Property Inspection Checklist Nigeria: What to Check Before Renting or Buying

Most Nigerian property buyers and renters inspect a property once, in a hurry, and sign within days. This is how expensive mistakes happen — cracks that turn into structural failure, plumbing that fails in week one, or a generator that only runs 4 hours per night. This checklist gives you everything to assess before committing to any property in Nigeria, whether you are renting or buying.

Visit the property at least twice — once during the day and once in the evening (to assess neighbourhood noise, lighting, and security). Take photographs of everything you check.

1. Structural condition

• Check all exterior walls for cracks — hairline cracks are normal; wide or diagonal cracks suggest structural movement
• Look at the roof from outside — missing or cracked tiles, rusted gutters, or sagging structure are red flags
• Check the ceiling inside for water stains — these indicate roof leaks or plumbing above
• Check floors for levelness — sloping floors suggest settlement or structural issues
• Inspect columns and beams for cracks or exposed rebar (steel reinforcement bar)
• For buildings over 10 years old, consider commissioning a structural survey by a registered engineer before buying

2. Power supply

This is one of the most critical factors in Nigeria — poor power provision makes any property difficult to live in.

• Ask how many hours of NEPA/AEDC/BEDC/EKEDC power the property typically receives per day
• Check the size of the generator (in KVA) — is it sufficient to power AC, fridge, and lights simultaneously?
• Ask who pays for generator fuel — tenant or landlord/estate management
• Check if the generator auto-starts when NEPA goes off, or if someone must manually start it
• Confirm the generator maintenance schedule — a poorly maintained generator will fail
• For apartments: confirm which appliances are covered by the generator (some estates only provide lighting, not AC)
• Test every power socket in each room — bring a phone charger or a plug-in tester
• Check the electrical panel — look for signs of overloaded wiring, burnt fusebox, or improvised wiring

3. Water supply

• Ask whether the water source is borehole, water board (LAWMA/FCDA), or water tanker delivery
• Turn on taps in each room to confirm water pressure and flow
• Check the overhead water tank — confirm it is properly sized for the household
• Check whether a water pump is in place to lift water from the borehole to the tank, and confirm it works
• Ask about the borehole quality — some boreholes produce brown or salty water that requires filtration
• Inspect the bathroom and kitchen for signs of persistent water leaks (staining, damp, mould)

4. Plumbing and sanitation

• Flush all toilets — confirm they refill properly and do not run continuously
• Run all taps and showers — check for low pressure or slow drainage
• Inspect under kitchen and bathroom sinks for signs of leaks or damp
• Check drainage outside the building after heavy rain — does the compound flood?
• Ask about the septic tank — when was it last emptied? (For properties not on mains sewage)
• Look for blocked or broken drainpipes on the exterior of the building

5. Security

• Check all door locks — do keys work smoothly and do doors close properly?
• Check all window locks and burglar-proof bars (required in most Nigerian properties)
• Confirm the compound gate is secure and working
• For estates: confirm 24-hour security coverage, log-in procedures for visitors, and CCTV if applicable
• For standalone compounds: assess how easy the perimeter wall is to breach
• Visit the immediate neighbourhood in the evening to assess general security
• Ask neighbours informally about the security history of the compound or estate

6. Ventilation and natural light

• Open all windows — check if cross-ventilation is possible (breeze flows through)
• Assess natural light in each room — some Nigerian apartments have windows only on one side
• Check for signs of damp or mould, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms — this indicates poor ventilation
• Check that kitchen and bathroom ventilation (extractor fans or louvres) are working

7. Noise and neighbourhood

• Listen for noise from adjacent units, the road, or nearby businesses (workshops, churches, mosques)
• Visit on a weekday morning (to assess school or office traffic), a weekend afternoon (to assess social noise), and an evening (to assess generator noise and nightlife)
• Ask about any planned developments nearby — a construction site next door will be disruptive
• Check flood risk: does the neighbourhood have a history of flooding? Drive or walk the area after a rain event if possible

8. For buyers: additional structural and title checks

• Commission a structural survey by a registered engineer — do not skip this for properties over 10 years old
• Engage a licensed surveyor to physically verify the survey plan coordinates on the ground
• Request the building plan approval from the relevant local authority — confirm the building was constructed as approved
• Confirm via the State Lands Bureau that the title (C of O or Deed of Assignment) is valid and unencumbered
• Check whether the property is within any government gazette acquisition zone
• Confirm the estate or development's management company status — is it functioning? What do existing residents say?

Questions to ask the agent or landlord

1. How long has this property been vacant? (Long vacancy may signal a problem)
2. What is the service charge and what does it cover?
3. Who is responsible for which repairs?
4. Has the property had any flooding, structural issues, or major repairs in the past 3 years?
5. Are all utility accounts up to date — no unpaid LAWMA, generator dues, or service charge arrears?
6. For buying: are all property taxes (land use charge) paid up to date?

Related guides: Tenancy Agreement Nigeria, Move-In Costs Nigeria, Avoid Property Scams Nigeria.