Land is one of the most traded assets in Lagos, from plots in Ibeju-Lekki and Abijo to prime sites in Ikoyi and Victoria Island. It is also where buyers are most cautious, because land fraud is common. The owners who sell fastest are those who can prove clean title quickly. This guide walks you through selling land in Lagos, step by step.
Step 1: Get your title documents in order
Buyers and their lawyers will want to see the documents that prove your ownership. Depending on the land, these may include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), the strongest evidence of a statutory right of occupancy.
- Governor’s Consent, if you bought from someone who held a C of O.
- Registered Deed of Assignment showing the transfer to you.
- Survey plan prepared by a registered surveyor, with your name and the plot coordinates.
- Gazette or excision, for land released from government acquisition to a family or community.
- Receipts and family documents, for family land: who signed, and with what authority.
See the full list of documents buyers will ask for.
Step 2: Check the land yourself before a buyer does
Commission a search at the Lagos State Lands Registry and have your survey plan charted to confirm the land is not under government acquisition, on a road or drainage setback, or affected by a planned project. It is far better to discover a problem now than halfway through a sale. Read our guide on right of way and drainage setbacks.
Step 3: Price it from evidence
Land prices vary widely between neighbouring estates. Look at recent asking prices for similar plots in the same area, consider size, shape, road access, flooding and title, and consider a valuation by a registered estate surveyor and valuer for high-value sites. Our area pages show live price ranges for each neighbourhood.
Step 4: Present the land well
- State the size in square metres and the plot dimensions.
- Name the estate or street and describe road access.
- Say clearly which title you hold.
- Add photos of the plot, the access road and the estate gate, or leave photos out and offer inspection by appointment.
- Mention any fencing, sand-filling or approvals already in place.
Step 5: Handle offers and the sale properly
- Agree the price and payment terms in writing.
- Let the buyer’s lawyer carry out searches; cooperate quickly.
- Receive payment through traceable bank transfers, never cash.
- Sign a Deed of Assignment prepared or reviewed by lawyers.
- Support the buyer’s application for Governor’s Consent, which is needed to perfect the transfer in Lagos.
Since May 2026, Lagos calculates Governor’s Consent and related charges on the property’s fair market value, which has raised costs significantly in prime areas. Discuss early with the buyer who will bear which costs.
Selling family land
Family or communal land needs extra care. The sale usually needs the head of the family and principal members to sign, and buyers will check that the land has been excised and that no other family member disputes it. Clear documentation of who has authority to sell is essential.
Tax on the sale of land
From 1 January 2026, under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, gains made by individuals on selling property are taxed at personal income tax rates, up to 25%, rather than the old flat 10%. Speak to a tax adviser before you sell. Read our guide to the costs of selling property in Lagos.
List your property free on Propslisting
List your land free on Propslisting. Our team reviews your title before the listing goes live, which gives buyers confidence and speeds up the sale. You pay a 5% commission only when the sale completes, and private, off-market listings are available.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to sell land in Lagos?
Usually a C of O, Governor’s Consent or registered Deed of Assignment, a survey plan, and for family land the gazette or excision and evidence of who has authority to sell.
Who pays for Governor’s Consent when land is sold?
It is commonly paid by the buyer, but it is negotiable. Agree who pays which costs before signing.
How can I sell land in Lagos quickly?
Have clean title ready, price from evidence, present the plot clearly and list it where serious buyers look, such as Propslisting.
Do I pay tax when I sell land in Nigeria?
Individuals’ gains are taxed at personal income tax rates from 2026, with some exemptions. Speak to a tax adviser for your situation.
