The Ultimate Home Buyer's Guide

Your comprehensive roadmap to navigating the Nigerian real estate market with confidence. From initial budget to final handshake, we've got you covered.

Step 1: Define Your Budget & Get Pre-approved

Before you start your search, it's crucial to know what you can afford. Consider your savings, potential mortgage financing, and extra costs like legal fees, agency fees, and statutory charges. Getting a mortgage pre-approval from a bank gives you a clear budget and makes you a more serious buyer.

Assess your total savings for a down payment.
Speak with a mortgage banker to understand your borrowing capacity.
Factor in 5-10% of the property price for closing costs.
Create a realistic budget and stick to it.

Step 2: The Property Search

This is the exciting part! Use Temivilla's powerful search filters to narrow down properties by location, type, price, and features. Look beyond the photos and consider the neighborhood, proximity to work, schools, and amenities.

Use filters to find properties that match your budget and needs.
Save your favorite properties to your dashboard for easy access.
Schedule physical viewings for your top choices.
Pay attention to the structural integrity and maintenance of the property.

Step 3: Conduct Thorough Due Diligence

This is arguably the most critical step in Nigeria. It involves verifying the authenticity of the property's title and ensuring it's free from any disputes or government acquisition. Always engage a qualified real estate lawyer for this process.

Verify the property's title at the relevant state's Land Registry.
Confirm the seller is the legitimate owner with the right to sell.
Check for any pending litigation, liens, or encumbrances on the property.
Ensure the survey plan corresponds with the property's physical boundaries.

Step 4: Making an Offer & Negotiation

Once you've found a property and completed your due diligence, it's time to make an offer. Your offer should be based on your budget, the property's condition, and comparable property prices in the area. Be prepared to negotiate with the seller or their agent.

Submit a formal offer in writing through your agent or lawyer.
Be realistic, but don't be afraid to negotiate for a fair price.
Clearly state any conditions for the purchase.
Once an offer is accepted, a contract of sale is typically drafted.

Step 5: The Legal Process

The legal stage involves the preparation and signing of crucial documents that transfer ownership to you. Your lawyer will draft the Deed of Assignment (or Deed of Conveyance), which is the main document that proves your ownership.

The seller's lawyer typically prepares the initial draft of the Deed.
Your lawyer will review and amend the Deed to protect your interests.
Both parties sign the Deed of Assignment.
Payment of the purchase price is usually made upon signing.

Step 6: Closing, Perfection & Possession

Closing is the final step where you complete the payment and take possession of the property. After closing, your lawyer will 'perfect' the title by obtaining the Governor's Consent and stamping and registering the Deed at the Land Registry. This officially records you as the new owner.

Make the final payment to the seller.
Receive the keys and all original property documents.
Your lawyer will handle the process of obtaining Governor's Consent.
Congratulations, you are now a homeowner!

Legal Counsel is Non-Negotiable

Throughout this process, the single most important investment you can make is in a qualified and independent real estate lawyer. They will protect your interests and help you avoid costly pitfalls. Need a recommendation? Find professionals on our platform.

Key Property Documents

Understanding these titles is crucial for a secure investment.

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

Issued by the State Government, it certifies that the holder is the owner of the land for a specified term (usually 99 years).

Governor's Consent

Required for any land transaction after the initial C of O has been issued. It's the Governor's approval of the transfer of title between the seller and buyer.

Deed of Assignment

The legal document that transfers ownership from the seller (Assignor) to the buyer (Assignee). It must be registered at the Land Registry to be fully effective.

Survey Plan

A document that shows the precise measurement and boundaries of a piece of land. It should be prepared by a registered surveyor.