Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Land in Abuja (and How to Avoid Them) – 2026 Guide

1. Not Verifying the Developer or Seller

A lot of people rush to buy because "the price is cheap," only to later discover the estate is not real, the land is not allocated, or the developer has no approval.

How to avoid this:

• Always research the developer. Check their past projects.
• Visit their physical office.
• Read reviews and ask past clients about their experience.
• Choose estates with completed or ongoing projects, not just fancy flyers.

Tip: Developers like Leisure Court Estate have verifiable projects across Abuja, making them a safer option.

2. Failing to Check Land Documents (Titles & Approvals)

Many buyers don't know the difference between C of O, R of O, TDP, Allocation Letter, Power of Attorney, etc. This is why people get scammed with "village land," "government land," or land under litigation.

How to avoid this:

• Don't buy land without seeing the original documents.
• Ask for the survey plan, layout, and approvals.
• Verify the land with Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) before paying.

Tip: If a developer cannot give you documents for verification, walk away.

3. Not Doing a Physical Site Inspection

Photos and videos can deceive. Some people buy land that:

• Is in a flood area
• Has no access road
• Has future government projects planned on it
• Is different from what they were shown online

How to avoid this:

• Always visit the land physically.
• Go with the developer's team and also go alone another day to see the true environment.
• Check if people already live or are building around.

4. Ignoring Payment Plans and Total Costs

Many buyers calculate only the land price. They forget:

• Legal fees
• Survey fees
• Development fee
• Deed of Assignment
• Infrastructure charges

This leads to confusion or inability to complete payment.

How to avoid this:

• Ask the developer for a full breakdown of all costs.
• Choose developers with transparent pricing.
• Confirm if there's an installment plan (many estates, including Leisure Court, offer flexible plans).

5. Buying Without a Real Estate Lawyer

Some people feel lawyers are "too expensive," but the truth is: a lawyer is cheaper than a bad land purchase.

A lawyer helps you:

• Verify documents
• Understand terms
• Avoid hidden clauses
• Prepare or review the Deed of Assignment

How to avoid this:

Always involve a property lawyer not a random family member or friend.

6. Buying Land Based on Hype, Not Location

Someone hears: "Buy now, it's selling fast!" …then rushes to buy land without studying the neighborhood, development plans, or price trends.

How to avoid this:

• Study the area first: roads, accessibility, amenities, demand.
• Look for areas with proven growth like Lugbe, where prices appreciate fast.

7. Not Checking Whether the Land Is Buildable

Some plots look fine but are:

• Green areas
• Buffer zones
• High-tension zones
• Restricted government areas
• Low-lying flood zones

How to avoid this:

• Request the layout plan.
• Confirm the zoning approval of the plot you're buying.
• Avoid land close to drainage channels and high-tension lines.

8. Assuming All Cheap Land Is a Good Deal

Cheap land can be a trap. It is cheaper for a reason:

• No road access
• Far from development
• No title
• Dispute over land ownership

How to avoid this:

Don't buy because the price is sweet; buy because the value makes sense.

9. Delaying Verification Until After Payment

Some people pay first because the agent says, "Don't worry, we will verify later." This is very risky.

How to avoid this:

Verify everything before paying:

• Title
• Layout
• Developer
• Coordinates
• AGIS confirmation

10. Not Following Up After Payment

After paying, some buyers never collect:

• Allocation letter
• Receipt
• Contract of sale
• Deed of Assignment

These documents protect you.

How to avoid this:

• Immediately request all your documents.
• Keep copies in both digital and physical formats.