By Kingsley Adegboye

Real estate and agro investment expert, Anani Ferdinand, has advised Nigerians in the diaspora to prioritise due diligence and proper documentation to avoid costly mistakes in property investment back home.

Ferdinand said while Nigeria’s growing real estate market offers significant opportunities in residential, commercial and land investments, many diaspora investors continue to suffer losses because they ignore critical checks before committing funds.

According to him, one of the biggest mistakes buyers make is focusing only on the reputation of a property company while neglecting to verify the credibility of the agent or broker handling the transaction.

He warned that many failed investments begin with the wrong intermediary.

“People often think choosing a known company is enough, but the person handling the transaction matters just as much,” Ferdinand said.

“For diaspora investors who depend heavily on remote communication, verifying the competence, integrity and track record of the agent is crucial.”

He also urged investors to pay close attention to land titles and ownership documents, stressing that proper verification remains the foundation of a secure property transaction.

Ferdinand said buyers should insist on checking documents such as Certificate of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent and registered Deed of Assignment before making payments.

“These documents are not mere paperwork; they are what protect your investment. Failure to verify them has left many people with disputed or invalid properties,” he said.

He further warned against buying land without confirming its status at the appropriate land registry, noting that some properties fall under government acquisition or are tied to unresolved family ownership disputes.

“Many investors lose money because they buy land they cannot legally develop or transfer. Independent verification is not optional,” he said.

On physical inspection, Ferdinand said many diaspora Nigerians rely too heavily on photographs and marketing materials, which can sometimes be misleading.

He advised buyers who cannot travel to engage trusted representatives, surveyors or property lawyers to inspect sites before closing deals.

“Accessibility, encroachment and even the true location of a property are issues you often only discover on the ground,” he said.

Ferdinand also cautioned against informal payment arrangements, urging investors to avoid cash transactions and insist on traceable payments into verified corporate accounts.

He said every transaction should be backed by receipts, proper agreements and legal review.

“Engaging a property lawyer to review contracts before sending money is a necessary layer of protection, not an extra cost,” he added.

According to Ferdinand, successful property investment in Nigeria depends less on rushing into opportunities and more on following the right process.

He urged diaspora Nigerians to focus on certainty rather than speed and to question every stage of a transaction before committing funds.

“The opportunities are there, but what protects your investment is due diligence. In a market where trust is often assumed, informed decision-making remains your best safeguard,” Ferdinand said.