If you’ve ever tried to rent or buy property in Lagos, you already know the hustle is real. From fake agents to outrageous prices, the process can be stressful, confusing, and sometimes downright scary. Stories of people losing millions to shady deals are not new. So, if you’re asking, “How can I get a trusted real estate company in Lagos?” — you’re not alone. And you’re right to ask.
Lagos is a fast-growing city, full of opportunities but also full of risk. With the right real estate partner, you can find great deals, avoid stress, and make smart investments. But with the wrong one, you might lose your money, time, and peace of mind. That’s why finding a trusted real estate company is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. So, how do you know which real estate company in Lagos is trustworthy?
Let’s walk through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself every step of the way, and please watch out for the statements in bold.
1. Don’t Just Trust the Hype. Do Your Research
Many companies in Lagos will promise you heaven and earth; “C of O guaranteed,” “Buy today, build tomorrow,” “Land appreciation in 6 months” — but promises are not proof. A trusted real estate company doesn’t just talk big; they have a track record.
Before doing business with any company, check:
- How long have they been in business?
- Do they have a physical office you can visit?
- Can they show you properties they’ve sold before?
- Do they have verifiable reviews from real clients?
You can find out a lot with a quick online search, asking questions on forums, and checking their social media pages for consistency, professionalism, and engagement.
2. Check Their Online Presence and Professionalism
In today’s digital world, a real estate company without a proper online presence should raise a red flag. A trustworthy company will invest in a functional website, active social media pages, and provide multiple ways to reach them, not just a WhatsApp number.
A well-built website tells you a lot. You should be able to see available properties, their prices, company information, and even client testimonials. If their page is poorly designed, has limited info, or hasn’t been updated in months, that’s a sign they may not be as organized or serious as they claim.
Professionalism also shows in how they respond to your messages, how clearly they answer your questions, and whether they are patient or pushy.
3. Ask for Documentation and Verify Everything
Let’s be honest; Lagos has plenty of land grabbers and “agents” who will show you property they don’t even own or manage. A trusted company will never rush you into payment. Instead, they will show you complete documentation, including:
- Land title (C of O, Gazette, or Governor’s consent)
- Survey plan
- Deed of assignment
- Receipts and contracts
Don’t take photos or copies as confirmation. If you’re not sure how to verify documents, involve a property lawyer or a trusted professional who understands land law in Lagos. A reputable company won’t resist when you ask to verify documents, they’ll encourage it.
4. Visit the Property or Project Site Physically
A good real estate company will offer site inspections, either free or for a small fee to show you exactly what you’re buying. They’ll be willing to take you to the property location and explain the layout, surrounding development, and future potential.
Avoid companies that avoid physical meetings or delay inspections. Some scammers use fake images from Google or recycled videos from other people’s land. Seeing is believing, especially when it comes to property. Even if the property is far or you’re outside Lagos, insist on a video call inspection, live location, or send someone you trust to see the site on your behalf.
5. Pay Into the Company’s Business Account, Not Personal Accounts
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make, transferring money to an individual instead of the registered business. A legitimate company should have:
- A corporate account (with their RC number)
- An official receipt and invoice system
- Clear documentation stating what the payment is for
If someone insists you pay to a personal account or offers you a “discount” to do so, that’s a red flag. Even if it’s someone you’ve been talking to online, if they can’t provide proper payment structure, back out. No legit company will risk their reputation over shady payment channels.
6. Talk to Their Previous Clients
One of the best ways to know if a company is trustworthy is by talking to people who have used their services before. Ask the company to share some satisfied customers you can speak with. Or better still, look at their comments on Instagram or Facebook — real clients will often share their experiences.
If they have consistent good feedback, you’re likely dealing with a reliable company. If every review seems fake, overly perfect, or duplicated across posts, something might be off.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, listen to your gut. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. A legitimate business will never pressure you into quick decisions or hide behind vague promises. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A trusted real estate company will be patient, transparent, and professional. They will guide you with facts, not fear. They will explain, not confuse. They will provide proof, not just promises.
Conclusion
Buying or investing in property is a big deal, especially in Lagos. Don’t let the fear of missing out or pressure from an agent push you into a rushed decision. When you take your time to do proper checks, ask the right questions, and insist on clarity, you reduce your risks greatly.
A real estate deal is not just about the land or house; it’s about who you’re buying it from. Choose wisely, and you’ll sleep well knowing your money is safe and your property is secure. Because in a city like Lagos, the right property is good, but the right real estate company? That’s gold.
