In Lagos real estate, “fast-selling” has become one of the loudest marketing buzzwords. Every property seems to be “almost sold out,” yet some of these homes sit on the market far longer than advertised. The truth? Speedy marketing doesn’t always equal real value.
If you’re buying or investing, here are five clear signs a fast-selling Lagos property may actually be overpriced.
1. The price doesn’t match the surrounding market
One of the biggest red flags is when a property’s price is significantly higher than similar homes in the same neighborhood, with no clear upgrade to justify it. Same road, same access, same estate type, but a much higher price? That’s not appreciation; that’s hype.
Smart buyers always compare prices within the same axis before believing “limited units available” stories
2. Sales urgency feels forced and emotional
When agents aggressively push urgency, “pay today,” “price increases by tomorrow,” or “another buyer is waiting”, it’s often to distract from poor value. Truly in-demand properties sell themselves; they don’t need emotional pressure or countdown tactics.
In Lagos, urgency is often used to rush buyers past proper verification and price evaluation.
3. Infrastructure around the property hasn’t improved
Real appreciation follows infrastructure. If the access roads are still terrible, drainage is poor, and there are no visible government or private projects nearby, the pricing may be speculative rather than realistic. Fast-selling claims don’t replace actual development.
A high price without infrastructure support usually means the seller is pricing for the future, using today’s buyers to fund tomorrow’s growth.
4. Rental bountyprojections sound too optimistic
Another sign of overpricing is when projected rental income doesn’t align with current market realities. If the rent being promised can’t comfortably cover mortgage payments or compete with nearby alternatives, the numbers don’t work.
Investors should always ask: Would tenants realistically pay this amount today? If the answer is no, the price may be inflated.
5. The same property keeps reappearing online
A truly fast-selling property disappears quickly. If you keep seeing the same listing recycled across platforms, with only slight price adjustments or rebranding, demand may not be as strong as claimed. Repeated visibility usually means buyers are walking away after closer inspection.
Final Thought
Not every fast-selling property is overpriced, but many are strategically marketed to feel scarce. In Lagos real estate, value beats volume every time. Ignore pressure, study the neighborhood, check comparable prices, and let data, not noise, guide your decision.
Photos by: Onaopemipo Oladipupo
