Whether you are renting a flat in Lagos, buying land in Abuja or letting out a property, the agent you choose can make or break the deal. Nigeria’s property market is full of genuine professionals — but also of quacks who collect fees and vanish, or sell land they do not own. This guide shows you how to pick a trustworthy real estate agent, understand the fees, and spot the warning signs early.
What a good agent actually does
A professional agent does far more than open a gate for inspection. A reliable agent will:
- Match you with properties that fit your budget and needs.
- Arrange genuine inspections and answer your questions honestly.
- Help you verify the property documents rather than rush you past them.
- Explain the full cost — rent or price, agency fee, legal and agreement fees.
- Put the agreement in writing and keep clear records.
Understanding agency fees
Agents are paid for their work, and that is normal — but the fees should be clear from the start. In a typical rental, you may be asked for an agency (commission) fee and a separate agreement fee, on top of the rent and caution deposit. For a sale, the agent usually earns a commission expressed as a percentage of the purchase price.
Before you commit, ask for the fees in writing and confirm:
- Exactly what each fee covers.
- Whether the commission is a fixed sum or a percentage.
- What happens to your money if the deal falls through.
Be wary of anyone who demands large sums in cash with no receipt and no clear explanation of what the money is for.
Red flags: how to spot a quack
- Pressure to pay immediately, before you have seen documents or verified anything.
- No verifiable office, no track record and no references you can check.
- Vague or missing paperwork on the property itself.
- Refusal to let you verify the title at the relevant land registry.
- Cash-only demands for large amounts with no receipt.
- Deals that look too good to be true — they usually are.
Green flags: signs of a genuine professional
- A verifiable presence — office, references and a real track record.
- Willingness to put everything in a written agreement.
- Transparency about commission and all fees.
- Encourages you to verify the property documents and title.
- Shows genuine documents and answers questions without dodging.
Always verify the property — not just the agent
Even a credible agent does not replace your own due diligence. For land and houses, confirm the title documents (such as the Certificate of Occupancy) and carry out a search at the appropriate land registry. For rentals, read the tenancy agreement carefully before paying. A good agent will support these checks; a quack will resist them.
Practical tips before you pay
- Get everything in writing: fees, terms and what you are paying for.
- Insist on receipts for every payment.
- Cross-check the agent through people who have used them before.
- Never pay large sums based on photos or promises alone.
- When buying, involve a lawyer to review documents.
The bottom line
The right agent saves you time, money and stress; the wrong one can cost you everything. Take your time, demand transparency on fees, verify both the agent and the property, and keep written records of every step. In Nigeria’s fast-moving market, patience and paperwork are your best protection.
