How to Buy Property in Nigeria While Working Full-Time in Canada (Complete Guide)

It's 11 PM in Toronto. You just finished your shift, and instead of Netflix, you're scrolling through property listings in Lagos on your phone.

You've been in Canada for 6 years now. Good job, permanent residency, maybe even citizenship on the horizon. But here's the thing: your salary goes further in Nigeria than it ever will in Toronto.

That $65,000 CAD you're earning? In Nigeria, it could buy you a 3-bedroom duplex in a developing area. Or a plot of land in Lekki. Or a rental property generating monthly income.

But you're 9,000 kilometers away, 6 hours ahead in time zones, and every horror story about Nigerian real estate scams is playing in your head.

Can you really buy property in Nigeria while working full-time in Canada? Without getting scammed? Without flying back and forth every week?

The answer is yes. Thousands of Canadians of Nigerian descent do it every year. But you need to do it right.

Let me show you exactly how.

Why Nigerian-Canadians Are Investing Back Home

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why—because understanding your goals shapes your strategy.

Reason 1: Your Canadian Dollars Go 10× Further

You're making $60,000-$100,000 CAD in Canada. That's comfortable, but:

Houses in Toronto average $1.1 million CAD
Vancouver is even worse at $1.2 million CAD
Condos in decent areas start at $600,000 CAD

Meanwhile, in Nigeria:

A 3-bedroom duplex in Lekki: ₦40-60 million ($25,000-$37,000 CAD)
A 500 sqm plot of land in a developing area: ₦8-15 million ($5,000-$9,500 CAD)
A 2-bedroom apartment for rentals: ₦15-25 million ($9,500-$15,700 CAD)

Same amount of savings, completely different purchasing power.

Reason 2: Rental Income in CAD

That 2-bedroom apartment in Ajah generating ₦1.5 million annually in rent? That's about $950 CAD per year.

Doesn't sound like much until you realize you bought it for $12,000 CAD. That's an 8% annual yield before appreciation.

Try getting that in a Toronto GIC.

Some Nigerian-Canadians are building portfolios of 3-5 rental properties generating $3,000-$5,000 CAD annually in passive income.

Reason 3: Building a Retirement Home (While You're Young)

You're 35, living in Calgary. You plan to work until 60, then maybe split time between Canada and Nigeria.

Starting your Nigerian property investment now means:

Your house is built and paid off by retirement
Property has appreciated 2-3× by the time you retire
You have roots and a base when you visit family

Waiting until retirement to start means building in your 60s. Starting now means enjoying it in your 60s.

Reason 4: Wealth You Can Pass Down

Canadian taxes will eat into your estate. But property in Nigeria, transferred to your children, becomes generational wealth.

Many Nigerian-Canadians are building not just for themselves, but for their kids—a property empire back home that provides options and security.

The Challenges of Buying from Canada (Let's Be Real)

I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Buying Nigerian property from Canada has real challenges:

Challenge 1: Time Zone Difference

Nigeria is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Canada (Toronto), 9 hours ahead of Western Canada (Vancouver).

When you're free (evenings after work), Nigeria is sleeping. When Nigeria's business hours start (8 AM WAT), you're still asleep or just starting your workday.

Coordinating calls, document reviews, and site inspections requires intentional scheduling.

Challenge 2: Currency Exchange Volatility

You're earning in CAD. Buying in naira. The exchange rate fluctuates constantly.

In 2020, $1 CAD = ₦280. In 2023, $1 CAD = ₦570. In 2025, $1 CAD = ₦1,250-1,300 (approx).

This volatility affects:

Your budget (the property price in naira might stay same, but costs you more or less CAD depending on timing)
Your transfer costs (banks charge 2-4% on international transfers)
Your rental income (converting naira rent back to CAD gives you less when naira weakens)

Challenge 3: Can't Physically Inspect Properties

In Toronto, you'd never buy a house without seeing it. But flying to Nigeria every time you want to view a property? That's $1,500-$2,500 CAD per trip.

You're relying on photos, videos, and representatives. That's risky if you don't have trustworthy people on the ground.

Challenge 4: Legal and Bureaucratic Complexity

Nigerian land law is complex. And doing it remotely adds layers:

Signing documents via Power of Attorney
Verifying titles from 9,000 km away
Navigating Governor's Consent processes
Handling property taxes and fees

One wrong move and your $30,000 CAD is gone.

Challenge 5: Scammers Target Diaspora

You're the perfect mark for scammers:

You have foreign currency (assumed to be "rich")
You're not physically present (can't verify claims easily)
You might not know current Nigerian real estate practices
You're emotional about "investing back home" (clouds judgment)

Scammers know this. They craft convincing pitches, fake documents, and elaborate schemes specifically for diaspora investors.

