Introduction:
Buying land in Nigeria is one of the most exciting financial decisions anyone can make. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home, invest in real estate, or simply secure an appreciating asset, land remains one of the smartest investments available.
However, many first-time buyers make the costly mistake of going through this process alone. At first glance, skipping a real estate agent may look like a good way to save money.
But in reality, it could cost you far more in hidden fees, fraud, or even loss of ownership rights.
With the property market in Nigeria full of complexities from title documents to land disputes, a professional real estate agent can be the difference between a smooth purchase and a financial nightmare.
In this article, we will explore why every first-time land buyer should work with a trusted real estate agent.
The Role of Real Estate Agents in Land Purchases
A real estate agent is more than just a middleman. They are trained professionals who guide buyers through the process of acquiring property while protecting their financial and legal interests.
According to reports, about 40% of property buyers worldwide rely on real estate agents or realtors to close deals successfully. This figure is even higher in Nigeria, where fraud, hidden costs, and complicated property laws are common challenges.
Unlike first-time buyers who may be emotionally driven, agents approach transactions with logic, experience, and negotiation skills. When sellers or developers see you are represented by a professional, they are less likely to inflate prices or hide crucial information.
Why First-Time Buyers Need Agents
First-time buyers are usually the most vulnerable group in real estate transactions. This is because they lack prior experience in identifying risks, negotiating contracts, or understanding legal documentation.
Imagine walking into a land deal without knowledge of survey plans, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), or Governor’s Consent. Without proper checks, you could easily buy land under government acquisition, impediments by debt, or even sold to multiple buyers at the same time.
This is where real estate agents step in:
- Conduct background checks on the land.
- Verify ownership and documentation.
- Negotiate better prices on your behalf.
- Guide you through legal and statutory requirements.
Advantages of Working With a Real Estate Agent
1. Access to Verified Listings
Agents have access to genuine land listings that may not be openly advertised. Many sellers prefer to work directly with registered agents for safety, making it harder for first-time buyers to find trustworthy properties on their own.
2. Negotiation Power
In any property deal, negotiation is king. Who has the upper hand a trained professional or a nervous first-time buyer? Real estate agents use their experience to negotiate prices, payment plans, and even additional perks that first-time buyers may overlook.
3. Protection Against Hidden Charges
Hidden charges such as agency commissions, survey fees, or development levies can inflate your budget by as much as 15–25%. An agent ensures you get a full breakdown of all costs upfront, saving you from unpleasant surprises.
4. Market Knowledge
Agents understand the real estate market trends in Nigeria, from property hotspots in Lagos and Abuja to emerging affordable areas in Ogun or Enugu.
5. Legal Guidance
While real estate agents are not lawyers, they often work closely with property lawyers to ensure all documents are authentic and binding. This extra layer of protection is crucial in a market where fake documents are common.
Questions to Ask Your Agent Before Buying Land
Hiring an agent does not mean handing over full control. You should still be an active participant in the process. To ensure transparency, here are important questions every first-time buyer should ask:
- What is the history of this land? (Ownership, disputes, government acquisition)
- Are there development fees attached? (Roads, drainage, perimeter fencing)
- What is the security situation in the area?
- Is the land suitable for my intended use? (Residential, commercial, agricultural)
- What documents are available and verified? (Survey plan, C of O, Governor’s Consent)
By asking these questions, you protect yourself from common traps while also testing the credibility of your agent.
Precautions to Take Before Choosing a Real Estate Agent
Not every person who calls themselves a “real estate agent” is qualified. With the rise of fraudulent property dealers, first-time buyers must be extra cautious when selecting an agent. Here are key precautions:
1. Check Their Reputation
Work only with agents who have a proven track record of successful transactions. Ask for references or reviews from past clients. A credible agent won’t hesitate to provide them.
2. Confirm Their Licensing and Registration
Genuine real estate professionals in Nigeria are often registered with industry bodies or affiliated with reputable real estate companies. Don’t be shy to ask for their certification.
3. Look for Experience
Experience matters. An agent who has spent years in the Nigerian property market is more likely to spot red flags quickly than a rookie with little exposure.
4. Ask for Transparency
A trustworthy agent should be open about their commission, fees, and any additional costs involved. If they hesitate or dodge your questions, treat it as a red flag.
Independent Real Estate Agents vs Real Estate Companies
When it comes to buying land, you can choose between working with an independent agent or a registered real estate company. Both have their advantages and drawbacks.
Independent Agents
- Flexible, can dedicate more personal attention, sometimes lower commissions.
- Higher risk of scams, limited property listings, often less structured in paperwork and legal processes.
Real Estate Companies
- Pros: Access to verified listings, structured processes, team of professionals (lawyers, surveyors, agents), higher credibility.
- Cons: May appear more formal or less personal, and fees can sometimes be higher than independent agents.
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make Without Agents
Buying land without a professional may seem cheaper, but it exposes you to costly mistakes. Here are the most common:
1. Falling for Cheap Prices
If the land price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many buyers rush into deals based on low prices, only to later discover hidden impediment or government acquisition issues.
2. Ignoring Legal Documentation
Without an agent to guide you, you might overlook the importance of documents like the Certificate of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent, or Deed of Assignment. Missing just one document can invalidate your ownership.
3. Skipping Due Diligence
First-time buyers sometimes fail to verify property ownership at the land registry. This leads to situations where land is sold to multiple buyers or where the seller isn’t the rightful owner.
4. Underestimating Hidden Costs
From survey plans to development levies, buyers without agents often underestimate how much more they’ll need to pay after the purchase.
5. Poor Negotiation
Sellers can easily take advantage of inexperienced buyers, charging above-market prices or adding unnecessary fees.
Why Agents Are More Than Just Middlemen
Many first-time buyers wrongly assume that agents simply connect buyers and sellers. In reality, their work goes far beyond that. Real estate agents:
- Provide market insights you won’t find online.
- Act as mediators between buyers and sellers.
- Help you avoid emotional decision-making.
- Ensure transactions are fair, transparent, and legally sound.
- Save you time, energy, and money by handling the heavy lifting.
Conclusion
Buying land for the first time is exciting, but it’s also full of risks. From hidden costs to fraudulent sellers, the property market in Nigeria can overwhelm anyone who isn’t well-prepared.
A trusted real estate agent not only protects you from fraud but also helps you secure land that matches your needs, budget, and long-term goals. Their knowledge of documentation, negotiation, and market trends is something no first-time buyer should ignore.
At the end of the day, the choice is simple: You can either gamble your savings by going alone or work with a professional who ensures your investment is safe and profitable.
If you’re ready to buy land in Nigeria, don’t take unnecessary risks. Hire a reliable real estate agent or company to guide you every step of the way.
Well informative and detailed