More than 60 percent of the advertised property listings in Nigeria don’t match the reality according to oikusdat.com, a Lagos-based real estate technology (PropTech) company. The images, the locations, the price, or even whether the property really exists can’t always be trusted. This isn’t merely a numbers issue as it’s a risk affecting thousands of property seekers who end up wasting time, money, or even worse, becoming victims of fraud.
The problem is bigger than just photos. This isn’t just hearsay. Over recent years, real estate stakeholders, surveyors, valuers, and regulatory bodies have flagged widespread inaccuracy in property listings. Whether it’s photos from different units, misrepresenting where the property is, wrong stated amenities, or bogus pricing, consumers are often misled. Many listings don’t disclose whether the title is valid, or whether the developer has done relevant approvals (planning, layout, legal). All these gaps erode trust and make safe, informed investment harder.
If you’re considering buying or renting, the cost of inaccurate listings isn’t just inconvenience. It can translate into direct financial loss (inspection fees, travel, negotiations), emotional costs, delayed moves, or in worst-case scenarios, involvement in fraudulent deals. But beyond that, for investors, misleading listings can affect resale value, post-sale satisfaction, ability to rent out, or even legal standing if documentation is off or nonexistent.
There’s also a broader market impact. Listings that mislead drive down credibility overall. Buyers begin to assume everything might be exaggerated. Honest developers and agencies feel the burden of proof harder, because people are more skeptical. This skepticism slows down sales, tarnishes experience, and makes it harder for reputable businesses to build trust.
Here is How to Avoid Being Misled
Due diligence is very important when going into Real Estate transactions is if you take certain steps:
- Always verify the title document: Insist on seeing authentic proof of ownership and don’t stop at C of O verify all approval documents and make sure the titles are traceable back to their respective issuing agencies, not just fancy pictures.
- Visit the property physically: Even if you love the images, seeing the property ensures what’s advertised matches reality.
- Check for approvals and regulatory compliance: Is the developer registered? Does the estate have planning permission? Has the building permit been secured? These matter a lot beyond just owning the land, because you can legitimately own the land (C of O) and still face demolitions over illegal structures or contraventions.
- Use trusted agents or licensed realtors: Agents with good track records of helping clients secure valuable properties with no legal back fire, good reviews and clear registration with state authorities, like Geoponts Properties they’re more likely to provide truthful listings.
- Request recent photographs and a walk-through video if you’re remote: If you can’t be present, ask for a video showing the actual condition and location of the property, not as a means of convincing yourself to go ahead with the purchase, but to decide on if it is worth the effort of getting someone to tour on your behalf or travelling down to do it yourself because physical inspection is very important.
The Opportunity in Integrity
Here’s where things shift in favor of the serious buyer and investor: properties with transparent listings, clear documentation, and trustworthy agents tend to command better prices in the long run. As people become more aware of listing fraud, homes and estates with verified credentials stand out and offer more stability. They also tend to appreciate better because buyers are confident.
Agencies like Geoponts Properties come in to to provide the first layer of protection against these fraudulent practices and risky behaviors by ensuring every estate and or property we represents have all the necessary paperwork in order before we bring the property to the market. We go in take professional images by ourselves to make sure the photos match reality, and we as an agency are regulatory compliant, meaning you’re not just avoiding risk, you’re gaining a reliable partner.
Geoponts Properties; Your Reliable Partner
At Geoponts Properties Ltd, we understand how unsettling it can be to navigate the current Real Estate terrain in Lagos State with all the misleading listings and malpractices. That’s why we commit to integrity in every listing we manage. Our properties are verified, our titles are checked, and our agents are licensed. What you see is what you get. We believe your investment deserves clarity, transparency, and trust.
If you’re looking to buy or invest, don’t settle for the risk. Reach out to Geoponts Properties today and let us help you find real value, not just polished promises. Your property journey should bring joy, not regrets.
📍 Visit Us: 781 Somide Odunjinrin Avenue, Omole Phase 2, Ikeja.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 08084410146 || 07063557501
📩 Email: geopontsproperties@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.geopontsproperties.com
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