What It Really Takes to Be a Realtor in Nigeria: Lessons From PropertyPro Agents Across the Country

Last year, we had the privilege of sitting down with some of our top agents across Nigeria from the bustling streets of Lagos, to the fast-developing estates in Abuja, and the emerging markets of Ibadan and Port Harcourt.

Each conversation revealed something unique about the realities of working in Nigerian real estate: the constant demand, the everyday challenges, and the sheer determination it takes to thrive in one of the country’s most competitive industries.

Because here’s the truth, real estate in Nigeria isn’t just about land or buildings. It’s about people. It’s a business built on trust, timing, and tenacity. And when you hear the stories directly from the agents behind every successful deal, you realize there’s always a human story behind every transaction.

Starting Out in a Tough Industry

Interestingly, most agents didn’t set out to become realtors. Some started by helping family or friends sell land; others stumbled into the profession by chance, one opportunity that turned into a full-time career.

Giwa Realty, one of the agents we spoke with, laughed as he recalled how it all began:

“Someone asked me to help them find a buyer. I made my first commission and realized, okay, maybe I can do this.”

That single transaction opened a door. From there came the hard part, learning the market, building networks, understanding land documentation, and mastering negotiation.

But every agent agreed on one thing: real estate is not easy money. You can go months without a deal, face rejection, or lose clients because of slow paperwork. Yet, those who stay consistent eventually build something more valuable than profit trust.

As Elijah Homes and Apartment put it:

“You must develop thick skin and patience. Real estate will test your confidence, your ethics, and your endurance. But when you finally close that deal, the satisfaction is worth it.”

Integrity and Fairness: The Real Test

One of the trickiest parts of the job is managing multiple clients who want the same property, something that happens frequently in Lagos and Abuja where demand moves faster than supply.

According to Spudy Properties:

“It’s simple. You tell both parties the truth. The first to make a verified financial commitment gets it. There’s no need for secrecy or favoritism.”

In Nigerian real estate, reputation travels faster than adverts. One poorly handled deal can damage years of credibility. Many top agents told us their biggest asset isn’t money or marketing, it’s integrity.

As PCL Homes (Abuja) put it:

“You can’t buy trust with commission. You earn it with honesty. A good name will open more doors for you than any campaign ever could.”

Asking the Right Questions

While every client wants something different, successful agents know that good deals begin with great questions.

Elijah Homes explained: “Many clients tell you what they want, but they don’t always know what they need. My job is to help them figure that out.”

That means understanding their budget, lifestyle, long-term goals, and motivations. Are they buying to live, to rent out, or to flip later? Do they prefer peace and quiet or proximity to the city?

Giwa Realty added: “The question I always ask first is: Why this property? Once I know the ‘why,’ I can tell if it’s the right fit or just what looks good.”

These questions often save clients from rushed or emotional purchases because in real estate, knowing when to walk away can be just as valuable as closing a deal.

The Market Is Growing and Changing Fast

Across the country, one theme came up in every conversation: Nigeria’s property market is evolving quickly.

In Lagos, rentals dominate. Even wealthy investors prefer short-term cash flow to long-term ownership. “Lagos is a rental economy,” said Spudy Properties. “People are always moving, and developers survive by selling fast or renting high.”

In Ibadan, it’s all about land. With infrastructure improving and new estates emerging, investors are rushing in.

 “People are beginning to see Ibadan as the next big thing,” noted PCL Homes. “You can still buy land affordably and build gradually — something rare in Lagos.”

In Abuja, structure and security drive demand. And in Port Harcourt and Enugu, returning diaspora Nigerians and business owners are fueling steady growth.

What ties these regions together is optimism. More Nigerians are researching, verifying, and comparing before they buy. Whether it’s a first-time buyer in Mowe or an investor in Ibeju-Lekki, clients are becoming smarter and more intentional than ever.

How to Avoid Real Estate Scams in Nigeria

Avoiding Real Estate Scams

Every agent had a story to tell about fraud, a client nearly duped by a fake “landlord,” a forged C of O, or payments made to the wrong person.

Their collective advice was clear: verify everything.

• Work only with verified agents.
• Always inspect the property yourself.
• Don’t pay until documentation checks out.
• Use trusted platforms to connect with verified agents.

As Elijah Homes shared:

“PropertyPro has helped reduce that risk. Clients feel safer because they can check verified listings, see our profiles, and contact us directly. It makes everything more professional.”

PropertyPro’s Impact on Nigerian Realtors

When asked how PropertyPro has changed their businesses, the feedback was consistent: visibility, credibility, and serious leads.

“Before, we relied on referrals or signboards,” said Giwa Realty. “Now clients call after seeing our listings online. They already know what they want, it saves time and builds confidence.”

Spudy Properties added: “The platform makes small agents look big. You can showcase your listings next to major firms and still stand out. It levels the playing field.”

What Every Buyer Should Know

If you’re planning to buy property in Nigeria, every agent has the same message: do your homework, but trust the process.

Buying a home is emotional, and emotions can cloud judgment. You might fall for a beautiful house but overlook hidden legal or structural issues. That’s why experienced agents insist on documentation and professional verification.

PCL Homes warned: “If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. Ask questions, involve professionals, and never skip due diligence.”

Beyond the paperwork, buyers should also think long-term. A property isn’t just a dream, it’s a financial asset that should fit your goals for income, security, or family growth.

Top Emerging Property Markets in Nigeria

Looking Ahead: The Future of Nigerian Real Estate

So, what’s next for real estate in Nigeria?

Every agent we interviewed agreed the industry is becoming more competitive, digital, and transparent. Buyers now expect professionalism, verified listings, and quick response times.

As Elijah Homes summed it up perfectly:

“In this business, you can’t fake knowledge or integrity. Clients will test you. The agents who survive are the ones who know their market, stay honest, and treat every deal like their reputation depends on it because it does.”

From Lagos’ busy rental corridors to Ibadan’s fast-growing estates, Nigerian realtors are doing more than selling property; they’re shaping how people live, invest, and dream.