Many Nigerians living abroad do not wake up one day and randomly decide to buy property in Nigeria.
There are usually strong reasons behind it. This guide is written for Nigerians in the diaspora who want to invest in real estate in Nigeria and want clarity, not sales talk.
If you want to understand why people invest, how they do it safely, and what mistakes to avoid, this article is for you.
First off, is it Still Worth It?
Absolutely!
Do you know that about 70% of all real estate investments in Nigeria are from diaspora investors?
You’d be making a great investment choice buying properties at home, especially at this time.
Foreign income gives you strong buying power, and you’re positioned against inflation and currency risk.
I once worked with a client based in Birmingham who saved steadily for three years.
What he considered a modest amount abroad allowed him to buy a two-bedroom apartment in Lekki Phase 1 outright. Even short-term apartments in areas like Lekki, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island are popular with diaspora investors.
Why?
They can earn in naira while charging rates that reflect international standards.
But there are still Diasporans who regret investing in real estate back home. So choosing the right property types for your situation matters, too.
Common Real Estate Investment Options for Diaspora Nigerians
Not all properties serve the same purpose.
What you choose depends on your goals.
1. Residential property
This includes apartments, duplexes, and terrace houses.
Most first-time diaspora investors start here because it is familiar. Residential properties are easier to rent and easier to sell if needed.
Popular locations include Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ikeja, and, increasingly, Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki.
2. Land investment
Land banking is very common among diaspora Nigerians. It involves buying land in developing areas and holding it long term.
Ibeju Lekki, Epe, and parts of Ogun State have attracted many diaspora buyers over the years. Some have made impressive returns. Others have struggled due to poor documentation.
Land investment can be rewarding but requires more caution.
3. Short let and serviced apartments
This is popular among diaspora investors seeking higher returns.
Shortlet apartments in Lekki and Victoria Island can earn significantly more than traditional rent, especially if well furnished and professionally managed.
However, this option requires reliable on-the-ground management.
4. Commercial property
This includes shops, office spaces, and mixed-use developments.
Most diaspora investors only enter this space after gaining experience with residential property due to higher costs and complexity.
How to Start Investing from Abroad Step by Step
This is where many people get confused. Investing from abroad is possible, but structure is everything.
Step 1. Be clear on your goal
Ask yourself simple questions.
Are you buying for rental income, future residence, resale, or long-term holding? Your answer will determine the type of property and location you should consider.
Step 2. Choose the right location, not hype
I have seen beautifully built houses in poor locations struggle to attract tenants, while modest apartments in prime areas stay occupied.
Do not rely only on social media hype.
Consider these:
- Capital appreciation: Will your property grow in value over time?
- Rental yield: How much can you realistically earn yearly compared to the purchase price?
- Accessibility: Are the roads and transport links convenient for tenants or buyers?
- Neighbourhood demand: Who lives there? Are they students, professionals, or families?
- Safety and infrastructure: Are they areas people feel comfortable living in?
Ask about infrastructure, access roads, drainage, and most importantly, demand.
Step 3. Work with verifiable professionals
You need three people you can trust.
- A real estate agent or developer with a track record
- A property lawyer who understands land titles
- Someone on the ground who can inspect and report honestly
Avoid working with family members who have no experience. This is one of the most common mistakes diaspora investors make.
READ ALSO: 7 Key Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent Before Buying Land in Nigeria
Legal and Documentation Essentials You Must Understand
If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this section.
Know your land titles
This includes:
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Governor’s Consent
- Deed of Assignment
- Survey Plan
Never assume a title exists because a seller says so. These documents are so important that we’ve created a separate guide for them.
READ ALSO: Everything You Should Know About Property Titles in Nigeria
Verify before payment
Always verify land documents at the relevant land registry.
Your lawyer should handle this.
I have seen diaspora buyers pay millions for land only to discover it was under government acquisition.
READ ALSO: Title Transfer Costs in Lagos: A Simple Guide for Property Buyers & Sellers
Get receipts and signed agreements
Every payment must be documented. This includes:
- Receipts
- Contract of sale
- Deed of assignment
Risks Diaspora Investors Face and How to Avoid Them
Diaspora investors are often targeted because they are not physically present.
You don’t even need a prophet to tell you that these things happen often:
| Risks | The Scam | How to Avoid Them |
| Scams and multiple sales | This is common with land. One land is sold to three people. | The solution is proper verification and dealing with credible sellers. |
| Overpricing | Some sellers inflate prices for diaspora buyers. | Compare prices with similar properties. Ask multiple questions. |
| Poor project delivery | Off-plan projects sometimes delay or change specifications. | Insist on clear timelines and visit progress updates regularly by proxy of a trusted lawyer. |
Invest in Lagos Real Estate With Reliable Property Agent: RentHouseSurulere
If you’re ready to explore real investment opportunities in Nigeria as a diaspora, especially here in Lagos, start with a reliable property agent.
At RentHouseSurulere, we’ve helped dozens of clients secure profitable assets in this area, and the trend continues to be upward.
Our system is designed for busy property buyers or sellers like you who are not physically present but want reliable investment plugs.
And that process is handled by a team that knows how to find deals in Lagos, because we are locals too.
Send us a WhatsApp message today, and let’s help you find your dream property faster.