But here's the thing: challenges don't mean impossible. They just mean you need a system.

The Step-by-Step System for Buying from Canada

Here's the exact process I recommend for Nigerian-Canadians buying property back home.

Step 1: Define Your Investment Goal (Before You Browse Listings)

Don't start by looking at properties. Start by clarifying what you want:

Option A: Rental Income Property

Buy a 2-3 bedroom apartment in a rental-heavy area
Furnish it and lease to tenants
Generate annual rental income in naira (convert to CAD as needed)
Best for: Investors wanting cash flow

Option B: Land Banking

Buy a plot of land in a developing area
Hold for 5-10 years as the area appreciates
Sell at 3-5× the purchase price
Best for: Long-term wealth building, lower management needs

Option C: Build Your Retirement/Family Home

Buy land, build a house over 1-3 years
Use it when visiting, or lease it until you retire
Best for: People planning to spend significant time in Nigeria eventually

Option D: Flip/Development

Buy land or distressed property
Develop and sell quickly
Best for: High-risk, high-reward investors with local partners

Knowing your goal determines your location, budget, and strategy.

Step 2: Set Your Budget in CAD (And Stick to It)

Decide how much you can allocate. Be realistic:

Starter Budget: $8,000 - $15,000 CAD

Buys a plot of land in developing areas (Epe, Ibeju-Lekki outskirts, Mowe, Ibafo)
Or a small apartment in secondary locations

Mid-Range Budget: $20,000 - $40,000 CAD

Buys land in better locations (Ajah, Sangotedo, parts of Lekki)
Or a 2-bedroom apartment for rentals

Premium Budget: $50,000 - $100,000+ CAD

Buys land in prime areas (Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, VGC)
Or builds a 3-4 bedroom duplex

Don't forget to budget for:

Legal fees (5-10% of purchase price)
Agent fees (5-10%)
Survey and verification costs ($500-$1,000 CAD)
Governor's Consent fee (15% in Lagos)
Transfer fees ($500-$1,500 CAD)

If your budget is $25,000 CAD, plan to spend only $20,000 on the property itself. The other $5,000 goes to transaction costs.

Step 3: Build Your Nigeria-Based Team

You can't do this alone from Calgary. You need boots on the ground.

Your Essential Team:

1. Property Lawyer (Non-Negotiable)

Verifies documents
Conducts land searches
Handles Governor's Consent application
Holds funds in escrow
Protects you legally

Cost: ₦300,000 - ₦1 million ($230-$770 CAD) depending on transaction complexity

How to find: Ask for referrals from other Nigerian-Canadians, check Nigerian Bar Association directory, interview 2-3 via Zoom before choosing.

2. Real Estate Agent (Preferably Someone You Trust)

Shows you properties via video call
Negotiates on your behalf
Coordinates inspections
Knows the local market

Cost: Usually 5-10% commission (paid by seller or split)

How to find: Referrals from family/friends in Nigeria, established agencies with diaspora experience, online reviews.

3. Surveyor (For Physical Verification)

Physically inspects the land
Verifies boundaries and size
Checks for encroachments
Provides measurement report

Cost: ₦150,000 - ₦500,000 ($120-$385 CAD)

4. Property Inspector/Project Manager (Optional but Recommended)

Your eyes on the ground
Takes photos/videos of properties
Verifies what the agent shows you is accurate
Can oversee construction if you're building

Cost: ₦50,000 - ₦200,000 per inspection ($40-$155 CAD)

Pro tip: If you have family in Nigeria, involve them—but also verify independently. Family can be incredibly helpful or incredibly problematic in real estate. Trust, but verify.

Step 4: Research and Shortlist Properties (Remotely)

Now you can start browsing. But do it smart.

Best Platforms for Nigerian Property Listings:

Nigeria Property Centre (nigeriapropertycentre.com)
PropertyPro.ng
Private Property Nigeria
Lamudi Nigeria
Jiji (more grassroots listings)

What to look for:

Properties with detailed photos (10+ images minimum)
Clear description of title documents (C of O mentioned)
Verified listings (platforms mark verified agents)
Properties within your budget INCLUDING transaction costs
Locations with good infrastructure (roads, electricity, water)

Create a shortlist of 5-8 properties.

Step 5: Virtual Inspection via Video Call

Don't rely on photos alone. They can be Photoshopped, outdated, or misleading.

Request LIVE video tours:

Schedule a WhatsApp or Zoom video call with the agent.

Ask them to:

Show you the property in real-time (not recorded video)
Walk the perimeter if it's land
Show neighboring properties
Show the street and access road
Answer your questions live

During the tour, ask:

What's the noise level like?
How's the road access during rainy season?
Are there any ongoing disputes with neighbors?
What's the power situation (NEPA hours per day)?
Where's the nearest hospital, school, market?

