10 Essential Property Checks Before Buying in Lekki/Ajah Lagos: A Complete Due Diligence Guide

Buying property in Lekki or Ajah represents a significant investment opportunity in one of Lagos State's most desirable locations. These premium areas offer excellent resale value, strategic positioning, and access to world-class amenities. However, recent demolition incidents, flooding concerns, and title disputes make thorough due diligence absolutely essential before committing your hard-earned money.

This comprehensive guide outlines 10 crucial checks you must perform when buying property in Lekki Ajah to safeguard your investment and ensure legal ownership.

1. Verify the Property Title Documents

The foundation of any legitimate property transaction starts with confirming authentic ownership through proper documentation. Land fraud remains a serious concern in Lagos, with over 70% of real estate fraud cases involving title irregularities.

Essential documents to verify include the Certificate of Occupancy, issued by the Lagos State Government and confirming legal ownership rights for 99 years. You should also examine the Deed of Assignment, which shows the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer, and the Survey Plan that outlines exact boundaries and measurements of the property.

Visit the Lagos Land Registry at Alausa, Ikeja to conduct an official title search. This process typically costs between ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 and takes 5–14 days. The search reveals the true owner, any encumbrances like mortgages or government acquisition, and whether disputes exist on the property.

Never skip this step, as properties without valid titles can be demolished by the government without compensation.

2. Confirm Governor's Consent Status

Governor's Consent validates all land transactions in Lagos State and represents a legal requirement you cannot overlook. Any property purchase through secondary transaction requires this approval to be considered legally binding under Nigerian law.

Request the consent document from the seller and visit the State Land Bureau to verify its authenticity. Transactions completed without Governor's Consent can be declared invalid, leaving you without legal recourse. This critical document ensures the government recognizes the transfer of ownership and protects your investment from future challenges.

3. Conduct Physical Property Inspection

No amount of paperwork replaces seeing the land with your own eyes. Physical inspection reveals issues that government archives never capture and helps you assess whether the property matches what was advertised.

During your visit, verify the actual location and size against the survey plan. Check for accessibility via good road networks and evaluate proximity to essential services like schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. Look for any encroachment, squatters, or boundary disputes with neighboring properties.

Examine the land's topography, especially in Lekki Ajah where flooding poses significant risks. Properties in low-lying areas near the coast may experience seasonal flooding that could damage your investment and reduce property value.

4. Check for Government Acquisition

Government land acquisition represents one of the biggest risks when buying property in Lekki Ajah. Large portions of land in the Lekki Peninsula fall under either committed or global acquisition by the Lagos State Government.

Committed acquisition means the government has registered interest for specific purposes like roads, drainage, airports, or public facilities. Purchasing such land creates serious problems for title perfection, and any structures built may face demolition without compensation.

Verify the acquisition status at the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development or request a Land Use Certificate from the Land Bureau. This certificate indicates whether the land is encumbered, reserved for government projects, or free for private development.

5. Assess Flood Risk and Drainage Systems

Due to its coastal location, flooding remains a major concern throughout Lekki and Ajah. Climate change and rising sea levels have intensified this challenge, making proper assessment crucial before purchase.

Research the property's flood history by speaking with neighbors and local residents. Examine existing drainage infrastructure in the area and check whether the estate has proper water management systems in place. Properties in well-planned estates with adequate drainage typically maintain higher value and face fewer flood-related issues.

Consider the long-term implications of flooding on your property's resale value and rental income potential.

6. Verify Building Approvals and Zoning Compliance

Properties must comply with Lagos State building regulations and zoning laws to avoid future complications. Before finalizing your purchase, confirm that all necessary approvals and permits have been obtained.

For developed properties, request copies of the approved building plan from the Lagos State Building Control Agency. Verify that the structure matches the approved plans and that the developer obtained all required permits during construction.

Check the property's zoning designation to ensure it aligns with your intended use. Residential properties in areas zoned for commercial use, or vice versa, can create legal headaches and limit your investment options.

7. Investigate the Developer's Reputation

When purchasing newly built property or buying from a developer, thorough background research becomes essential. Unfortunately, some developers in Lagos have histories of failed projects, delayed completions, or outright fraud.

