When Nkechi left Nigeria for Canada in 2012, she promised herself she wouldn’t just “japa” and forget home. Her first few years were rough—working long hours, saving bit by bit—but she never stopped watching what was happening in Nigeria’s property market. By 2023, she finally did it: she bought her first piece of land in Lagos.
Now, whenever she visits Nigeria, she no longer stays in hotels. She stays in her own house—something she’s proud of, something that connects her back to her roots.

Nkechi’s story mirrors that of thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora today. Every week, realtors receive calls and messages from abroad—UK, US, Canada, UAE, and even Australia—asking questions like “Is the title genuine?” or “Can you help me buy and build even if I’m not around?”

This trend isn’t random. There’s been a clear shift. Diaspora Nigerians are no longer just sending money home; they’re sending investments. Property has become the new form of remittance. In fact, the keyword “Top 10 Places Nigerians in the Diaspora Are Buying Property” keeps trending because people want to know where their fellow Nigerians are putting their money.

Let’s explore the top 10 locations that have become magnets for diaspora real estate investment—each with its unique charm, opportunities, and realities.

1. Lekki, Lagos – The Diaspora Favourite

Lekki needs no introduction. When Nigerians abroad talk about buying property, Lekki often tops the list. It’s modern, secure, and has that blend of urban energy and coastal calm that many abroad can relate to. For many Nigerians in the diaspora, Lekki feels like a piece of London or Toronto tucked inside Lagos.

Developments like Lekki Phase 1, Chevron Drive, and Abraham Adesanya have drawn massive interest. The infrastructure—good roads, gated estates, and access to the Lekki-Epe Expressway—makes it ideal for both living and rental income.

But beyond the hype, what makes Lekki special is its future potential. As more businesses move toward the Lekki corridor (especially with the Dangote Refinery, the Deep Seaport, and the new airport), property values continue to appreciate. Nigerians abroad see Lekki not just as a residential zone, but as a wealth-building hub.

2. Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos – The New Goldmine

If Lekki is already shining, Ibeju-Lekki is the rising star. Many Nigerians in the diaspora are buying land here because it’s cheaper now but holds enormous potential. The presence of mega projects like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Deep Sea Port gives investors confidence that development is inevitable.

Diaspora buyers see Ibeju-Lekki as a long-term play. They’re not rushing to build immediately; they’re buying and holding. Some are even forming small investment groups abroad—friends pooling funds to buy multiple plots.

What attracts them most is transparency. With registered developers offering verified titles like C of O and Governor’s Consent, Nigerians abroad are beginning to trust the process again. Ibeju-Lekki is now a symbol of hope for those who want to own property without drama.

3. Ajah, Lagos – Comfort and Accessibility

Ajah sits at that sweet spot between Lekki’s luxury and Ibeju-Lekki’s potential. It’s a favorite for diaspora Nigerians who want something more developed than Ibeju-Lekki but more affordable than Lekki Phase 1.

Over the years, Ajah has transformed from a quiet suburb to a thriving residential community with shopping malls, good schools, and easy access to major business areas. Places like Sangotedo, Badore, and Ogombo are seeing steady growth.

For Nigerians abroad, Ajah represents balance—comfort, accessibility, and value. They can build modern homes for family visits or invest in rental apartments for passive income.

4. Ikoyi, Lagos – Prestige and Legacy

When it comes to status, Ikoyi still wears the crown. For many Nigerians in the diaspora who have achieved success abroad, owning property in Ikoyi is more than an investment—it’s a statement of prestige.

Ikoyi is where the old money and new wealth of Lagos meet. The neighborhood boasts some of Nigeria’s most luxurious real estate: waterfront apartments, private villas, and serviced residences.

However, the prices are not for everyone. Land and homes here come with premium tags, and the upkeep cost can be high. But that doesn’t stop diaspora Nigerians with high purchasing power—especially professionals in the UK, US, and Canada—from choosing Ikoyi as their Nigerian base. They see it as an asset that appreciates steadily while offering serenity and exclusivity.

5. Abuja – The Federal Capital Attraction

Not everyone wants Lagos’ chaos. Some diaspora Nigerians prefer Abuja—the capital city known for its order, greenery, and political calm. Areas like Gwarinpa, Katampe, Asokoro, and Guzape are among the top choices.

Abuja attracts professionals who want peace, stability, and class. The city’s layout, infrastructure, and cleaner air make it feel more like a “second home” for many living abroad.

One reason Nigerians abroad love investing in Abuja is its relative security. The city’s land documentation process is also more structured compared to Lagos. It’s common to see diaspora investors buying land for future family relocation or retirement.