Record the video call (with permission) for your records.

Red flag: Agent refuses live video and only sends pre-recorded content.

Step 6: Document Verification (Don't Skip This)

Never, ever wire money before verifying documents.

Send the following documents to your lawyer:

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Survey Plan
Deed of Assignment (if applicable)
Governor's Consent (if applicable)
Receipts from the Land Registry

Your lawyer will:

Conduct a land search at the state land registry
Verify the C of O is legitimate and registered
Check if there are liens, caveats, or disputes on the property
Confirm the seller is the rightful owner
Verify the land isn't under government acquisition

This costs $500-$1,000 CAD but is non-negotiable.

Read our full guide on document verification.

Step 7: Negotiate Price (Yes, from Canada)

Nigerian real estate is highly negotiable. The listed price is almost never the final price.

Negotiation tactics:

Research comparable properties in the area (use your agent)
Point out any issues (bad road access, no C of O, needs repairs)
Offer 10-20% below asking price as your opening bid
Be willing to walk away (the best negotiating leverage)

Since you're in Canada, your agent or lawyer can negotiate on your behalf. Give them a maximum price you're willing to pay and let them work.

Example:

Listed price: ₦25 million
You offer: ₦20 million
Seller counters: ₦23 million
You counter: ₦21.5 million
Agreed: ₦22 million

You just saved ₦3 million ($2,300 CAD) with a few phone calls.

Step 8: Use Escrow for Payment (Protect Your Money)

NEVER wire money directly to the seller. Use a lawyer's escrow account.

How Escrow Works:

You and seller agree on price and terms
You wire funds to your lawyer's escrow account (a special trust account for holding client money)
Lawyer verifies all documents are in order
Lawyer confirms the transaction is legitimate
ONLY THEN does the lawyer release funds to the seller
Lawyer facilitates the transfer of title to you

This protects you because:

If documents are fake, lawyer doesn't release funds
If seller backs out, you get your money back
Lawyer is professionally liable if they mishandle your funds

How to send money from Canada to Nigeria:

Option A: Bank Wire Transfer

Most secure
Costs: 2-4% in fees + exchange rate markup
Timeline: 3-5 business days

Option B: Specialist Transfer Services

Wise (formerly TransferWise)
RemitBee (Canada-specific, often better rates than banks)
WorldRemit

These often have lower fees than banks (1-2%) and better exchange rates.

Never use:

Western Union or MoneyGram for large property transactions (too risky)
Cash (invites fraud and leaves no paper trail)
Direct transfers to individuals (always use lawyer's escrow)

Step 9: Execute the Sale Documents (Via Power of Attorney)

You're in Canada. The sale is happening in Nigeria. You can't sign documents in person.

Solution: Power of Attorney (POA).

How it Works:

Your lawyer drafts a Power of Attorney document
You sign it in Canada in front of a Canadian notary public
The POA is authenticated/apostilled (certified for international use)
The POA is sent to Nigeria
Your lawyer (or designated representative) signs documents on your behalf

What the POA allows:

Signing the Deed of Assignment
Completing the land transfer
Applying for Governor's Consent
Registering the property in your name

Important: Make the POA specific (limited to this one transaction) not general (which gives broad powers and is risky).

Cost of notarization/apostille in Canada: $100-$300 CAD.

Step 10: Apply for Governor's Consent

After the sale completes, you must apply for Governor's Consent to legalize the transfer.

Your lawyer handles this, but you need to:

Pay the consent fee (15% of property value in Lagos)
Provide tax clearance certificates
Submit required documents

Timeline: 6-12 months (sometimes longer)

Cost: 15% of property value + lawyer's processing fee

Read our detailed guide on Governor's Consent.

Step 11: Secure the Property

Once the sale is done, protect your investment:

If it's land:

Fence the perimeter immediately (₦200,000-₦500,000)
Hire a security guard or caretaker (₦40,000-₦60,000/month)
Put up signage with your lawyer's contact info
Visit (or have someone visit) regularly to check for encroachment

If it's a building:

Change all locks
Install basic security (cameras if budget allows)
Hire a property manager if you're renting it out
Ensure utilities are connected and paid

Step 12: Manage Remotely (Ongoing)

If you're generating rental income or building:

Hire a Property Manager (₦50,000-₦150,000/month or 10% of rent)

Finds tenants
Collects rent
Handles maintenance
Sends you monthly reports and photos

Set up remote monitoring:

CCTV cameras you can view from Canada via phone app
Regular video calls with your property manager
Quarterly inspections by a trusted person
Bank account in Nigeria for receiving rent (then transfer to Canada periodically)

Specific Tips for Canadian Buyers

Tax Considerations

In Nigeria:

You'll pay property tax annually (varies by state, usually minimal)
You'll pay income tax on rental income in Nigeria (file with FIRS)

In Canada:

You must declare foreign property worth over $100,000 CAD on your T1135 form
Rental income from Nigeria is taxable in Canada (but you get credit for taxes paid in Nigeria to avoid double taxation)

Consult a Canadian accountant familiar with international property to ensure compliance.

