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Consumer Protection Notice

Real Estate Legal Disclaimer & Safe Buying Advisory

Critical guidelines on land title verification, inspection fees, and legal due diligence for Nigerian property transactions.

Publication Date: August 2026 • Federal Republic of Nigeria

1. The Principle of Caveat Emptor ("Buyer Beware")

All prospective buyers, tenants, and diaspora investors are expressly advised that under Nigerian real property law, the principle of Caveat Emptor applies.

While PropertyCircle implements verification procedures on publisher accounts and moderation checks on listings, PropertyCircle does not replace independent legal, structural, and title due diligence.

Mandatory Legal Search Recommendation

Before making any financial commitment, earnest deposit, or contract signing, you must retain an independent, licensed Nigerian Legal Practitioner (Solicitor) to conduct formal title searches at the relevant State Land Registry:

  • Lagos State: Directorate of Land Services / Lands Registry, Alausa, Ikeja.
  • Federal Capital Territory (Abuja): Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).
  • Other States: The respective State Ministry of Lands and Survey.

2. Understanding Nigerian Land Title Classifications

Listings on PropertyCircle may reference various land and property titles. Buyers must ensure their legal counsel verifies the validity and unencumbered status of these titles:

  • Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Official state grant conferring ownership rights for a 99-year statutory term.
  • Governor's Consent: Mandatory statutory consent required under the Land Use Act 1978 for any subsequent transfer of ownership.
  • Government Gazette / Excision: Official state gazette excising customary land for private development.
  • Deed of Assignment: Legal deed transferring legal title from previous assignor to assignee.

3. Anti-Fraud & Safe Transaction Rules

To protect yourself from fraudulent scams, please strictly follow these safety rules:

  • Never Pay Advance Inspection Fees: Verified listings on PropertyCircle do not require advance viewing fees. Report any agent who demands upfront payment before viewing.
  • Physical or Live Video Inspection: Never send funds for a property you or your trusted representative have not physically visited and verified on site.
  • Verify Bank Account Names: Payments must only be made to verified corporate developer escrow accounts or through your legal conveyancer's client account—never to personal or unverified accounts.

4. Listing Accuracy & Currency Rates

Property prices, availability, exchange rates (USD/GBP/EUR), and dimensions are provided by listing publishers and updated periodically. PropertyCircle does not guarantee that property prices or availability remain unchanged at the moment of your inquiry.

Report Suspicious Listings or Violations

If you encounter any suspicious listing, unauthorized agent, or unverified fee request, report it immediately to our compliance desk: