How to Sell Property in Nigeria: Complete Guide

Selling property in Nigeria involves more steps than most sellers anticipate — and getting them wrong costs time, money, or both. This guide takes you from the decision to sell through to completion of the title transfer, covering valuation, documentation, agent selection, listing strategy, buyer vetting, negotiation, and the legal process.

Step 1: Establish what your property is worth

Before listing, get a realistic picture of current market value. Overpricing is the single biggest reason properties sit unsold for months in Nigeria.

• Compare active listings: Search for similar properties currently listed in your area on major Nigerian property platforms. What are asking prices for comparable size, type, and condition?
• Compare recent sales: What did similar properties actually sell for — not just ask? Agents active in your area will have this information.
• Engage a valuer: A licensed estate surveyor and valuer (registered with NIESV — Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers) can provide a formal valuation report. This is particularly useful for high-value properties, mortgage-assisted sales, or estate/probate situations.
• Consider market timing: Nigerian property demand is typically stronger at the start of the year (Jan–March) and ahead of school resumption periods. Listing at peak demand periods improves your result.

Step 2: Prepare your title documents

A buyer's solicitor will conduct a title search before completion. Any title defect discovered during this process will delay or kill the sale. Prepare documents before listing — not after you find a buyer.

• Primary title document: C of O (Certificate of Occupancy), Deed of Assignment with Governor's Consent, or Right of Occupancy. If yours is a Deed of Assignment without Governor's Consent, obtain consent before listing — it is a requirement for a valid transfer.
• Land use charge receipts: All annual land use charge (Lagos) or ground rent (other states) payments must be up to date. Arrears are a common deal-blocker.
• Survey plan: A current survey plan signed by a registered surveyor. If yours is outdated or lost, commission a new one.
• Building plan approval: For houses and developed properties — confirm the building was constructed with planning approval. Unapproved buildings cannot be mortgaged by buyers.
• Tax clearance and TIN: Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is required for the transaction. Some state land registries require tax clearance for the transfer to proceed.
• Probate grant: If you are selling an inherited property, you need a probate grant or letters of administration before you can legally transfer the title. Obtain this well in advance — it takes months.

Step 3: Decide on agent or private sale

You can sell through a registered estate agent, directly to buyers, or a combination of both.

• Using an agent: Agents typically charge 5–10% of the sale price as commission, paid by the seller at completion. A good agent brings qualified buyers, handles viewings, and manages negotiation. A poor agent adds weeks and confusion. Check the agent's track record and ask for references from recent sellers.
• Private sale: List directly on property platforms. Lower cost — you pay the listing fee rather than commission — but you handle all enquiries, viewings, and buyer vetting yourself. Works well for sellers with time and market knowledge.
• Multiple agents: In Nigeria, it is common (and legal) to list with multiple agents simultaneously. This increases exposure but can create confusion if terms are not clearly set out with each agent.

Step 4: List effectively

• Photography: Good photographs are the single most impactful element of a listing. Use natural light, clear and uncluttered rooms, and capture all key areas including kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor space.
• Description: Include exact location (street or estate name, LGA), property type, bedroom and bathroom count, key features (generator, borehole, estate security), and title type. Buyers filter on these specifics.
• Price: List at or near your asking price, not inflated with the expectation of negotiating down. Overpriced listings attract no enquiries — and a stale listing that has been price-reduced multiple times signals desperation to buyers.
• Platforms: List on major Nigerian property portals. For premium properties, also consider social media promotion (Instagram, Facebook property groups) and LinkedIn for corporate buyers.

Step 5: Vet buyers before committing

Not every enquiry is a serious buyer. Before investing time in a buyer, establish:

• Are they buying cash or with a mortgage? (Mortgage buyers add 6–12 weeks to the process and have approval conditions)
• What is their timeline to complete?
• Have they seen similar properties? Are they actively in the market?
• Can they demonstrate ability to fund the purchase? (For high-value properties, a letter of financial confirmation from their bank or a proof-of-funds statement)

Step 6: Accept an offer and instruct solicitors

When you accept an offer, instruct a solicitor immediately. The conveyancing process:

1. Sale agreement / Memorandum of Sale: A solicitor prepares an initial sale agreement setting out the agreed price, completion timeline, and deposit terms. The buyer typically pays a deposit of 5–10% at this stage.
2. Buyer's title search: The buyer's solicitor searches the state Land Registry to confirm your title is clean. This takes 2–6 weeks depending on the state.
3. Deed of Assignment preparation: Your solicitor prepares the Deed of Assignment conveying the property to the buyer. Both parties review and execute.
4. Balance payment: The buyer pays the balance of the purchase price. Only release the original title documents when you have confirmed receipt of the full amount.
5. Governor's Consent: The Deed of Assignment must be registered with the state government (Governor's Consent). This is the buyer's responsibility and cost, but the transfer is not legally complete without it.

Step 7: Tax obligations on sale

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): 10% of the chargeable gain. Exempt if the property is your principal private residence. Payable to FIRS.
• Stamp duty: Stamp duty on the Deed of Assignment is typically the buyer's cost, but confirm with your solicitor how this is structured in your transaction.
• Withholding tax: If you are a company selling property, withholding tax may apply. Individuals are primarily subject to CGT.

Common seller mistakes to avoid

• Listing before title documents are in order — buyer walks when the search reveals problems
• Overpricing and then reducing — a series of price reductions signals desperation
• Accepting a verbal offer and delaying the formal agreement — verbal offers are not binding and buyers move on
• Releasing original title documents before receiving full payment
• Not instructing a solicitor until late in the process — this is where most delays happen

Related guides

Estate Agent Fees in Nigeria · How to Sell Land in Nigeria · Property Due Diligence in Nigeria