Where Can I Buy Affordable Land in Lagos Without Getting Scammed?

Let’s start by facing the reality. Land in Lagos is not exactly cheap, but there are still pockets of affordability depending on location, development stage, and documentation status. Places like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, Badagry, Agbara, and some parts of Ikorodu still offer relatively affordable land options, especially when compared to fully developed areas like Lekki Phase 1 or Victoria Island. But here’s the tricky part: these same affordable areas are where most of the scams happen.

This is because scammers know that most people are desperate to “buy something” and enter the real estate game. They prey on the urgency, desperation, and fear of missing out. A lot of people are promised “government-approved land” at ridiculously low prices, only to find out later that the land is under government acquisition, has multiple owners, or has been sold to three different people already. Some don’t even realise there’s an issue until they try to start building and the real owner shows up with a lawsuit or thugs.

To avoid being a victim, you must first understand that affordable doesn’t mean careless. Cheap land with no paperwork, no physical inspection, and no professional process is a huge red flag. If the price is too good to be true, especially in a location that looks too strategic, you need to pause. Genuine real estate companies don’t just sell you land—they walk you through the process, show you clear documentation, and give you physical access to the property. They also provide a receipt of payment, a contract of sale, and in many cases, a survey and deed.

One way to avoid scams is to stop relying on “a friend who knows somebody.” That model has failed many people. Instead, go through registered and verifiable real estate companies that have a physical office, a company registration number (RC), an active social media presence, and most importantly, client reviews and successful land allocation records. In Lagos today, there are trusted developers who have built a reputation for transparency, affordability, and post-purchase support. These companies often offer site inspections, digital documentation, installment payment plans, and even after-sales services like fence construction, clearing, and allocation events.

Buying affordable land safely also means getting your lawyer involved or, at the very least, understanding what each document means. For instance, if you’re told the land has a “C of O” or a “Gazette”, ask to see it. Don’t just take the seller’s word for it. Run your own verification at the land registry in Alausa. Many people skip this step and regret it later. If you’re buying through a company, check if they offer verified land with proper titles, or if you’re expected to process the documentation yourself after purchase.

Another thing many don’t consider is that timing matters. Land that costs ₦850k today in Epe might go for ₦2 million in the next 12 months—especially if the area is developing fast. This is why it’s important to buy land when it’s still in a developing phase, and not wait till there’s already a tarred road and shopping mall on the same street. If you wait until it’s 100% comfortable, you’ll end up paying premium prices—or get priced out completely. Affordable land is usually raw, undeveloped, and sitting in fast-growing corridors of Lagos. So the goal is not to look for cheap land in Banana Island, but to identify areas with potential and work with a trustworthy developer to secure your space early.

Scam-free land buying also means showing up. Don’t pay for land you haven’t seen. Don’t send money to someone who claims they’ll “secure it for you quickly.” If you’re abroad or in another state, get someone you trust on the ground to do the inspection. Or better still, choose a company that offers virtual inspection via video call or drone footage. Many Lagos-based developers now provide these services, especially for Nigerians in the diaspora.