Where to Buy Properties in Abuja

The influx of people to Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has brought about rapid expansion. This expansion involves construction of roads, improvement on lands, and building of houses.
Like in any part of Nigeria, Nigeria can buy land and houses in the FCT. Also, foreigners can buy properties (land and houses) in the FCT, though with the consent of the National Council of States.
Below are place where you can buy properties in the FCT.

1. Federal Capital Territory Development Authority
The government institution in charge of land within the FCT is the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCTDA). You can buy land direct from FCTDA.
2. Federal Housing Authority
Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is established by the Federal Government for the purpose of making houses available to Nigerians at affordable price. FHA builds houses and sells them to Nigerians. Usually, you are expected to pay a certain proportion of the price of the building. Thereafter, you are allowed to take possession of the house. You are, however, required to pay the balance over a given period of time.
3. Primary Mortgage Institutions
These are financial institutions that are primarily involved in lending money to members of the public. Some Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) also invest in property development. They build houses and sell to members of the public. Prospective buyers are required to open an account with the lending institution, save certain amount of money or pay certain proportion of the building price, and then they are allowed to take possession of the house. A period of time is given them to pay up the balance and the interest.
4. Property Developers
Property developers are mostly companies registered under Nigerian law that invest in property development. They buy land, build houses, and sell them to members of the public. Prospective buyers are asked to pay 50% of the price before taking possession of the house. Some accept 40%. They are, however, asked to pay the balance and interest within 15 years.
5. Individuals
You can also buy land and houses from individual owners.
6. Real Estate Agents
These are business people that sell land and houses and/or lease houses on behalf of property owners or property developers. This category of business people is called “attorneys.” Usually, they are given power of attorney (a document which authorises them to sell) before they can sell. There are also business people whose job is mainly to facilitate property transaction. They are mostly referred to as real estate agents, brokers, finders, etc.
What they do basically is: they bring prospective buyers and vendors, or prospective tenants and landlords together. When the transaction is effected, they are paid an amount of money called commission.
7 Lawyers
Last but not the least, lawyers also sell land and houses on behalf of their clients. Some clients prefer giving their properties to their lawyers to sell for them. Note that in addition to sale of land, lawyers are still very much involved in property transactions. They responsible for drafting documents of transactions. For instance, they draft tenancy/lease agreement, contract of sale agreement, deed of conveyance, power of attorney, etc. they perform other tasks like helping client to pay stamp duties, investigate title at land registry, pay capital gain tax, seek Governor’s consent, or consent of Federal Minister of Federal Capital Territory- in the case of property transaction carried out in the FCT.