The property looks perfect in the photos. Beautiful 3-bedroom duplex in Lekki. Modern finishes. ₦45 million. Your dream retirement home.

But you're in London. The property is in Lagos. That's a £1,500 flight and a week off work just to see it in person.

Can you really buy property you've never physically seen? Should you?

The answer: You can. People do it successfully every day. But only if you use the right inspection methods and technology.

Gone are the days when diaspora buyers had to fly home for every property viewing. In 2025, you can conduct 80-90% of your due diligence remotely using virtual tours, drones, video calls, and trusted representatives.

But you have to do it right. Because photos lie. Videos can be edited. And trusting the wrong person costs you £30,000.

Let me show you how to inspect Nigerian property from abroad without getting scammed.

Level 1: Basic Remote Inspection (Minimum Standard)

1. Live Video Tour (Not Pre-Recorded)

Don't accept: Pre-recorded videos or photo galleries

Demand: Live video call walkthrough via WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime

Why: Live video prevents:

• Showing you a different property
• Editing out problems
• Using old footage of property that's deteriorated
• Showing staged photos that don't match reality

How to conduct a live tour:

Schedule a video call with the agent or property manager. During the call, ask them to:

Show the exterior from multiple angles Walk through every room slowly Open closets, cabinets, storage areas Turn on faucets (check water pressure) Flip light switches (confirm electricity works) Show the ceiling in every room (check for water damage, cracks) Show windows and doors (verify they open/close/lock) Show the compound/backyard/parking Pan the camera 360° in each room Show the street outside (assess neighborhood) Show neighboring properties (gauge area quality)

Record the video call (with permission) so you can review it later and share with your lawyer or contractor for a second opinion.

Red flag: Agent refuses live video or insists on only sending pre-recorded content.

2. Request Multiple Recent Photos (Timestamped)

Ask for 30-50 photos taken within the last 7 days, including:

• Front exterior
• Back/side exteriors
• Every room from multiple angles
• Bathrooms (toilets, sinks, showers)
• Kitchen (appliances, plumbing)
• Ceilings (check for cracks, water stains)
• Floors (tiles, condition)
• Windows and doors
• Electrical fixtures
• Compound/yard
• Street view
• Neighboring properties

Insist on photos showing today's newspaper or a specific object you request (proves they're recent, not stock photos).

3. Google Maps & Street View Verification

Before you even schedule a tour:

Step 1: Copy the property address into Google Maps

Step 2: Check:

• Does the location actually exist?
• Does Street View show the property (or at least the street)?
• What's the neighborhood like (visible development, roads, other buildings)?
• How far is it from key areas (expressways, markets, schools)?

Step 3: Use satellite view to check:

• Property footprint (size and shape)
• Surrounding development density
• Road access
• Any visible issues (swampy areas, proximity to dumps, etc.)

Red flag: Address doesn't appear on Google Maps, or location looks completely different from what agent described.

Level 2: Intermediate Inspection (Highly Recommended)

4. Hire an Independent Property Inspector

Don't rely solely on the seller's agent. Hire your own inspector.

What they do:

• Visit the property in person
• Take detailed photos and videos for you
• Check structural integrity (cracks, foundation issues)
• Test electrical systems
• Test plumbing (water pressure, drainage)
• Verify property boundaries
• Check for flooding evidence
• Assess build quality
• Provide written report with findings

Cost: ₦100,000 - ₦300,000 ($65-$195 USD)

Where to find:

• Ask your property lawyer for referrals
• Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) directory
• Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
• Recommendations from other diaspora investors

Insist on:

• Video call during the inspection (you watch live via WhatsApp)
• Timestamped photos
• Written report
• Their professional credentials (license number)

5. Drone Footage (Game-Changer)

Drones provide aerial perspective that ground-level photos can't match.

What drone footage reveals:

• Actual property size and shape
• Boundary verification (is it really 500 sqm?)
• Roof condition (leaks, damage, quality)
• Compound layout
• Surrounding area (development density, road access)
• Flooding risk (low-lying areas, proximity to waterways)
• Neighboring properties (are they nice or sketchy?)

How to get it:

Many Nigerian property photographers now offer drone services.

