Diaspora buyer guide
How to buy property in Lagos from abroad
A practical guide to property search, remote inspection, professional checks and completing a Lagos purchase while living overseas.
7 minute read · General educational informationBuying from another country can work well when the process is organised around evidence, clear communication and independent professional checks. This guide explains the steps Mirvai uses to help diaspora buyers move from a property brief to an informed decision.
Begin with a precise property brief
Start by defining why you are buying: a home, a rental investment, land for future development or a property you may resell later. The purpose affects the location, property type and checks that matter most.
Set a working budget for the property itself and keep room for professional, documentation, administrative and transaction costs. These costs vary, so ask for a transaction-specific breakdown before committing.
- Preferred Lagos locations
- Property type and must-have features
- Maximum working budget
- Purchase timeline
- Personal use or investment goal
Review evidence, not only marketing
A useful shortlist should include current photos or video, location context, price, completion status and the available property or title information. A live video viewing can help you see the street, access road, exterior, rooms and immediate surroundings in real time.
If you appoint a relative or representative to inspect, give them a written checklist. Their visit is helpful, but it should not replace legal, title, survey or technical checks where those are required.
Coordinate independent checks before payment
Once an option is serious, request the relevant documents and have qualified Nigerian professionals review the transaction. Depending on the property, this may include a lawyer, surveyor or other specialist and searches with the relevant authorities.
Confirm who owns or is authorised to sell the property, what exactly is being sold, whether the documents correspond with the property, and what conditions apply to the transaction. Do not rely on screenshots, verbal assurances or a viewing alone.
Keep the decision trail clear
Ask for important information, findings, agreed terms and payment instructions in writing. Confirm the receiving party and account independently before transferring funds. If a power of attorney or another form of representation is needed, obtain transaction-specific advice from a qualified Nigerian legal practitioner.
Mirvai can coordinate the search, viewing, documents and communication. Independent professionals provide their legal, title, survey or technical opinions, and you decide whether to proceed after reviewing the findings.
Property circumstances differ. Obtain independent legal, survey, tax, financial or technical advice where appropriate before making a payment or commitment.