Even with Google, social media, and a whole army of “property experts,” many Nigerians are still making expensive real estate decisions based on vibes, assumptions, and what one uncle said at Christmas.
And honestly? These myths are why people get scammed, overpay for land, or end up with property that won’t appreciate for the next 10 years.
Let’s break down the top real estate myths Nigerians still believe in 2025 and the actual truth you need to know before buying land or property.
1. “Just Buy Land Anywhere, It Will Appreciate.”
This is one of the biggest lies in the market.
Land does not appreciate simply because you bought it. Appreciation depends on:
- Location
- Government masterplan
- Title/Documentation quality
- Surrounding development
- Infrastructure projects
- Demand
If you buy land in an area with:
- terrible road access,
- zero projected development,
- constant land disputes, or
- no government recognition…
Please don’t be shocked when it refuses to appreciate.
The Real Truth:
Real estate appreciates because of demand, infrastructure, and future development, “not vibes“.
Strategic buying in growth corridors beats random “anywhere belle face” buying every single time.
2. “Off-Plan Properties Are Always Cheaper and Automatically Safer.”
Off-plan can be a smart move if the developer has sense and structure.
But in Nigeria, some developers:
- Inflate off-plan prices
- Missed deadlines for years
- Change project designs midway
- Use buyers’ money to fund unrelated projects
- Deliver poor-quality buildings
Buying off-plan without confirming:
- Developer track record
- Project approval
- Title legitimacy
- Construction timeline
- Refund policy
…is a perfect recipe for premium tears.
The Real Truth:
Off-plan only works when you’re dealing with reputable, traceable, well-structured developers with verified documents.
If you skip due diligence? You’re playing house-buying lottery.
3. “Any Agent Can Help You Get a Good Deal.”
Ah yes, the famous “my guy,” “my cousin that knows land,” “one agent like that.”
Unverified agents are one of the biggest sources of:
- inflated prices
- wrong information
- fake documents
- double sales
- land disputes
- lost payments
Real estate is too expensive to gamble with someone who doesn’t have a license or a reputation to protect.
The Real Truth:
Work only with accredited agents, verified estate consultants, or registered realtors.
Platforms like Est8list also help you avoid the guesswork with vetted properties and transparent listings.
Final Takeaway
Real estate in Nigeria is powerful, but only when you understand the market realities, not the myths.
In 2025, successful investors are not the ones following crowd wisdom; they’re the ones conducting thorough research, verifying documents, and making informed purchases with a strategic approach.
Make informed decisions.
Ask the right questions.
And please, leave myths for folktales, not investments.
Photo By Ben Iwara