5 Signs a Lagos House Agent Might Be Scamming You

In Lagos, Nigeria's bustling megacity, finding suitable accommodation can be as challenging as navigating the city's infamous traffic. With housing demand far exceeding supply, the rental market has become fertile ground for unscrupulous agents looking to exploit desperate home seekers. Property scams cost Lagosians millions of naira annually, leaving victims not only financially wounded but also homeless in some cases.

1. Suspiciously Low Prices in Premium Locations

Lagos real estate follows predictable pricing patterns based on location. When an agent advertises a three-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi or Victoria Island at the same price as similar properties in Yaba or Surulere, your alarm bells should ring immediately.

What scammers do: They lure unsuspecting clients with irresistible prices for properties in premium locations. Once they've collected viewing fees or deposits, they either disappear or show you a completely different property than advertised, claiming the original one was "just taken."

How to protect yourself: Research current rental prices in your target neighborhoods thoroughly. Online property platforms like PropertyPro, Private Property Nigeria, and Nigeria Property Centre provide reliable benchmarks. If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Always cross-reference prices with multiple sources before proceeding.

2. Demanding Large Payments Before Viewing

Legitimate real estate transactions in Lagos follow a generally accepted process. While some agents charge nominal inspection fees (typically ₦2,000-₦5,000), any agent demanding substantial amounts before you've even seen the property is waving a red flag.

What scammers do: They insist on receiving "security deposits," "registration fees," or other substantial payments before allowing you to view properties. These fees often range from ₦20,000 to ₦100,000 or more. After receiving payment, they become unreachable or continue fabricating reasons to delay property viewings.

How to protect yourself: Decline to pay large sums before viewing any property. If an agent insists on a viewing fee, keep it minimal and get a signed receipt that clearly states the purpose of the payment. Better yet, work with established agencies with physical offices you can visit, or get recommendations from trusted friends or colleagues who have successfully rented through specific agents.

3. Inability to Provide Proper Documentation

Legitimate property transactions in Lagos require proper documentation. An agent who seems vague about paperwork or provides excuses about why certain documents are unavailable might be concealing the fact that they don't have authority to rent the property.

What scammers do: They avoid providing crucial documents like:

• Proof of ownership

• Survey plans

• Approved building plans

• Property tax receipts

• Landlord authorization (if they claim to represent the owner)

Instead, they pressure you to make quick decisions and payments, claiming that "many people are interested" or that "the property won't last long on the market."

How to protect yourself: Insist on seeing and verifying all relevant documents before making any significant payments. Visit the Lagos State Lands Registry to verify property ownership if necessary. Consider hiring a real estate lawyer to review all documentation before finalizing any agreement. The cost of legal verification is minimal compared to the potential loss from a scam.

4. Avoiding Face-to-Face Meetings or Physical Office Visits

The advent of digital marketing has certainly transformed the real estate business in Lagos, but legitimate agents still maintain physical offices and are willing to meet clients in person.

What scammers do: They conduct all business via phone calls, WhatsApp, or other remote means. They have endless excuses for why they can't meet in person or why you can't visit their office. Some might claim to be "international agents" or based outside Lagos while handling properties within the city.

How to protect yourself: Prioritize agents with verifiable physical offices. Visit these offices before engaging in serious negotiations. Ask for and verify business registration details. If an agent consistently avoids in-person meetings without compelling reasons, consider it a warning sign.

5. Pressuring You to Make Immediate Decisions

The Lagos rental market moves quickly, but legitimate agents understand the importance of allowing clients time to make informed decisions about what is likely one of their largest financial commitments.

What scammers do: They create artificial urgency with statements like:

• "Pay now or lose the property forever"

• "I have three other clients ready to pay today"

• "The landlord is only giving us until tomorrow"

• "Pay half now to secure it, and the rest later"

This pressure is designed to short-circuit your critical thinking and due diligence process.

How to protect yourself: Resist pressure tactics. Legitimate properties don't disappear in hours. Take your time