Cost: ₦50,000 - ₦150,000 ($30-$100 USD) for 10-15 minutes of footage

Request:

• Multiple angles (360° view)
• Close-up roof shots
• Wide shots showing the neighborhood
• Videos, not just still photos

Bonus: Drone footage also serves as baseline documentation (prove the property's condition at purchase if disputes arise later).

6. Hire a Local "Boots on the Ground" Representative

This person physically visits the property on your behalf and acts as your eyes and ears.

Who can be your representative:

• Family member you trust (proceed carefully)
• Professional property consultant
• Your lawyer (though they may charge extra)
• A paid independent inspector
• Fellow diaspora investor you've met in online communities who lives in Nigeria

What they do:

• Visit at different times (morning, afternoon, evening to check different conditions)
• Talk to neighbors (ask about area safety, flooding, omonile issues)
• Verify documents by comparing property description to what's actually there
• Check utilities (NEPA power schedule, water availability, internet access)
• Assess security (gate, fence, neighborhood watch)
• Test appliances and fixtures
• Look for deal-breakers you might miss on video

How much to pay:

• Family: Cover expenses + something for their time (₦50,000-₦100,000)
• Professional: ₦150,000-₦400,000 ($100-$260 USD)

Critical: Give them a detailed checklist of what to inspect. Don't assume they know what matters to you.

Level 3: Advanced Inspection (For Large Purchases)

For properties over $40,000 or when you're particularly risk-averse:

7. Structural Engineer Assessment

Especially important for existing buildings (less critical for land).

What they check:

• Foundation integrity
• Structural cracks (cosmetic vs serious)
• Load-bearing walls and columns
• Roof structure
• Electrical wiring quality and safety
• Plumbing system integrity
• Evidence of waterlogging or foundation issues
• Building code compliance

Cost: ₦200,000 - ₦600,000 ($130-$390 USD)

Worth it for:

• Properties over 10 years old
• Any building showing visible cracks or damage
• Properties in flood-prone areas
• If you plan major renovations (need to know what you're working with)

8. Environmental Assessment

Check for:

• Flooding history (talk to neighbors, check rainy season patterns)
• Soil stability (especially important if you're buying land to build)
• Proximity to industrial pollution (factories, refineries)
• Erosion risk
• Water table level (affects foundation and plumbing)

How:

• Hire a surveyor to assess soil (₦150,000-₦300,000)
• Talk to neighbors about flooding
• Visit during/after rainy season if possible (or send someone)
• Check historical flood maps for the area

9. Legal and Title Deep Dive

Hire your lawyer to conduct comprehensive title search:

• Verify Certificate of Occupancy at Land Registry
• Check for encumbrances, liens, or caveats
• Verify seller's ownership chain
• Confirm no ongoing litigation
• Check Governor's Consent history
• Verify the property isn't in a government acquisition zone

Cost: ₦300,000 - ₦1,000,000 ($195-$650 USD) depending on complexity

This is non-negotiable for any serious purchase.

Read our complete guide on document verification.

The Technology Toolkit for Remote Inspection

Video Call Apps

• WhatsApp Video: Most common in Nigeria, works on low bandwidth
• Zoom: Better quality, screen sharing for document review
• Google Meet: Good alternative to Zoom
• FaceTime: If both parties have Apple devices

Cloud Storage & Sharing

• Google Drive: Share inspection photos/videos
• Dropbox: Good for large video files
• WeTransfer: Easy for sending large files without account

Project Management

• Trello: Create checklist of inspection items, track progress
• Notion: Document everything in one place
• Google Sheets: Track properties you're considering, comparison data

Communication

• WhatsApp Business: Professional communication with agents
• Email: Keep formal record of all communications
• Voice notes: Sometimes easier than typing for detailed questions

Payment for Inspection Services

• Wise: Low-fee international transfers
• Remitly/WorldRemit: Alternative transfer services
• Bank transfer: For larger amounts to lawyer's escrow account

The Inspection Checklist: What to Look For

Make a copy of this checklist and share with whoever is inspecting the property:

Exterior

• Walls: cracks, paint condition, structural integrity
• Roof: leaks, missing tiles, overall condition
• Foundation: cracks, settling, water damage
• Gates and fencing: security, functionality
• Compound: drainage, paving, landscaping
• Parking: space, security
• External plumbing: visible pipes, drainage systems