6. Epe, Lagos – The Hidden Future

Epe is quietly becoming the next frontier for diaspora investors. Once known as a sleepy town, it’s now part of Lagos’ massive development plan. The new airport, road expansions, and link to Ibeju-Lekki are pushing land prices upward.

What makes Epe stand out is affordability. Nigerians abroad who missed out on Lekki or Ajah are now rushing to Epe. The logic is simple: Buy low, wait, and reap big.

Some real estate companies now organize virtual tours for diaspora clients, allowing them to see their plots via video calls and even sign documents online. The ease of transaction and the low entry cost make Epe a magnet for long-term investors.

7. Abeokuta, Ogun State – Culture Meets Affordability

Not every diaspora Nigerian wants to build in Lagos or Abuja. Some prefer quieter, culturally rooted places like Abeokuta. It’s close enough to Lagos for convenience yet far enough to enjoy peace and lower living costs.

Abeokuta’s growing infrastructure—especially with new road links to Lagos—has increased interest from Nigerians abroad looking for second homes or retirement properties. Land is affordable, the environment is serene, and the people are welcoming.

Diaspora buyers who want a blend of tradition and comfort often find Abeokuta appealing. It offers that nostalgic sense of “home” many crave after years abroad.

8. Ibadan, Oyo State – The New Middle-Class Magnet

Ibadan used to be overlooked, but not anymore. The city has evolved into a modern hub with estates, malls, and expanding road networks. For diaspora Nigerians, Ibadan offers a solid mix of affordability and growth.

With the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project and the railway connection, movement between both cities is smoother than ever. Nigerians in the diaspora are taking advantage of this by buying land in areas like Akobo, Alakia, and Moniya.

What makes Ibadan stand out is its space. Unlike Lagos, where land is tight and expensive, Ibadan gives you room to build your dream home—without financial stress.

9. Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The Oil City Edge

Diaspora Nigerians from the South-South region often channel their investments toward Port Harcourt. The city’s economic relevance and vibrant lifestyle make it a top choice.

Areas like Peter Odili Road, GRA Phase 3, and Ada-George are especially popular. While land and property prices here can be high, the rental income potential is equally rewarding.

For many in the diaspora, Port Harcourt represents connection to their roots and smart investment at the same time. Despite occasional security concerns, the city remains one of Nigeria’s wealthiest regions—and that alone sustains its real estate appeal.

10. Magodo, Lagos – The Suburban Dream

Magodo is one of Lagos’ most respected residential estates, sitting quietly between Ikeja and Ojodu. Nigerians in the diaspora love it because it combines class, safety, and proximity to the city center.

Unlike Lekki, Magodo offers less flood risk and more traditional neighborhood appeal. Many diaspora buyers, especially families planning relocation, choose Magodo because it feels homely. You get good infrastructure, a strong community, and reliable security—all essential for peace of mind when you’re abroad.

Over the years, Magodo has maintained stable property values, making it both a lifestyle and investment choice.

A New Trend: Group Investments and Smart Ownership

An interesting shift is happening among Nigerians abroad. Instead of buying individually, many are now investing collectively. Diaspora groups—friends, old schoolmates, and church members—pool resources to buy estates, build duplexes, or create short-let apartments.

Technology has made this easier. With verified developers offering digital payment options, document delivery, and video verification, buying property in Nigeria is no longer the risky guesswork it once was.

This shift shows a new level of trust and confidence in Nigeria’s real estate ecosystem. It also means more Nigerians abroad are thinking long-term—creating wealth, not just remitting money.

The Emotional Side of Property Ownership

For most Nigerians abroad, buying property back home isn’t just about profit—it’s emotional. It’s about identity, belonging, and legacy.

There’s a certain pride in knowing that no matter how far you travel, you still have a piece of home waiting for you. For some, it’s a form of security; for others, it’s their way of saying, “I haven’t forgotten where I came from.”

Even with challenges like verification, title issues, and market fluctuations, the dream remains alive. Every plot purchased, every foundation laid, is a symbol of hope connecting Nigerians in the diaspora to the motherland.

Final Thoughts

The real estate landscape in Nigeria is evolving fast, and Nigerians in the diaspora are a big part of that transformation. From Lekki’s luxury to Epe’s hidden promise, from Abuja’s calm to Ibadan’s affordability—each city tells a different story.

The key is to buy wisely, verify every document, and work with trusted professionals who understand both the Nigerian system and the unique challenges of diaspora investors.

If you’ve been thinking of owning property back home, now might be your best time to start. The opportunities are vast, and the future is promising.

After all, nothing beats the feeling of landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, driving to your own house, and saying with a smile, “Yes, I built this.”

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS. He helps Nigerians in the diaspora to own property in Lagos, Nigeria—stress-free. For questions, WhatsApp/Call +2348164741041.