Real estate remains one of the most profitable and stable investments in Nigeria. However, it’s also one of the sectors where fraudsters take advantage of people’s dreams of owning a home or land. Every year, many Nigerians lose millions of naira to fake landowners, dishonest agents, and misleading developers.

Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more sophisticated with digital advertising and social media promotions. What looks like a great deal on paper could end up being your worst financial mistake.

To help you stay safe, here are five common property scams Nigerians still fall for and practical ways to avoid them in 2025.

Fake Land Ownership Claims

This is the oldest trick in the Nigerian real estate book. Fraudsters parade themselves as rightful landowners or family representatives, often armed with convincing smiles and perfectly forged documents. They’ll show you papers that look completely real like a survey plan, community approval, even a fake Certificate of Occupancy. The catch? The land either belongs to someone else or has been taken over by the government.

The best way to stay safe is to verify ownership before paying a single naira. Visit the Land Registry in that state and confirm that the name on the document matches the true owner.

If you can, hire a trusted lawyer or surveyor to run checks for you. Never rush because scammers usually create false urgency with phrases like “Another buyer is coming tomorrow” or “If you don’t pay today, you’ll lose the deal.”

Remember: the only thing you’ll lose by being careful is a scammer.

Multiple Sales of the Same Property

Some sellers don’t stop at one victim. They sell the same piece of land or building to two or more buyers, collecting money from each person and then vanishing into thin air. Later, when construction begins, multiple “owners” show up at the same site and what follows is chaos, court cases, and heartbreak.

To avoid this, make sure you trace the land’s history and confirm all documentation. Conduct a proper search at the Ministry of Lands and Survey.

Ask questions from neighbors, community leaders, or local chiefs who might know the land’s story. Insist on a written agreement signed by witnesses, and don’t rely on verbal promises. In real estate, paper speaks louder than words.

Fake Rental or House Agents

If you’ve ever searched for an apartment in Lagos, Abuja, or Benin, you’ve probably met one of these smooth-talking “agents.”

They sound professional, promise quick results, and even show you beautiful pictures of available apartments. The problem? Most times, those pictures are stolen from other listings and the agent vanishes the moment you pay inspection or agreement fees.

Before paying any money, see the house in person. Don’t rely on videos or photos alone. Meet the landlord or property manager and ensure the agent is authorized to represent them. Avoid paying inspection fees to anyone who can’t provide proper identification.

Better still, use verified real estate platforms like Myplace.ng, where every listing is screened for authenticity. In the rental market, trust must be earned not assumed.

Underdeveloped or Nonexistent Estates

Have you ever seen an advert for a beautiful “estate” with paved roads, electricity, and water, all selling for an unbelievably cheap price? That’s often the beginning of another scam. Many so-called developers collect payments for estates that exist only in 3D images or Photoshop.

After collecting your money, they either vanish or deliver a bare piece of land in the middle of nowhere.Before committing to any estate project, take a physical tour of the site. If a company insists you don’t need to see the land because of “ongoing construction,” that’s your cue to run. Request to see their government approvals, layout plans, and building permits.

Do a background check on the company and see if they are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and have completed past projects.

Remember: real developers are proud to show their work; scammers are only good at showing dreams.

Forged Documents and Title Fraud

This is one of the most dangerous forms of property scam because it often looks too real to suspect. Scammers use fake government seals and cloned signatures to produce Certificates of Occupancy, Deeds of Assignment, and survey plans that appear genuine.

Many victims only discover the fraud after they’ve started building or trying to resell.The smart move is to verify every document at the State Ministry of Lands before finalizing your purchase. Check that the survey number, name, and coordinates match official records.

Don’t depend on photocopies or WhatsApp scans, instead ask to see originals and confirm them through professionals. A small verification fee today could save you millions tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Real estate is still one of the smartest ways to build wealth in Nigeria — but only when you do it right. The key is verification, patience, and professional guidance. Never rush a deal because of pressure or sweet promises. The right property will wait for the right buyer.

At Myplace.ng, we believe every Nigerian deserves to buy, rent, and invest in properties without fear.

Your dream home or land should give you peace of mind, not sleepless nights. So before you make your next move, remember: in real estate, it’s better to lose a deal than to lose your money.