What to Check Before Buying a House in Nigeria

# What to Check Before Buying a House in Nigeria

Buying a house is a major financial decision.

It is easy to become focused on the appearance of a property, especially when the house has attractive finishes, spacious rooms or a convenient location.

But a proper property assessment should go beyond what can be seen during a short inspection.

Before committing to a purchase, buyers should examine the property, its documents, its surroundings and the costs involved.

1. Check the Location

Start with the location.

Consider the property's access to roads, schools, healthcare facilities, markets, workplaces and other places that matter to your household.

Visit the area yourself rather than relying entirely on photographs or a seller's description.

If possible, visit at different times of the day.

2. Inspect the Building Properly

A house can look excellent during a quick viewing while still having problems that are not immediately obvious.

Look carefully at areas such as:

• Walls
• Floors
• Roof
• Ceilings
• Doors and windows
• Plumbing
• Electrical installations
• Drainage
• External structures

Where the buyer is not technically qualified to assess the building, an appropriate building professional can provide a more detailed inspection.

3. Examine the Surrounding Area

The house is only one part of the purchase.

Pay attention to neighbouring properties, road conditions, drainage, access and the general character of the area.

Ask questions about issues that may not be visible during a short visit.

For example, residents may have useful information about drainage problems or access difficulties during heavy rainfall.

4. Ask to See the Property Documents

Property documentation should be taken seriously.

The documents relevant to a transaction can vary depending on the property and location.

Buyers should not simply accept photocopies or verbal explanations without proper verification.

An experienced property lawyer or other qualified professional can help determine which documents are relevant and how they should be verified.

5. Verify Ownership

A seller's claim that they own a property is not, by itself, sufficient evidence for a buyer.

The buyer should take appropriate steps to verify ownership and confirm that the person or entity selling the property has the legal authority to do so.

This is one area where professional legal guidance can be particularly valuable.

6. Check for Existing Claims or Encumbrances

Buyers should also investigate whether there are issues that could affect the property.

Depending on the circumstances, these may include disputes, mortgages, restrictions, competing claims or other legal concerns.

A proper search and professional legal review can help identify issues before money is committed.

7. Understand Planning and Land-Use Issues

The intended use of the property matters.

A buyer planning to live in a house may have different considerations from someone planning to modify, extend or use a property for another purpose.

Relevant planning and land-use requirements should be investigated before purchase.

8. Calculate the Full Cost

The purchase price is not always the total cost of acquiring a property.

Depending on the transaction, buyers may need to budget for professional fees, documentation, taxes or levies, registration and other transaction-related expenses.

Ask for a clear understanding of the expected costs before making a financial commitment.

9. Check Access and Drainage

Road access and drainage can have a major effect on the practical use of a property.

Inspect the road leading to the property and look at drainage around the building.

If possible, investigate how the area behaves during periods of heavy rainfall.

A property inspection should not be limited to the front door.

10. Ask About Utilities

Find out how the property receives essential services.

Ask about electricity, water supply, waste management and other services relevant to the household.

Do not assume that services available to one nearby property will automatically be available in exactly the same way to another.

11. Be Careful With Pressure to Pay Quickly

Property transactions can involve substantial amounts of money.

Buyers should be cautious when they are pressured to make immediate payments without sufficient time to inspect the property or verify relevant documents.

A legitimate transaction should allow reasonable opportunity for appropriate due diligence.

12. Use the Right Professionals

Property buyers do not need to handle every aspect of a transaction alone.

Depending on the circumstances, professional support may include:

• A property lawyer
• A building surveyor or relevant building professional
• A registered estate professional
• Other specialists where necessary

The appropriate professionals will depend on the property and transaction.

13. Think About Your Long-Term Plans

Ask yourself whether the property will still meet your needs several years from now.

Consider family size, work location, accessibility, potential renovations and other realistic future requirements.

A property should be evaluated not only for how attractive it looks today, but also for how suitable it is for your intended use.

Final Thoughts

Buying a house requires more than finding a property that looks good and agreeing on a price.

Buyers should investigate the location, inspect the building, verify ownership and documentation, consider planning issues, understand the total cost and obtain appropriate professional advice.

Taking time to carry out due diligence before completing a property transaction can help buyers make more informed decisions and identify potential problems early.

At Biver Royalty Homes Ltd, we believe property decisions should be approached with careful consideration, proper information and a clear understanding of the property being purchased.