How to Find a Good Estate Agent in Nigeria: A Practical Guide

Finding a trustworthy estate agent in Nigeria is one of the most important — and most difficult — parts of buying, selling, or renting property. The industry is largely unregulated at the operational level, which means the quality of agents varies enormously. This guide gives you a practical framework for finding a good agent and vetting them before you engage.

Why the estate agent you choose matters

A good estate agent provides access to properties (including off-market ones), handles negotiations professionally, advises on fair pricing, and manages the transaction process. A bad or fraudulent agent can: show you properties they do not have authority to let or sell, collect deposits that disappear, give you misleading information about title or pricing, or simply waste your time.

In Nigeria, anyone can call themselves an estate agent — there is no mandatory licensing at the operational level. The formal registration body (ESVARBON) governs certified estate surveyors and valuers, but most street-level agents are not formally registered. This makes the vetting process essential.

Where to find agents

Property listing platforms

The most reliable starting point is a verified property listing platform. Agents who list properties on reputable platforms have typically been through some form of verification process and have a publicly accessible listing history that allows you to assess their track record. Browse agent profiles on Cabans to see their active listings, response rate, and history.

Referrals from people you trust

Word of mouth from friends, colleagues, or family who have recently completed a transaction is the gold standard — you get a first-hand account of the agent's reliability. Always ask: did the agent deliver on time? Were there hidden costs? Would you use them again?

Professional associations

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) maintains a membership directory. Registered members have completed formal training and are bound by a code of conduct. NIESV members tend to be more experienced and work on larger or more formal transactions, but they also exist for residential sales and lettings.

Physical presence in your target area

For rental searches in particular, local agents with a physical presence (a shop-front or office) in your target neighbourhood often have the best knowledge of available stock, local price norms, and landlord relationships.

How to vet an estate agent: 10 questions to ask

1. What is your ESVARBON registration number? — Not all agents will have one, but the question reveals whether they have any formal professional standing.
2. Where is your office? — A legitimate agent has a verifiable physical address. Ask to visit before paying anything.
3. How long have you been operating in this area? — Local, established agents tend to be more reliable than those who recently appeared.
4. Do you have authority to deal on this property? — Ask for evidence of their mandate from the landlord or seller (a signed instruction from the owner).
5. Can I see the title documents for this property? — A legitimate agent should be able to show the C of O or deed — at least a copy — at the viewing stage.
6. What is your commission and who pays? — Understand exactly what you will be charged and at what stage payment is due.
7. Can you provide references from recent transactions? — A legitimate agent should be able to name recent clients (with permission) you can contact.
8. Who should I pay, and how? — Be wary of agents who only accept cash with no receipt, or who want you to pay to a personal bank account rather than a business account.
9. Are there any additional fees beyond the quoted price? — Service charge, legal fee, caution deposit — get the full cost breakdown upfront.
10. What happens if the transaction falls through? — Understand the refund policy before paying any fees.

Red flags: walk away from an agent who

• Only communicates via WhatsApp and cannot provide a physical office address
• Pressures you to pay a viewing fee or holding deposit before you have physically visited the property
• Cannot produce any mandate or authority from the landlord/seller
• Asks for cash payment only with no receipt
• Cannot explain the full cost breakdown clearly
• Becomes evasive when you ask to see title documents
• Has no online presence, no reviews, and no verifiable history
• Recommends a specific solicitor and discourages you from using your own
• Quotes a price significantly below market rate (“just listed, price will go fast”)

After selecting an agent: protect yourself

• Confirm all agreed terms and costs in writing (email or WhatsApp message at minimum) before paying anything
• Obtain a receipt for every payment
• Use your own independent solicitor for any purchase — do not use one recommended by the agent alone
• Do not pay the full balance until all agreed conditions (viewing, title confirmation, agreement signing) are met

Related guides: Estate Agent Fees in Nigeria, Avoid Property Scams in Nigeria, Buying Property: Due Diligence Guide.