Interior - Every Room

• Walls: cracks, dampness, mold, paint condition
• Ceilings: water stains, sagging, cracks
• Floors: level, tiles intact, no major cracks
• Doors: open/close properly, locks work
• Windows: intact, open/close, locks work, screens present
• Lighting: all fixtures work, adequate outlets
• Ventilation: windows open, fans work, AC units functional

Kitchen

• Cabinets: doors work, hinges intact, sufficient storage
• Countertops: condition, material quality
• Sink: drainage works, no leaks, water pressure adequate
• Appliances (if included): stove, oven, fridge tested and working
• Plumbing: no visible leaks under sink
• Electrical: outlets work, sufficient for appliances

Bathrooms

• Toilets: flush properly, no cracks, tanks work
• Sinks: drainage works, faucets don't leak
• Showers/tubs: water pressure adequate, drainage works, tiles intact
• Hot water: heater works (if present)
• Ventilation: window or extractor fan present
• Waterproofing: no mold, dampness, or water damage

Utilities

• Electricity: NEPA hours per day, prepaid meter present, all circuits work
• Water: source (NEPA, borehole, well), water pressure, consistency
• Generator/inverter: present, working, capacity adequate
• Internet: fiber available in area, speed, provider options

Property Documents (Verify Against Physical Property)

• Plot size matches survey plan
• Boundaries match description
• Address matches C of O
• No encroachments from neighbors
• Property number/description matches documents

Neighborhood

• Road access: tarred, accessible during rain, potholes
• Security: neighborhood watch, recent crime incidents
• Development: other buildings, occupancy rate
• Amenities: schools, hospitals, markets nearby
• Noise: traffic, generators, commercial activity
• Flooding: ask neighbors about rainy season

Red Flags to Watch For

During remote inspection, these are instant deal-breakers:

Agent refuses live video tour Photos look professionally staged (might not represent current state) Property condition significantly worse than listing photos Major structural cracks in walls or foundation Evidence of recurring flooding Neighbors report ongoing disputes or omonile problems Utilities don't work (no power, no water) Property boundaries don't match documents Neighbors say property belongs to someone else Property is significantly smaller than claimed Area feels unsafe even during daytime visit Agent/seller evasive about answering specific questions Inspector finds issues agent didn't disclose

If you see 3+ red flags, walk away.

What If You Absolutely Can't Inspect?

Sometimes, despite best efforts, you can't get adequate remote inspection:

Option 1: Don't Buy The safest option. Wait until you can visit Nigeria or find a better-documented property.

Option 2: Buy Only from Established Companies Companies like Holford Homes pre-verify properties, provide virtual tours, have legal teams, and offer guarantees.

Option 3: Make Offer Contingent on Inspection "I'll buy if my representative's inspection within 30 days shows no major issues. Otherwise, deposit is refunded."

Option 4: Build Inspection Cost into Budget Spend $1,000-$2,000 on comprehensive third-party inspection before committing.

How Holford Homes Makes Remote Inspection Easier

When you work with us:

Professional virtual tours (live or pre-recorded with timestamps) Drone footage for every property Detailed photo galleries (50+ photos per listing) Pre-verified title documents Inspection reports available upon request Video calls with our team to answer questions Legal team verifies everything before listing UK/US/Canada support staff who understand your concerns

Explore our verified listings or book a virtual property tour.

Final Thoughts

Buying property you've never physically seen is risky. But in 2025, technology and professional services make it manageable.

The golden rule: Verify independently. Don't rely on seller-provided information alone.

• Hire your own inspector
• Get drone footage
• Use live video tours
• Have someone you trust visit in person
• Verify documents through your own lawyer

Will this cost $500-$2,000 in inspection fees? Yes.

But it's insurance against losing $30,000 to a bad property or outright scam.

Your £25,000, $35,000, or CAD $40,000 is too valuable to risk on photos and promises.

Inspect remotely. But inspect thoroughly.

Need help arranging remote inspections or want to view our properties via virtual tour? Book a consultation and we'll walk you through the property remotely in real-time.