Favour Judah
Founder & CEO
For many Nigerians, the outright purchase price of land is out of reach. Installment payment plans — offered by a growing number of estate developers — have opened the door to land ownership for first-time buyers and low-to-mid income earners. But not all installment plans are created equal, and the risks are real if you don't know what to look for.
What to Confirm Before Signing
Before you pay a single kobo, get answers to these questions in writing:
- What is the total price and exactly how is it structured?
- What happens to my payments if I default on one installment?
- When does my name get formally allocated to the specific plot?
- Will I receive a title document after full payment, and what type?
- Is the land already surveyed and what are the beacon numbers?
- Has the estate received any government approvals or gazette?
Red Flags to Walk Away From
Some developers use installment plans to sell land they don't fully own or haven't yet acquired all approvals for. Watch for these warning signs:
- No physical office or registered company details
- Pressure to pay quickly before you've seen documents
- Verbal-only promises about what's included in the estate
- No draft of the sales agreement before your first payment
- Inability to show you a registered survey plan
A legitimate developer will always welcome your due diligence. If a company discourages you from verifying documents or speaking to a lawyer, that is your clearest signal to walk away.
How to Protect Yourself
Use a lawyer to review your sales agreement before the first payment. Ensure the agreement specifies your plot allocation by beacon numbers or plot number — not just 'a plot in the estate'. Make all payments by bank transfer or cheque and keep all receipts. Never pay cash.
At Lion of Judah Real Estate, we offer transparent installment plans with formal allocation letters, signed agreements, and a clear title delivery timeline. Speak with our team to find a payment structure that works for you.