Property Checklists for Buyers, Sellers & Renters in Nigeria | GidiStay
Free interactive property due diligence checklists for buyers, sellers, and renters in Nigeria. Know what documents to collect, what to verify, and how to protect yourself before paying. Trusted by GidiStay.
How to Do Property Due Diligence in Nigeria (Step-by-Step)
Request title documents from the seller — Ask for the C of O, Deed of Assignment, Gazette, Excision, or allocation letter. Do not proceed without seeing the original ownership document.
Review the survey plan — Confirm boundaries, coordinates, land size, and that the property is not under government acquisition. A licensed surveyor should verify the plan.
Engage a qualified property lawyer — Have your lawyer conduct a title search at the Land Registry, check for encumbrances, caveats, litigation, or competing claims before any payment.
Physically inspect the property — Visit the property to verify access road, boundaries, condition, utilities, existing occupants, and surrounding infrastructure before committing any funds.
Confirm all outstanding obligations — Ask about unpaid land use charge, ground rent, service charge, estate dues, and utility bills. These become your liability after purchase.
Retain all signed documents and payment receipts — Keep proof of payment, signed agreements, transfer documents, and all transaction communication in a safe place.
Seller Document Checklist
Documents to prepare before listing or meeting serious buyers:
Title Document / Proof of Ownership (C of O, Governor's Consent, Deed of Assignment, Gazette, Excision, or allocation letter)
Deed of Assignment / Sale Agreement — reviewed by a property lawyer before signing
Survey Plan — confirming location, size, boundaries, and acquisition status
Building Approval / Approved Plan — for developed properties
Tax, Land Use Charge & Ground Rent payment receipts and clearance
Seller Identity Documents — valid government ID, passport photograph, proof of address
Company Documents — CAC, board resolution, company tax, and signatory IDs (if company-owned)
Family, Probate or Authority Documents — family consent, probate, Letters of Administration (if inherited)
Buyer Verification Checklist
Request the seller's title documents (C of O, Governor's Consent, Deed, Gazette, or Excision)
Request and review the survey plan — confirm boundaries and acquisition status
Conduct registry and legal searches through a qualified property lawyer
Confirm seller authority — ID, company resolution, family consent, or Letters of Administration
Inspect the property physically — access, condition, tenants, utilities, and environment
Confirm outstanding obligations — land use charge, ground rent, service charge, utility bills
Engage a qualified property lawyer for title search, document review, and agreement drafting
Keep all receipts and signed documents — proof of payment, contracts, and correspondence
Renter Confidence Checklist
Confirm everything before paying rent, caution fee, or agency fee:
Confirm the property is real, currently available, and matches what was advertised
Confirm who is collecting payment — landlord, property manager, agent, or estate office
Get a written breakdown of all fees — rent, caution, agency, legal, service charge, utilities
Request and review the Tenancy Agreement — duration, renewal, refund, repairs, restrictions
Confirm building or estate rules — visitors, parking, generator, pets, waste, noise
Confirm move-in handover details — keys, meter readings, pending repairs, handover date
Collect all receipts, signed agreement, and property photos as evidence
Frequently Asked Questions about Nigerian Property
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Nigeria?
Yes. A qualified property lawyer is essential for any property purchase in Nigeria. They conduct title searches, review documents, and ensure the transfer is legally binding and free of encumbrances. Never skip this step regardless of who introduced you to the property.
What is a C of O and why does it matter?
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the strongest proof of title in Nigeria, issued by the State Governor. It confirms the holder has a statutory right of occupancy. Properties with a C of O command higher values, are easier to mortgage, and are simpler to sell.
What fees should a renter expect to pay?
Renters typically pay: annual rent, caution/security deposit (usually 1 month's rent), agency fee (usually 10% of annual rent), and legal fee for tenancy agreement preparation. Some estates also charge service fees, waste management fees, and security levies.
What is GidiStay's role in a property transaction?
GidiStay provides a trusted marketplace, concierge support, and due diligence guidance. For legal matters, title verification, and document drafting, engage a qualified property lawyer. GidiStay does not replace legal advice but helps ensure you know what to ask.
How do I verify a GidiStay agent is legitimate?
Look for the blue Verified GidiStay Agent (GSRA) badge on their profile and listings. You can also ask for their Real Estate Association of Nigeria (REAN) or NIESV registration details. All verified agents have unique GSRA-XXXX IDs on the GidiStay platform.
Find Verified Properties on GidiStay
Every GidiStay listing goes through field verification. NIN-verified landlords, escrow-protected payments, and real tenancy agreements.