23/05/2025
𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗬 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔
The number one reason many investors — especially Nigerians in the diaspora — lose money in real estate is falling into the hands of dubious developers, unregistered companies, and unscrupulous landowners. In a rapidly growing market like Nigeria’s, real estate can be highly profitable — but only when you invest through trustworthy and verified channels.
This guide provides practical, proven steps to help you identify legitimate real estate companies, avoid scams, and confidently guide your clients or yourself into safe, profitable investments.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
Real estate investment isn’t just about buying land — it’s about securing peace of mind, legal protection, and long-term value. One wrong transaction can cost millions of naira or dollars, lead to court cases, or result in total loss of investment.
For investors and realtors alike, the ability to properly vet real estate companies and offers is not optional — it is essential.
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
1. Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Registration
Every legitimate real estate company in Nigeria must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
What to do:
Ask for the company’s CAC certificate or RC (registration) number.
Visit www.cac.gov.ng
Use the “Public Search” tool.
Enter the company name or RC number.
Confirm the company’s legal status and that it is active.
> Warning: If a company cannot provide this basic document, that’s a red flag.
2. Verify Estate Titles and Land Documents
Authentic developers will have genuine land titles such as:
✅Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
✅Governor’s Consent
✅Gazette
✅Government Allocation
✅ Deed Of Assignment/Conveyance
Steps to verify:
Request both soft and hard copies of land titles.
Take note of document numbers (e.g., C of O number, Survey Plan number).
Visit the State Land Registry or the Office of the Surveyor General.
Pay the required verification fee.
Receive official confirmation, usually within 3–7 working days.
> Never invest based solely on verbal assurances or “pending approval” documents.
3. Check the Company’s Physical Office
Fraudulent companies often operate from fake addresses, unregistered locations, or even just online.
Checklist:
Visit the company's physical office in person.
Confirm that the office address matches what’s listed on their CAC registration.
Check for signposts, staff presence, and professionalism.
Ask to meet with management or sales consultants.
4. Inspect Ongoing and Completed Projects
One of the strongest proofs of credibility is a company’s track record.
What to do:
Visit their estate sites — both ongoing and completed.
Look for physical evidence of development (roads, fencing, drainage, gatehouses, etc.).
Ask to see their estate layout and project timelines.
Talk to existing clients or landowners in their estates if possible.
5. Review Customer Reviews and Social Proof
Many scammers use paid influencers to give false impressions of credibility. Real clients tell the real story.
How to check:
Visit the company’s social media pages, Google Business profile, and website.
Look for authentic testimonials with names, photos, or video evidence.
Ask the company to connect you with past buyers for reference.
Beware of overly polished ads with no real feedback or reviews.
6. Confirm Professional Affiliations
Credible real estate firms are often registered with recognized professional bodies, including:
REDAN – Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria
NIESV – Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers
LASRERA – Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority
Verification steps:
Visit the association’s website.
Search for the company’s name or membership ID.
Confirm they are listed and active.
> Affiliation doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it adds a layer of credibility.
RED FLAGS TO AVOID
Stay away from any real estate company or developer that displays the following warning signs:
No verifiable office address
Unregistered or unverifiable titles
High-pressure sales tactics (“Buy today or lose your slot!”)
Incomplete or non-existent estate projects
Refusal to allow third-party or legal verification
Offers that sound too good to be true (e.g., N500k for full plot in Lekki)
☎️+2349031323841
✅ 0706 712 1866
✉️ [email protected]
Mocha Emmanuel
~ The Billionaire Realtor