Why is it that every time someone wants to buy land or a house in Nigeria, the first thing they ask is, “Hope it’s not scam?”

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Why is it that every time someone wants to buy land or a house in Nigeria, the first thing they ask is, “Hope it’s not scam?”


Think about how Nigerians choose where to live. It's like when your mother goes to the market - she doesn't just buy from anybody. She has her special meat seller she trusts, she looks for the best price, and she wants to be sure she's not being cheated. Buying or renting a house is the same, just bigger.


THE BIG PROBLEMS NIGERIAN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES MUST SOLVE


1. THE TRUST PROBLEM (I DON'T WANT TO BE SCAMMED)


This is the biggest problem in Nigeria. Remember all those stories about people who paid for houses in Lekki or Ajah, only for the developer to disappear? Or those who bought land and later found out it belongs to government?


How to solve this:

- Show people real houses you have built before, not just fine drawings

- Let buyers meet families already living in your houses

- Have an office people can walk into, not just WhatsApp number

- Work with known banks like GTB or First Bank for payment

- Give proper receipts and agreements, not just handwritten paper


Real example: When Landmark Group builds estates, they first show you Landmark Beach and other projects they have finished. You can see they are not '419'. That's why people trust them.


What you can do today:

- Create a WhatsApp group for all your buyers to talk to each other

- Do video tours showing real people living in houses you built

- Partner with a respected church or mosque in the community

- Use known lawyers that people can verify


2. THE MONEY PROBLEM (I CAN'T PAY EVERYTHING AT ONCE)


Most Nigerians don't have 20 million naira sitting in their account. Even civil servants who earn 100,000 naira monthly want to own houses.


How to solve this:

- Create payment plans that match salary dates

- Accept part payment (like paying small-small)

- Show them how rent money can become house money

- Help them calculate what they can afford


Real example: When you go to Computer Village to buy phone, they let you pay installment. Same thing. Propertymart does something like this - you can pay for land small-small over 12 months.


What you can do:

- Create a plan where someone paying 200,000 rent yearly can own a house

- Start a "From Rent to Owner" program

- Help people save towards their house (like contribution or ajo)

- Connect them with NHF (National Housing Fund) for cheap loans


3. THE FEAR OF WAHALA (INFRASTRUCTURE PROBLEMS)


Nigerians are tired of moving into fine houses with no light, no water, bad roads. During rainy season, they can't even drive home.


How to solve this:

- Show proof of basic amenities working

- Provide alternative solutions (solar, borehole)

- Be honest about what is available and what is coming

- Show the estate during rain to prove no flooding


Real example: In many estates in Magodo, they show you the transformer, the borehole, the solar streetlights. You can see everything working before you pay.


What you can do:

- Make videos during rainy season showing your drainage works

- Install prepaid meters so people can manage their light bills

- Dig borehole and overhead tank before selling

- Tar your roads or use good interlocking stones


4. THE SAFETY FEAR (IS MY FAMILY SECURE?)


Every Nigerian thinks about armed robbers, kidnappers, and even area boys causing trouble.


How to solve this:

- Show your security arrangements clearly

- Have proper fence and gates

- Good streetlights that work

- Security men that are trained, not just old baba wearing uniform


Real example: Most estates in Lekki Phase 1 have security gates, CCTV cameras you can see, and security men that check visitors. That's why people pay more to live there.


What you can do:

- Install CCTV that residents can watch on their phones

- Create WhatsApp security group for the estate

- Have generator for security lights even when NEPA takes light

- Build proper fence, not just small blocks


5. THE FOMO (FEAR OF MISSING OUT)


This is when people rush to buy because they think: "If I don't buy now, I will miss it" or "Price will go up tomorrow."


How to solve this:

- Show how your land price increased over the years

- Display "Only 3 plots left" when true

- Share stories of people who bought early and gained

- Create waiting list for next phase


Real example: People who bought land in Ibeju-Lekki 5 years ago for 500,000 naira are now selling for 5 million. When people hear this, they rush to buy.


What you can do:

- Share price history charts on your WhatsApp status

- Do early bird discounts for first 10 buyers

- Show testimonies of people who gained from buying early

- Create urgency: "Price goes up after December"


6. THE PACKAGING AND STATUS PROBLEM


Nigerians like when people know they have "arrived." They want to tell people "I live in that estate" and feel proud.


How to solve this:

- Give your estate a fine name that sounds good

- Make the gate and entrance fine

- Plant flowers and make everywhere neat

- Create residence card that looks classy


Real example: Why do people like Banana Island? It's not just the houses. It's the name, the prestige. When you say "I live in Banana Island," people respect you.


What you can do:

- Use names like "Royal Gardens," "Harmony Estate," not "Baba Ijebu Layout"

- Paint houses with modern colors, not old-fashioned brown

- Create Instagram page showing beautiful parts of your estate

- Organize estate parties where residents can show off to friends


7. THE COMMUNITY PROBLEM (WHO ARE MY NEIGHBORS?)


Nigerians care about who they live near. Are they responsible people? Are they troublesome? Will our children play together safely?


How to solve this:

- Create family-friendly environments

- Organize estate meetings and fun days

- Have playground for children

- Screen buyers to ensure responsible people


Real example: In VGC Estate, they have residents' association, children's playground, and organize Christmas parties. People become like family.


What you can do:

- Create estate WhatsApp group before people even move in

- Organize monthly sanitation where neighbors meet

- Build small playground or football field

- Have estate rules that everyone must follow


SIMPLE STRATEGY FOR NIGERIAN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES


For Lagos Market:

Tell them: "Own your house in Lagos with your rent money. No stories, no wahala."


For Abuja Market:

Tell them: "Build your future in the FCT. Government-approved, bank-supported."


For Port Harcourt Market:

Tell them: "Quality houses in safe estates. Pay small-small, enjoy forever."


For Ibadan Market:

Tell them: "Modern living, Ibadan prices. Your children will thank you."


HOW TO START USING THESE TRIGGERS TODAY


Morning: Post pictures of happy families in your houses on WhatsApp status

Afternoon: Share calculation showing rent vs ownership costs

Evening: Post security guard at gate saying "Welcome to Safe Haven Estate"


Remember: Nigerians buy houses when they trust you, when they can afford it, and when they feel safe. If you solve these three, you will sell.


THE MOST IMPORTANT THING


Don't promise what you cannot do. If you say there will be swimming pool, build the swimming pool. If you say 6 months payment plan, keep to it. 


Nigerians talk. One happy buyer brings 10 more buyers. One angry buyer spoils your name everywhere, from Twitter to wedding parties.


Build trust first, money will follow.


Jbm Sopuruchukwu — The Copywriter focused on multiplying Nigerian business revenue.

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