Buying property without a lawyer: is it worth the risk?
June 26, 2025
Buying land or a house is not beans. It’s a serious financial move that needs your full attention, especially in a country like Nigeria where land issues can be anything but straightforward. From fake owners to confusing documents and even government wahala, buying property can be risky if you’re not careful. Here’s the big question. Can you buy land without involving a lawyer? Is it a smart move or a gamble?
At Pryme Point Real Estate, we’ve seen both sides of the coin; people who got lucky, and others who ended up losing millions. So, let’s break it down.
Why Do You Even Need a Lawyer?
A lawyer’s job in a land deal is not just to print documents or collect signatures. The real work is in doing what’s called due diligence. That means checking if the land truly belongs to who’s selling it, making sure the documents are clean, and finding out if the property has any issues like debt, court cases, or government claims.
At Pryme Point, we always encourage our clients to bring in a property lawyer from the very beginning. Don’t wait until it’s time to sign. By then, it might be too late.
What Can Go Wrong If You Skip the Lawyer?
Let’s be honest. In Nigeria, if anything can go wrong with land, it usually will. Here are a few things that can happen:
- Fake Owners or Double Sale: You might think you’re buying from the rightful owner, but some people are just scammers. And sometimes, the land has already been sold to someone else. Without a lawyer to run checks, you won’t know until the trouble starts.
- Hidden Problems with the Title: A piece of land might be under government acquisition, or maybe the seller hasn’t paid land use charges. If you don’t find this out before payment, you might be stuck with a big problem.
- Incomplete or Unclear Documents: Even when the seller is legit, the paperwork might not be. Missing signatures, unregistered documents, or old survey plans can make it hard for you to claim ownership later.
Trying to Save Money Might Cost You More
A lot of people avoid lawyers because of the extra cost. It’s understandable. Land is already expensive. But the truth is, trying to save that money can end up costing you a whole lot more. At Pryme Point, we’ve had clients who ignored legal advice and later came crying when things went sideways.
How We Do Things at Pryme Point
We don’t play with our clients’ investments. That’s why we work closely with trusted lawyers and even offer legal consultation as part of our process. Our properties are pre-checked, and we make sure the documents are clean before you even make an offer.
One of our clients, for example, almost bought a plot that was under government acquisition. He didn’t want to spend on legal fees at first, but after a quick check by our lawyer, we found the issue and stopped the deal just in time. He later got a better, verified plot with peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Buying land without a lawyer might feel like a fast or cheaper route, but it’s often not worth the risk. You’re not just buying soil; you’re buying your future peace of mind. With proper legal backing, you protect yourself from stories that touch. At Pryme Point Real Estate, we don’t just sell land. We help you buy smart and safe. If you’re ready to invest, let’s walk through it the right way, together.