"Lagos is not for the faint-hearted." We say it all the time, but during the "Ember" months (September to December), this city shifts into overdrive. The lights are brighter, the parties are louder, and the "I Just Got Back" (IJGB) crew is landing at MMA2 with dollars, pounds, and dreams of owning a slice of the Lagos skyline.
If that’s you, welcome back! But before you tap your card for that luxury apartment in Ikoyi or that sleek terrace in Lekki, we need to have a serious conversation.
The real estate market in Lagos during this season is a shark tank. It is flooded with glossy brochures, drone videos of "proposed" cities, and smooth-talking realtors who look as good as the houses they sell. But here is the golden rule of Lagos Real Estate: Aesthetics are not Title.
The "Aesthetic" Trap
It is easy to get carried away. You walk into a show home; the finishing is Italian marble, the lighting is ambient, and the kitchen island is screaming your name. You are already mentally placing your furniture.
Stop.
A beautiful house built on land with a bad title is just a beautiful demolition site waiting to happen. A stunning high-rise with no structural integrity test is a tragedy in the making. Do not let the "gram-worthiness" of a property blind you to the legal reality.
The First Line of Defense: Your Lawyer
This is not the time to use your cousin who "studied law" but works in HR. You need a dedicated Property Lawyer.
Before you pay a dime, before you even make a verbal commitment, pay a lawyer to carry out Due Diligence. Their fee is a fraction of what you stand to lose if you buy a property with a "shaky" title or one that is under government acquisition.
For ease of understanding, here are the three critical areas your lawyer must cover. Think of them as the Holy Trinity of Lagos Real Estate verification.
1. Lands Bureau, Alausa: The Root of Title
"Who actually owns this land?"
The Lands Bureau at Alausa, Ikeja, is your first stop for the truth. This is where the mask comes off. A property might look vacant and free, but the records here will tell you if:
- The seller actually owns the land.
- There is a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor's Consent.
- The land is under Government Acquisition (committed land). If it is committed, no matter who you pay, the government will take it back eventually.
- Are there any mortgages, caveats, or court injunctions on the property?
The Scam: Scammers often clone C of Os or sell "Excision in process" lands that are actually completely committed government land. Only a search at the Lands Bureau can reveal this.
2. LASPPDA: The Permission to Build
"Was this house actually approved to be here?"
LASPPDA stands for the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
- What they do: They process and issue Planning Permits (Building Approvals).
- Why you need to check: Just because a building is standing doesn't mean it's legal. A developer might have approval for a 2-floor structure, but decided to build 5 floors to maximize profit.
- The Risk: If you buy a flat on the 4th floor of a building only approved for 2 floors, you are buying an illegal structure. When the government enforcement teams come (and they will), that building could be sealed or demolished.
Ask for the Building Plan Approval. Ensure that what was built matches what was approved.
3. LABSCA: The Safety Seal
"Is this house safe to live in?"
LABSCA is the Lagos State Building Control Agency. While LASPPDA gives permission to start, LABSCA ensures the building is built correctly.
- What they do: They are responsible for stage-by-stage inspection of construction (foundation, decking, roofing) to ensure quality materials are used.
- The Golden Ticket: At the end of construction, LABSCA issues a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation.
- The Reality Check: Many developers cut corners on iron rods and concrete mix to save money. A building without a LABSCA certificate has not been certified safe. If you are buying a completed building, ask to see this certificate. It is your proof that the building isn't a structural disaster waiting for the next heavy rain.
The "Ember" Month Mantra: Trust, But Verify
Lagos is a beautiful place to own a home, and real estate remains one of the best hedges against inflation. But the market thrives on the ignorance of eager buyers, especially those in a rush to close a deal before their return flight.
- Don't be pressured by "This price is only valid for 24 hours."
- Don't transfer money to a personal account (unless verified by your lawyer).
- Do pay for that search.
- Do visit the site physically (or send a trusted independent party).
Enjoy your "Detty December," enjoy the parties, but keep your eyes open if the deal feels too smooth, pause. Call your lawyer.
Buy Smart. Buy Safe. Welcome to Lagos.
