WHY DO PEOPLE THINK REAL ESTATE IN NIGERIA IS A SCAM?
Imagine paying for land in Abuja, only to return a few months later and find another buyer claiming the same plot—with their own “valid” documents! Real estate fraud in Nigeria is a real issue, and it happens for several reasons:
1. FRAUDULENT LAND SALES: ONE PLOT, MULTIPLE BUYERS
Many unsuspecting buyers fall victim to land scams in Abuja because they fail to verify ownership. Some fraudulent middlemen and sellers resell the same land multiple times, leaving buyers tangled in costly legal battles. Double allocations and forged land documents are common tricks used by scammers.
2. FAKE ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS: PAYING FOR WHAT DOESN’T EXIST
Ever seen glossy ads for a luxury estate in Abuja with promises of gated security, world-class infrastructure, and instant allocation—only to visit years later and find an empty bush? Some developers collect deposits from multiple buyers and vanish, while others sell properties they don’t even own.
3. GOVERNMENT-ACQUIRED LANDS: HIDDEN DANGERS
A shocking number of lands in Abuja are under government acquisition and should never be sold in the first place. Yet, some dubious developers still sell these lands illegally. Without proper verification, buyers risk losing everything when the government reclaims the land or demolishes unauthorized structures.
4. FORGED DOCUMENTS: BEWARE OF FAKE C OF O
The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is one of the most critical documents in real estate transactions in Abuja. However, scammers have become experts at forging these documents, leaving buyers stranded when the government or rightful owners challenge their ownership.
5. UNREALISTIC PROPERTY DEALS: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? IT PROBABLY IS!
YOU’VE SEEN THE ADS???
“Own a 3-bedroom duplex in Abuja for just ₦5 million!”
“Instant allocation! Buy now before prices go up!”
Sounds like a dream deal, right? The reality is that many of these offers come with hidden charges, fake approvals, or compromised land titles. By the time buyers realize, they are trapped in financial nightmares.
SO, HOW DO YOU AVOID BEING SCAMMED IN ABUJA REAL ESTATE?
- VERIFY EVERY DOCUMENT BEFORE PAYMENT
Don’t just rely on what the seller tells you. Work with a real estate lawyer in Abuja to confirm the property is free from government acquisition, encumbrances, or disputes. - INVESTIGATE THE DEVELOPER OR REAL ESTATE COMPANY
If you’re buying from a real estate company in Abuja, research their track record. Visit previous projects, check reviews, and ask for referrals. If a company isn’t transparent, consider it a red flag. - BUY FROM TRUSTED AND REGISTERED REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
Companies like Edin & People are committed to ethical real estate transactions. We ensure that every land we sell is properly documented and legally secure, so you don’t have to worry about fraud or future legal battles. - NEVER RUSH INTO PAYMENT WITHOUT DUE DILIGENCE
Scammers create a false sense of urgency to pressure buyers into making payments quickly. If a seller insists on a “limited offer” deal, step back and ask why. Take your time to verify the property’s legitimacy before making any commitments.
THE VERDICT: IS NIGERIA’S REAL ESTATE MARKET A SCAM?
No—but it is a jungle. If you navigate it blindly, you will get lost. If you move with wisdom and trusted guides, you will invest safely and profitably.
At Edin & People, we don’t just sell land—we sell peace of mind. Our mission is to make real estate investment in Abuja stress-free, scam-proof, and rewarding.
Thinking about buying land in Abuja? Let’s guide you through a safe and smart property investment journey.
Your dream home is possible—just make sure you buy it the right way.
Edin & People Limited – Bringing Life to Living.