Research the developer's track record by examining their completed projects and speaking with previous buyers. Check for any pending litigation against the company through the Corporate Affairs Commission and court registries. Verify the developer's registration and business credentials to confirm legitimacy.

A reputable developer provides transparent communication, proper documentation, and delivers projects on schedule. Be cautious of developers offering unusually low prices or pressuring you to make quick decisions without proper verification.

8. Evaluate Location and Future Development

Location significantly impacts property value appreciation in Lekki Ajah. Understanding both current amenities and future development plans helps you make informed investment decisions.

Major infrastructure projects like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge are transforming the area's landscape. Properties near these developments typically experience higher appreciation rates and increased rental demand.

Assess proximity to key landmarks including Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos Business School, and major shopping centers like Novare Mall. Consider traffic patterns and commute times to important business districts, as these factors heavily influence both rental yields and resale value.

9. Conduct a Comprehensive Legal Search

Beyond the Land Registry search, comprehensive legal due diligence involves checking multiple government offices to uncover potential issues.

Search the Probate Registry if the property forms part of a deceased person's estate. This reveals whether probate has been granted, identifies estate administrators, and confirms proper inheritance procedures were followed.

Check court registries for any ongoing litigation involving the property. Land disputes can remain tied up in Nigerian courts for years, and purchasing property under litigation creates serious legal exposure.

For properties owned by companies, conduct a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission to identify any registered charges or mortgages on the property that could affect your ownership.

10. Analyze Market Value and Investment Potential

Understanding current market trends helps ensure you pay a fair price and maximize your return on investment when buying property in Lekki Ajah.

Compare the asking price with recent sales of similar properties in the same location. Property values vary significantly across different areas within Lekki Ajah, with prices ranging from ₦40 million in some Lekki Phase 2 locations to over ₦150 million in prime Lekki Phase 1 areas.

Evaluate the potential resale value by considering ongoing infrastructure developments, amenities, and the overall trajectory of the neighborhood. Properties in well-planned estates with good security, functional utilities, and community facilities typically offer better long-term appreciation.

Consult with licensed real estate professionals who understand local market dynamics and can provide objective valuation assessments.

Protect Your Investment with Professional Help

While this guide provides comprehensive information about buying property in Lekki Ajah, engaging qualified professionals significantly reduces your risk exposure.

Hire an experienced property lawyer to conduct thorough title searches, review all documentation, and ensure proper contract drafting. A good lawyer protects your interests throughout the transaction and helps navigate Nigeria's complex land laws.

Work with licensed surveyors to verify property boundaries and confirm that survey plans match the physical land. Their expertise prevents boundary disputes and ensures you receive exactly what you paid for.

Consider consulting reputable real estate agents with proven track records in the Lekki Ajah market. Their local knowledge and industry connections can help you avoid problematic properties and identify genuine investment opportunities.

Conclusion

Buying property in Lekki or Ajah offers tremendous investment potential, but only when proper due diligence is conducted. These 10 essential checks protect you from fraud, legal complications, and financial losses that plague many property buyers in Lagos.

Take time to verify all documentation, conduct physical inspections, and engage qualified professionals throughout the process. The investment you make in thorough verification pays dividends through secure ownership, peace of mind, and profitable returns on your real estate investment in one of Nigeria's most dynamic property markets.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Property in Lekki Ajah

Q: What is the most important document when buying property in Lagos?

A: The Certificate of Occupancy is the most critical document as it proves legal ownership rights issued by the Lagos State Government for 99 years. Without a valid C of O, your property could be acquired by the government and demolished without compensation.

Q: How much does it cost to conduct a land title search in Lagos?

A: A title search at the Lagos Land Registry typically costs between ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 and takes approximately 5–14 days to complete. This small investment can prevent massive financial losses from fraudulent land deals.

Q: Is the Governor's Consent mandatory for property purchases?

A: Yes, Governor's Consent is legally required for all land transactions in Lagos State. Any property purchase without this consent can be declared invalid under Nigerian law, leaving you without legal protection or recourse.

Q: How can I verify if land is under government acquisition in Lekki?

A: Visit the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development or request a Land Use Certificate from the Lagos State Land Bureau. These offices maintain records of all government acquisition, both committed and global, throughout the state.