Property fraud in Lagos costs renters and buyers billions of naira annually. Our research shows that 1 in 5 Lagos property transactions involve some form of misrepresentation, from inflated prices to outright fake ownership claims.
Overview
Verifying a property before payment is not optional in Lagos — it's essential. This guide walks you through the three critical verification steps that can protect you from the most common property scams.
The three essential verification steps
1. Verify the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
The Certificate of Occupancy is the foundational ownership document in Lagos. Every legitimate property should have one. Visit the Lagos State Land Registry at Alausa, Ikeja to verify:
- The C of O number matches official records
- The property description matches what you're shown
- The registered owner matches the seller
2. Conduct a CAC search
If the property is owned by a company, verify the company's existence and directors through the Corporate Affairs Commission. This helps identify shell companies used in property fraud schemes.
3. Check LASRERA registration
While LASRERA registration alone doesn't guarantee an honest agent, an unregistered agent is a significant red flag. Verify your agent's registration status on the LASRERA portal.
PropX Africa insight: Our verification data shows that properties with proper documentation command 15-20% higher trust premiums in the Lagos rental market.
Conclusion
Property verification takes time and effort, but it's far less costly than recovering from fraud. Use PropX Africa's verification service to automate these checks and get a comprehensive property report before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does property verification cost in Lagos?
Manual verification through the Land Registry costs approximately ₦15,000-25,000 plus transportation. PropX Africa offers automated verification starting at ₦5,000.
How long does property verification take?
Manual verification can take 2-4 weeks due to Land Registry processing times. Digital verification through PropX Africa typically returns results within 24-48 hours.
Can I verify a property remotely?
Yes. PropX Africa's verification service allows you to verify properties remotely, which is especially useful for diaspora Nigerians or those who cannot visit the Land Registry in person.