A few weeks ago, I found myself in a particularly awkward situation while helping a client find an apartment in Surulere, Lagos. It was a hot Thursday afternoon, and we had an appointment to inspect a “decent” two-bedroom flat in Aguda Surulere.
The person in charge had sent me photos earlier. It was a clean compound with tiled floors indoors and a POP ceiling. It looked promising.
Before bringing the client along for the inspection, I needed to inspect it alone, myself, to be sure. Upon arrival, the place was nothing like the photos had led me to believe.
Visibly frustrated, I could imagine what my client would have said if I had taken him along without conducting a recce. That incident made me reflect deeply on the perception and role of real estate agents in Nigeria.
Are we a necessary bridge between tenants and landlords, or part of the problem in a frustrating housing system? Are we a gift or a curse?
What Makes a Real Estate Agent a Gift?
Let’s start with the good. A reputable real estate agent can save you from a world of stress. For most people, finding a home in Nigeria, particularly in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, can be a daunting task.
Properties are scattered, pricing is inconsistent, and landlords can be difficult to reach directly. Agents act as connectors.
They help filter your options based on your budget and preferences and, if they know what they’re doing, can negotiate better deals.
Beyond just showing houses, the best agents offer advice. For example, some landlords in Surulere would tell me they only want married tenants. Others might not want bachelors. A good agent will know how to navigate such subtle but important details.
When you’re relocating from another state or even another country, a skilled agent becomes your local eyes and ears.
What Makes Real Estate Agents the Curse
Unfortunately, the industry is riddled with bad eggs. Fake listings. Multiple agents are charging for the same property. Demands for “inspection fees” for houses they haven’t even confirmed are available.
Some agents operate like syndicates, recycling old property photos to attract desperate house seekers. And even when the property is real, some will mislead clients just to close a deal, knowing fully well that the house is problematic or that the landlord is difficult.
I once intervened in a situation where an agent (outside our network) claimed the rent included all charges, only for the client to discover a week later that service charges and caution fees had not been factored in. The trust deficit is wide and for good reason.
Many agents work without any formal structure or accountability. Anyone can print a business card and become an “agent.”
How to Choose a Reputable Real Estate Agent
The difference between a good and bad experience often comes down to the agent you work with.
1. First, check for credentials
Many professional agents are registered with associations, such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), or are licensed by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA).
The Lagos State Government has even made it clear that no one is allowed to operate as a real estate agent, broker, or practitioner in the state without being registered with LASRERA.
In a separate article, I detailed the process of registering with LASRERA as a real estate agent.
If an agent can’t show proof of affiliation or registration, think twice.
2. Next, ask for references or reviews
Reputable agents will have testimonials or a track record of past clients. Check their online presence. Are they consistent? Do they have verified listings? And when in doubt, ask to see documentation that proves they are the authorized marketer or representative of the property.
Also, observe how they communicate. A good agent listens to your needs, gives honest advice, and sets realistic expectations. If all they talk about is money or if they’re evasive about details, that’s a red flag.
Tips to Avoid Scams and Hidden Fees
Always inspect the property physically, no matter how far you live.
Avoid making payments before seeing the house. Never pay rent or agency fees into a personal account unless you’re dealing with a trusted professional. Always ask for a breakdown of costs before committing.
Be sure there’s an open agreement on what goes to the landlord, the agent, the caution deposit, the agreement, or the service charges.
Keep records of every transaction. Get receipts. If possible, involve a lawyer when signing any tenancy agreement. Most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Legal and Regulatory Factors for Agents
In Lagos, LASRERA was established to sanitize the real estate space and protect consumers.
Agents are now expected to register and operate within set guidelines. Tenancy laws, such as the Lagos Tenancy Law 2011, outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Among other things, it discourages landlords from collecting more than one year’s rent for new tenancies.
These frameworks are a step in the right direction.
However, enforcement remains a challenge. Many agents still operate in informal ways, outside the purview of regulators. But tenants must also become more aware.
Ask agents if they’re registered. Report unethical behavior. Share your experiences on social media if you don’t mind, good or bad, so others can learn.
To the Question
So, are real estate agents in Nigeria a gift or a curse? The honest answer is: they can be either. It depends on who you meet. Like any profession, there are the diligent and the dubious. What makes the difference is accountability, transparency, and professionalism.
A professional agent can save you from weeks of frustration, find you a home you love, and even negotiate a better deal than you expected. A fraudulent one can drain your wallet, waste your time, and leave you homeless or heartbroken.
It’s not enough to say “agents are bad.” The industry is broken in many ways, but it’s also full of hardworking professionals doing honest work under difficult conditions.
If you’re looking for a home, don’t swear off agents completely. Just take your time to find a good one. And if you’re an agent reading this, let’s build a name worth defending. Not every agent is a thief. Some of us are here to help and do it right. That’s why we built RentHouseSurulere.
Number 1 Realtor in Surulere, Lagos: RentHouseSurulere
At RentHouseSurulere, we are proud to be a fully registered and certified real estate agency with LASRERA.
This means we operate legally, transparently, and in full compliance with Lagos State’s real estate laws.
We are committed to helping house hunters in Surulere and across Lagos find safe, secure, and affordable properties.
To protect our clients, we only work with licensed and LASRERA-registered agents who follow all rules and ethical standards.
Whether you’re looking for a self-contained apartment, flat, mini-flat, duplex, or commercial space, you can count on us for honest service, verified listings, and quick support.
We’ve remained a trusted source for finding various apartments around Surulere for many reasons:
- Zero Inspection Fees: Unlike many agents who charge just to show you properties, we offer three free property inspections. You only pay a flat registration fee of ₦10,000 after the third inspection if you haven’t found a place you like yet (which is rare, no kidding).
- Transparent Process: We guide you every step of the way, ensuring you avoid scams and overcharges. No hidden charges. No last-minute surprises.
- Verified Listings: We work directly with property owners, so the houses we show you in Surulere are genuine, well-located, and reasonably priced.
- Fast and Personalized Service: Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly one-room, self-contained apartment or a more premium option, we take your needs seriously and work hard to find you the right apartment quickly.
If you’re ready to find your next home or investment property, please contact us today on WhatsApp. We’re here to help you move or buy properties with peace of mind.
