5 Tips to Getting Your Desired House in Lagos

House hunting in Lagos is no small task. It can be thrilling especially when you imagine yourself in a new space but the process often comes with stress, frustration, and endless inspections. From finding a trustworthy agent to choosing a house that fits your taste and budget, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But if you approach it the right way, you’ll not only avoid common mistakes but also enjoy the process.

Here are five detailed tips to help you land your desired home in Lagos State, Nigeria.

1. Know What You Want and What You Can Truly Afford

Before you hit the streets or start making phone calls, take a moment to plan. Ask yourself:

• What type of house am I looking for? (A self-contained? Mini flat? Two-bedroom? Duplex?)

• What areas am I considering? Do I prefer the Island or Mainland?

• What’s my budget and does it include agent fees, caution fees, legal agreements, and service charges?

Also, think about your non-negotiables. Do you need 24/7 power supply? Is water availability important? Do you work from home and need a quiet environment? When you define your priorities and limits early, you save time and avoid frustration.

2. Use Trusted Realtors, Not Just ‘That Guy Who Knows a Guy’

Lagos is full of fake agents and “marketers” who are only out to collect inspection fees and disappear. Don’t fall for it.

Ask for referrals from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Work with licensed real estate agents who have an online presence or who operate through reputable platforms like:

PropertyPro.ng

PrivateProperty.ng

BuyLetLive.com

Always ask for an agent’s ID or business card, verify their listings, and don’t make payments until you’ve confirmed the legitimacy of both the agent and the property.

3. Never Skip Physical Inspections

No matter how nice the pictures look, always inspect the property in person. Lagos landlords and agents can be very creative with photography, and you might get a shock when you show up.

What to look for during inspection:

• Water pressure in taps and bathrooms

• Electricity situation (Is there prepaid meter? What’s the power supply like?)

• Security in the area (Talk to neighbours if possible)

• Road access and flooding risk

• Cleanliness and general maintenance of the building

Try to inspect the area at different times morning, evening, and even during rainfall, so you get a full picture of what you’re getting into.

4. Ask the Tough Questions—Don’t Be Shy

Lagos real estate doesn’t forgive silence. You need to speak up and ask detailed questions:

• Who owns the property? Can I see proof of ownership?

• Is there a Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, or Governor’s Consent?

• What are the rules of the compound? (e.g., curfews, pets, noise restrictions)

• Are there hidden charges? (security, cleaning, electricity contribution, waste disposal)

Ask about flooding, pest control, power rotation if it’s a PHCN area, and the history of previous tenants. The more questions you ask, the fewer regrets you'll have later.

5. Be Ready to Move Fast—But Don’t Rush Blindly

Good houses don’t wait around in Lagos. If you hesitate, someone else might close the deal before you. Once you find a place that ticks your boxes, be ready to make a decision but don’t let pressure push you into a bad one.

Before making any payment:

• Verify the property ownership documents

• Get a lawyer to review your tenancy or purchase agreement

• Ask for a written receipt and a signed document of payment

• Don’t pay in cash unless you're issued a proper receipt immediately

Also, beware of landlords or agents who rush you to pay before seeing the place. That’s often a red flag.

At the end of the day, the goal is not just to get a house but to get a home where you’ll feel safe, comfortable, and happy.