Buying off-plan in Nigeria can be smart. You secure a property at today’s price, spread payments over time, and potentially sell at a significant gain upon completion. But the risks are just as real. Developers have taken deposits and vanished. Projects have stalled mid-construction. Titles have turned out to be defective. Vetting a developer thoroughly before you commit a single naira is not optional; it is the entire game.

Verify their CAC registration

The first step is confirming the developer is a legally recognised entity. Use the Corporate Affairs Commission online portal to confirm the company’s registration number, incorporation date, and directors. Where the developer is a corporate entity, due diligence should also extend to determining ownership structure, board membership, particulars of any charges, and whether the company is a going concern. A developer who resists this basic check is already a red flag.

Check their track record on completed projects

Look at their completed projects to assess quality. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients. A developer with a history of delayed projects, poor construction quality, or abandoned developments is likely to repeat that pattern. Visit completed sites in person where possible, and speak to residents directly.

Verify land title independently

Some developers do not have proper title to the land. The document may be under government acquisition, tied up in litigation, or simply unregistered. A developer’s title can look impressive on the surface but not match what is filed at the Land Registry. Always engage your own property lawyer to verify title before any payment changes hands.

Confirm approvals are in place

Construction should not commence without an approved planning permit and a Letter of Authorisation to Commence Construction. When a developer says approvals are still being processed, they should be able to provide proof of applications submitted and copies of approvals already granted.

Engage your own lawyer for the contract

Never sign a contract prepared solely by the developer’s team. Ensure all agreements clearly outline project timelines, refund terms, and penalties for delays or non-delivery. A developer who discourages independent legal review has something to hide.

Due diligence costs time. Losing your money costs far more.