For over a decade, real estate has been one of the most resilient wealth-building vehicles for Nigerians in the diaspora. Yet, for many professionals living in the UK, US, and Canada, the hesitation remains the same — “Can I really invest safely from abroad?”
The answer is yes — but only with the right structure, verification, and trusted partners.
As of 2025, the Nigerian real estate sector has grown into a ₦9 trillion ($6.5 billion) market, with strong demand in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Diaspora remittances, estimated at $20.9 billion in 2024, remain a major capital source for property purchases back home. (nairametrics.com)
This means your pounds, dollars, or Canadian dollars can do far more for you when properly invested through a research-driven real estate company such as Attractive Property Plus (APP).
Understanding Your Real Estate Options from Abroad
1. Land Banking for Capital Appreciation
Buy plots in emerging development corridors — for example, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Sangotedo (Lagos) or Kuje, Lugbe (Abuja) — hold for 3-5 years, and resell at a profit.
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Typical ROI (2020 – 2025 average): 150 % – 300 % depending on infrastructure roll-out.
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Ideal for diaspora investors who want low-maintenance, high-return plays.
2. Off-Plan and Co-Investment Developments
Join verified off-plan housing schemes or diaspora-specific developments, where you buy at pre-construction price.
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Advantages: lower entry cost, flexible payment plans, modern builds.
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Risk control: ensure developer escrow structure and approved building plans.
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Example: diaspora-targeted estates in Ajah, Lekki Phase II, Gwarinpa and Port Harcourt New Town.
3. Short-Let Apartments and Rental Properties
Diaspora investors can fund apartments for Airbnb or serviced-apartment rentals, managed by on-ground firms.
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Prime zones: Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Wuse 2, Maitama.
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Typical ROI: 8 – 15 % annual rental yield + capital appreciation.
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APP’s diaspora management service handles tenant sourcing, rent collection, and maintenance remotely.
4. Build-to-Rent or Build-to-Sell Projects
For professionals with stable foreign income, you can finance small-scale residential builds. APP and partner architects manage site construction, compliance, and cost reporting while you monitor progress via video updates.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Invest Safely from the UK, US, or Canada
Step 1: Define Your Objective and Timeline
Are you investing for capital growth, passive rental income, or a retirement plan?
This determines your property type, budget, and exit strategy.
Step 2: Choose a Trusted, CAC-Registered Real Estate Partner
Avoid informal agents. Work with licensed firms that have:
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Corporate registration (CAC),
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Verifiable project portfolio, and
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Experience serving diaspora clients.
At APP, for example, over 60 % of our 2024 investors were diaspora-based clients.
Step 3: Verify the Property and Documentation
From abroad, insist on:
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Scanned certified documents (C of O, Deed of Assignment, Survey Plan)
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Independent legal verification through your lawyer
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Virtual inspection via Zoom or drone footage
Step 4: Structure Payment and Documentation Correctly
Transfer funds only to the developer’s corporate account or escrow, never to a personal account.
Execute all contracts digitally (DocuSign or notarised scans) and ensure your Deed of Assignment and Allocation Letter are issued in your name.
Step 5: Register Ownership and Appoint a Property Manager
Once you own the property, perfect your title and assign a professional property management firm to handle maintenance, tenants, or resale while you’re abroad.
Legal and Financial Tips for Diaspora Investors
Currency and Tax Considerations
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Convert strategically: transfer when the Naira is weak to maximise value.
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Keep proper transaction records for UK/US/Canada tax reporting (avoid double taxation).
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Use licensed money-transfer operators (Remitly, Sendwave, Flutterwave, etc.) that comply with CBN anti-money-laundering regulations.
Power of Attorney (POA)
When you can’t be physically present, issue a registered POA to a lawyer or family member for signing and representation. It must be notarised and filed with the State Lands Registry to be valid.
Local Compliance
Confirm that the developer’s layout is approved by the State Ministry of Physical Planning and the Land Bureau. Non-approved layouts can lead to future demolition or acquisition disputes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Paying deposits before confirming title authenticity.
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Buying through unverified third-party “agents” on social media.
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Failing to document the full payment process.
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Ignoring community dues or development levies after purchase.
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Not defining an exit plan or ROI timeline.
How Attractive Property Plus (APP) Simplifies the Diaspora Investment Journey
At APP, we’ve built a complete remote-investment ecosystem for Nigerians abroad:
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Verified properties with clean titles and survey plans.
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Virtual inspections and transparent reporting.
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Secure escrow payments through corporate accounts.
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End-to-end management, from purchase to tenancy.
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ROI tracking dashboard for diaspora clients (quarterly performance reports).
Whether you’re based in London, Houston, Toronto, or Vancouver, our team handles every process step in your time zone.
Final Thoughts & CTA
Real estate investment back home isn’t just emotional — it’s a strategic move to protect and multiply your hard-earned foreign income.
Book a free virtual consultation with our team today.
Let Attractive Property Plus help you invest right, from anywhere in the world.
⭐️ Attractive Property Plus
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