The ultimate Guide to buying a property in Lagos.

Buying a house in Lagos is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make but it is also one of the most complex. With its rapidly growing population, high demand for quality homes, and a continually evolving real estate landscape, Lagos remains Nigeria’s most competitive property market.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, investor, or relocating, understanding the buying process is essential to avoid costly mistakes and secure the right property.

As a leading agency specializing in Ikoyi, Victoria Island (VI) and Lekki, CW Real Estate Lagos has prepared this guide to help you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence.

Determine your budget

Your home-buying journey begins with knowing what you can realistically afford.

When setting your budget, consider:

• Your savings
• Monthly income
• Mortgage or alternative financing options
• Property type (apartment, terrace, detached)
• Expected service charges and maintenance

In Lagos, prices vary widely depending on the neighbourhood. For example:

• Ikoyi & Banana Island → Ultra-luxury, high-end pricing
• Victoria Island & Lekki Phase 1 → Mid- to high-income buyers
• Ajah, Ologolo, Sangotedo, → More budget-friendly

As neighbourhood specialists for Ikoyi, Lekki, and VI, CWRE helps clients understand what their budget can secure in these prime areas and presents options that match lifestyle, value appreciation, and long-term goals.

Closing cost

Beyond the purchase price, Lagos property transactions include additional costs.

Closing costs typically range from 15% to 20% of the property’s value and may include:

• Legal fees
• Agency commission
• Documentation charges
• Survey and valuation fees
• Government taxes or charges

CWRE ensures that clients are clearly guided through these expenses, eliminating any surprises during the transaction.

Hiring a qualified real estate agent

This is one of the most important decisions you will make.

Lagos real estate moves quickly, and prime areas like Ikoyi, VI, and Lekki require hyper-local knowledge that only a dedicated neighbourhood specialist can provide.

A professional agent will help you:

• Access verified properties (not fake or inflated)
• Compare listings realistically
• Advisory throughout transactions
• Understand street-by-street pricing
• Negotiate the best value
• Handle paperwork and due diligence
• Avoid fraud, double sales, and unverifiable sellers

CW Real Estate Lagos provides dedicated neighbourhood agents focused specifically on:

✔️ Ikoyi
✔️ Victoria Island / Oniru
✔️ Lekki Phase 1
✔️ Ikate / Osapa / Chevron area / Ajah Environs

This ensures you get accurate insights and premium options in Lagos’ most sought-after locations.

Conduct a Physical Inspection

A property may look perfect in pictures, but the real condition can only be assessed in person.

During inspection, check for:

• Construction and finishing quality
• Drainage and flooding risk (very important in Lekki)
• Accessibility (road quality & traffic patterns)
• Neighbourhood safety
• Water supply and electricity
• Quality of fittings and structural soundness

As a client-focused agency, CWRE schedules, supervises, and guides you through these inspections, ensuring you see the strengths and weaknesses clearly before committing.

Negotiate and Make an Offer

Negotiation is an art and Lagos real estate operates heavily on negotiation.

Factors influencing pricing include:

• Market demand
• Seller urgency
• Building condition
• Location appeal
• Comparable sales in the same area

Having a seasoned CWRE agent gives buyers a strong negotiation advantage, especially in premium markets like Ikoyi and VI, where price differences can run into millions.

Verify Ownership & Title Documents

Title verification is one of the most crucial steps in Lagos real estate.

Before making any payments, ensure that the property has valid and authentic documents, such as:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
• Governor’s Consent
• Registered Deed of Assignment
• Survey Plan
• Approved Building Plan
• and many more

CWRE supports you through proper title verification by working with our in-house legal department to confirm ownership directly with the appropriate government agencies.

This protects your investment and eliminates all risks of fraud or disputes.

Engage a Lawyer & Finalize Documentation

To complete your purchase safely, legal expertise is required.

Your lawyer will:

• Draft or review the sales agreement
• Verify ownership
• Confirm documentation accuracy
• Handle government registration
• Facilitate full transfer of ownership

CWRE works closely with vetted legal professionals who ensure a seamless and transparent closing process.

In conclusion,
Buying a house in Lagos can be a rewarding investment, but it requires careful planning, research, and due diligence. However, being informed about the key steps and processes can significantly ease the experience.

Buying a property in Lagos, especially in high-demand neighbourhoods like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki, requires proper guidance, verified information, and expert support.

By understanding each step and working with a trusted neighbourhood specialist, the journey becomes smoother, faster, and significantly more secure.

At CW Real Estate Lagos, our focus is simple:
Help you find the right property, verify it thoroughly, and guide you confidently to closing without stress or uncertainty.

Need Personalized Assistance With Property in Ikoyi, Lekki, or VI?

Contact LILIAN: 0906 251 1340

READ MORE: https://cwlagos.com/top-apartments-for-sale-in-ikoyi/