey plan, and tax receipts.
- Ensure the documents are verified with the Lagos State Land Bureau or relevant state agencies.
2️⃣ Work Only with Verified Platforms
- Avoid random social media listings.
- Use platforms like House and Land Naija where every property undergoes multi-stage verification, including document checks and third-party authentication.
3️⃣ Demand Transparency Reports
- Ask for transaction history, project progress updates, and valuation reports.
- These data points show you’re not buying into a ghost project.
4️⃣ Use Tech to Your Advantage
- Virtual property inspections and digital document verification help diaspora buyers view real-time conditions before purchase.
How House and Land Naija Makes It Easy
At House and Land Naija, we understand how emotional and sensitive real estate investments are — especially for Nigerians in the diaspora who can’t be physically present.
That’s why we provide:
✅ Verified Property Listings: Every home and land on our platform is screened through multi-layer title and survey verification.
✅ Transparent Pricing: You see real prices — no hidden costs or middlemen surprises.
✅ Virtual Inspections: We organize live video tours for diaspora clients, so you can “see before you buy.”
✅ Market Data Insights: Our data dashboards show you comparable sales and price trends in your desired area.
With House and Land Naija, you’re not just buying property — you’re building confidence, trust, and a lasting investment legacy. Yes, you will learn how Nigerians in the diaspora can avoid real estate scams and fake listings when buying property back at home.
Chika’s Second Chance
Months after her loss, Chika found House and Land Naija through a fellow investor. With proper guidance, she verified her next property in Surulere, reviewed authentic documents, and joined a live virtual inspection.
Today, she’s a proud homeowner — not of promises, but of proof.
Her story is a reminder that transparency is the foundation of every lasting investment. Whether you’re in Abuja, London, or Toronto, don’t just buy a house — buy peace of mind.
At House and Land Naija, we turn that dream into a safe reality — by standing for True Property, True Value, and True Stakeholders.
IN OTHER NEWS: From Dream to Disaster: Why Building Your Nigerian Home from Abroad Fails
Time to Take Action
It’s time you learned how Nigerians in the diaspora can avoid real estate scams and fake listings. Act now. Secure your property in Nigeria through verified agents that will help you to protect your investments.
📢 Connect with House & Land Naija Today
🌐 Website: https://houseandlandnaija.com
📧 Email: hello@houseandlandnaija.com
📍 Our Offices Worldwide
- Canada: 102-30 El-Tassi Drive, Winnipeg MB, Canada
- USA: 8500 Frederickburgs Lane, Houston TX 77083
- Nigeria: 9 Moses Adebajo Street, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos
📞 Call Us Anytime
Nigeria: +234 707 491 3626 | +234 707 491 3631
Canada: +1 (431) 990-3777
USA: +1 (832) 847-5261
Don’t wait until you regret a purchase. Let’s ensure your next property is trusted, verified and built to grow.