Currency Management

Strategy 1: Buy When CAD Is Strong Monitor CAD/NGN exchange rates. When CAD strengthens, that's your buying window.

Strategy 2: Lock In Exchange Rates Some currency services offer rate locks if you're planning a purchase in 30-60 days.

Strategy 3: Keep Rental Income in Naira If you're collecting rent, consider leaving it in a Nigerian account to:

Avoid conversion fees on small amounts
Use for property maintenance
Build up for future Nigerian investments

Only convert to CAD when you actually need it or when rates are favorable.

Visiting Your Property

Plan to visit Nigeria at least once during the buying process (ideally) and once every 1-2 years after purchase.

When to visit:

During final document signing (if you don't use POA)
When construction starts (if building)
When construction completes
To check on rental property condition

Book your trip during less busy times (avoid December's high ticket prices).

Biggest Mistakes Nigerian-Canadians Make

Learn from others' errors:

Mistake 1: Trusting Family Blindly

"My cousin will handle it" turns into "My cousin bought land in his own name" or "My cousin pocketed half the construction budget."

Family can help, but verify independently. Use lawyers. Get receipts. Check documents.

Mistake 2: Buying in Areas They Remember from 20 Years Ago

"I grew up in Mushin, so I'll buy there."

But Mushin hasn't appreciated much. Meanwhile, Lekki exploded.

Buy based on current market dynamics, not nostalgia.

Mistake 3: Underestimating Costs

"The land is $20,000, I have $20,000, I'm good!"

Then you discover:

Legal fees: $1,500
Governor's consent: $3,000
Fencing: $400
Agent fee: $2,000

You're $7,000 short.

Budget 30-40% above the property price for total transaction costs.

Mistake 4: Buying Without Visiting (Ever)

Some people buy purely remotely and never see the property in person.

That works sometimes. But you're risking discovering issues later.

If possible, visit before buying or within 6 months after purchase.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Infrastructure

"The price is great!"

But there's no road access. No electricity. No water. And it'll cost you $10,000 to fix.

Cheap land in undeveloped areas might cost more long-term than expensive land in developed areas.

Should You Use a Real Estate Company or Go Independent?

Independent Route (Using Agents and Lawyers):

Pros:

Potentially lower costs
More control over the process
Wider selection of properties

Cons:

You coordinate everything yourself
Higher risk of fraud
More time-intensive

Real Estate Company (Like Holford Homes):

Pros:

Pre-verified properties with clear title
One point of contact for everything
Streamlined process for diaspora buyers
Legal and technical teams already in place
Ongoing property management services

Cons:

Potentially higher property prices (due to company overhead)
Limited to their inventory

My recommendation: If it's your first Nigerian property purchase, use an established company. The peace of mind and reduced fraud risk are worth it.

Once you have experience, you can venture into independent purchases.

Explore our diaspora-focused properties or book a free consultation.

Your Timeline: How Long Does This Actually Take?

From decision to owning property:

Week 1-2: Define goals, set budget, assemble team (lawyer, agent)
Week 3-6: Research properties, virtual tours, shortlist
Week 7-8: Document verification, due diligence
Week 9-10: Negotiation, agreement
Week 11: Payment via escrow, sale execution
Week 12: POA processing (if needed)
Month 4-12: Governor's Consent processing

Total: 3-12 months from start to legally owning property.

Building takes longer (6-18 months depending on size).

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This

Yes, you're 9,000 km away. Yes, the time zones are annoying. Yes, there are risks.

But thousands of Nigerian-Canadians are successfully building wealth through Nigerian real estate every single year.

You're earning in one of the world's strongest currencies. Nigerian property—bought smart—can grow your wealth faster than most Canadian investments.

Just don't rush. Don't skip steps. Don't trust blindly.

Verify. Use professionals. Protect your money.

Your future self—sitting in that Lagos home during Christmas, or collecting rental income, or passing wealth to your kids—will thank you.

Start today. Define your goal. Set your budget. Build your team.

Your Nigerian property journey begins with one decision: "I'm doing this right."

Are you a Nigerian-Canadian who's bought property back home? What was your experience? Share in the comments or join our diaspora investor community.

Questions about buying from Canada? Book a free consultation and let's discuss your specific situation.