If you’ve ever set out to rent an apartment anywhere in Nigeria, you already know that real estate is not just about the price you see on the billboard. There are a host of other fees that come into play and if you’re not prepared, they can leave your wallet gasping for air.

From agent wahala to legal back-and-forth, knowing what to expect upfront will save you time, money, and serious headaches.

So whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a landlord, or just someone trying to find a decent 2-bedroom flat that won’t drain your entire salary, here’s a comprehensive guide to real estate fees in Nigeria and why they matter.

Agency Fees – The Agent Must Chop

In Nigeria, real estate agents play a vital role in connecting buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. But of course, no Nigerian agent works for free.

• Renting: Expect to pay 10% of the total rent as agency commission.
• Buying: For property purchases, the agency fee is usually around 5% of the purchase price, although this can be negotiated.

Always clarify upfront who pays the agent. In some cases, both buyer and seller pay their respective agents.

Legal Fees – Your Lawyer is Your Life Saver

A lot of people try to avoid hiring a lawyer to “cut costs,” but in Nigeria, where land disputes and title fraud are common, a good property lawyer is not optional—it’s essential.

• Standard legal fees range from 5% of the property value, but can sometimes be negotiated to 3%, depending on the lawyer and transaction size.
• Your lawyer will help with:
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts
  • Verifying title documents
  • Conducting due diligence (e.g., confirming land isn’t under government acquisition)

 Avoid "quack" lawyers or document typists posing as solicitors. Ask to see their Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) license or confirm their practice online.

Survey Plan Fees

Before you buy any land in Nigeria, you MUST ensure it has a proper survey plan. This plan outlines the exact boundaries of the land and determines whether it’s free from government acquisition.

• Survey fees vary by location:
  • Lagos: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000
  • Abuja: ₦250,000 – ₦600,000
  • Other States: ₦150,000 – ₦400,000

 Make sure the surveyor is registered with SURCON (Surveyors Council of Nigeria).

Stamp Duty and Registration – The Government Cut

This is the fee paid to the government to register your property and legally record your ownership.

• Stamp Duty: Usually 1.5% of the purchase price.
• Registration Fee: Typically 1% – 2% depending on the state.

These fees go to the state land registry and are critical for processing your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Deed of Assignment.

Without proper registration, you risk losing the property in legal battles, even if you paid in full.

Valuation Fees – What’s the Property Really Worth?

If you’re buying with a mortgage or from a corporate seller, a valuation report is often required to determine the market value.

• This is typically done by a registered estate surveyor and valuer (ESV).
• Valuation fees can range from ₦50,000 to over ₦500,000, depending on the size, type, and location of the property.

Final Thoughts

Buying or renting property in Nigeria is an exciting journey, but it’s one that must be taken with eyes wide open. Don’t just focus on the house price. Rather plan for the full package.

At MyPlace.ng we guide clients through every step, from property search and inspection to document verification and fee negotiation.