Finding a property in Lagos can be hard. Lagos is a big city with many houses, lands, and apartments for rent or sale. If you are looking for a home, a shop, or land, there are many things you must check before paying. If you do not check well, you may lose your money or have problems in the future.
In this guide, we will talk about all the important things you must think about before choosing a property in Lagos. We will explain everything in simple words so that you can understand easily.
Factors to Consider When Searching for a Property in Lagos
1. Location
The first thing to think about when searching for a property in Lagos is the location. Lagos has many areas, and each area is different. Some places are very busy, while others are quiet. Some have good roads, and others have bad roads.
Before choosing a property, ask yourself these questions:
Is the area close to my workplace or business?
Does the area have good roads?
Is the place safe?
Are there schools, hospitals, and markets nearby?
Does the area get flooded when it rains?
If you are buying land, you must check if the area will grow in value in the future. Some places in Lagos are becoming more expensive, while others are not growing. You should buy in a place where the value will increase over time.
2. Budget
Another important thing to consider is your budget. Lagos properties are expensive, but some places are cheaper than others. Before you start searching, know how much you can spend.
When setting your budget, do not only think about the price of the house or land. There are other costs, such as:
Agent fees
Legal fees
Survey fees
Cost of fixing the house if it needs repairs
If you are renting, also think about service charges, electricity bills, and water bills. Some estates have extra charges that can be very high.
3. Security
Lagos has both safe and unsafe areas. When looking for a property, security should be a top priority. Some places have a high crime rate, and living in such areas can be dangerous. You should visit the area at different times of the day to check if it is safe.
One way to know if an area is safe is by checking if there are security measures in place. Are there security guards? Does the house have a fence and a gate? Do the streets have good lighting at night? If you are buying land or a house, you may need to add extra security features like CCTV cameras, burglar-proof doors, and security dogs.
4. Road and Traffic
Lagos is known for its heavy traffic, and some areas are worse than others. If you choose a property in a location with bad traffic, you may spend hours on the road every day. Before renting or buying, check how easy it is to move in and out of the area.
Another thing to check is the condition of the roads. Some parts of Lagos have very bad roads that get worse during the rainy season. A good road network increases the value of a property, while a bad road can make life difficult. It is always a good idea to visit the property during rush hour to see how traffic flows.
5. Water Supply
Water is a basic need, but not all parts of Lagos have a good water supply. Some areas have water scarcity, and residents have to buy water regularly. Before choosing a property, check if the house has a borehole, a well, or a reliable water source.
If you are renting, ask the current tenants if they have water problems. In some areas, even when there is water, it may not be clean for drinking. This means you will need to buy clean water separately, which is an extra cost. A good water supply is important for daily life, so do not ignore this factor.
6. Electricity
Electricity supply in Lagos is not the same everywhere. Some areas enjoy better power supply than others. Before choosing a property, check how often the area has light. A place with constant power supply will save you from spending too much on fuel for a generator.
If you are renting, ask neighbors about the electricity situation before making a decision. Also, check if the house has a prepaid meter. Some houses still use old billing systems, which can lead to high electricity bills. If electricity is bad in that area, you may need to invest in alternative power sources like solar panels or an inverter.
7. Title Documents
If you are buying land or a house, checking the title documents is very important. Many people have lost money because they bought properties with fake or incomplete documents. A valid title document shows that the property truly belongs to the seller and is not under any dispute.
The most important documents to check include the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan. Do not just take the seller’s word for it—hire a lawyer to confirm the documents before making payment. If the documents are not valid, do not buy the property, no matter how cheap it is.
8. Land Disputes and Omo Onile Problems
Many lands in Lagos have disputes, especially in some local areas. Some people sell the same land to multiple buyers, leading to serious legal problems. There are also Omo Onile (land grabbers) who demand money even after you have legally bought the land.
To avoid these problems, always check if the land has a valid document. Visit the land with a lawyer or real estate expert to confirm that it is free from disputes. Also, ask people in the area if the land has any past issues before making a purchase.
9. Proximity to Work and Business
If you work in Lagos, it is best to choose a property that is not too far from your workplace. Lagos traffic is very stressful, and living far from work can make daily commuting difficult. If you are buying a shop or office space, make sure it is in a place where people can easily reach you.
A good location for business should have high foot traffic and be close to markets or commercial areas. If you are investing in real estate, choosing a property in a developing area can give you good returns in the future.
10. Flooding Issues
Some parts of Lagos get flooded during the rainy season. Living in a flood-prone area can damage your property and make life uncomfortable. Before choosing a house, visit the area after heavy rain to see if it gets flooded.
Also, check if the drainage system in the area is good. If an area has bad drainage, water may enter houses and roads may become impassable. Avoid buying or renting in flood-prone areas to prevent future problems.
Conclusion
Finding a good property in Lagos takes time and effort. You must check the location, security, road, water, electricity, documents, and other important factors before making a decision.
Never rush into paying for a property without checking everything well. If possible, work with a trusted agent or lawyer to avoid problems.
By following these tips, you will be able to find the right property that suits your needs and budget.
