An experienced project manager in the real estate industry, Maryam Abubakar Elewe, has opened up about some of the prevalent challenges faced by investors in Nigeria’s real estate market.

She highlighted key issues, ranging from fraudulent practices to unexpected expenses that often discourage potential buyers.

“It’s not uncommon to complete your payment for a piece of land only to be told later that the land is no longer available,” Elewe stated. “Sometimes, you’re allocated land, but it’s in a completely different location from the one advertised. These kinds of practices create mistrust and frustration.”

Elewe went on to discuss the hidden costs that many buyers encounter after their initial payment. “You might think you’ve settled everything, but then, you’re hit with fees that, in some cases, are even higher than the original price of the land,” she explained. “People feel trapped because they’ve already committed to the purchase, only to be confronted with agreements they didn’t anticipate or fees they can’t afford.”

A more alarming issue she mentioned is the sale of land without proper titles, leading to serious legal and financial consequences. “Imagine paying for land, only to later discover that the title is either invalid or disputed. It can lead to disputes with the government or other buyers, and in the worst case, you could lose the property entirely,” Elewe warned.

She further pointed out that investors often fall victim to overpriced land with minimal potential for appreciation. “Some of these lands are marketed as prime investments, but in reality, they remain stagnant in value. Ten years down the line, people find themselves with property that’s worth less than what they paid.”

“And then, after making your payment, you’re forced to sign an unsatisfactory agreement that wasn’t even shared with you beforehand,” she added, underscoring the opaque and unfair practices in the market.

However, Elewe also highlighted an emerging solution through Jazã & Sakeenah, a real estate company that operates with a transparent, customer-first approach. “Jazã & Sakeenah does things differently,” she explained. “Their entire process is simple, straightforward, and online. You can see the exact location of the land you’re buying before you commit to anything.”

The company’s platform allows for full transparency, offering features that ensure buyers know exactly what they’re paying for and can review agreements before any payment is made. “With Jazã & Sakeenah, you read and sign your agreement online before making any payment. This is a major step in eliminating surprises and ensuring clarity,” Elewe noted.

She emphasized the convenience of the company’s fully digital approach. “From purchase to allocation, everything happens online. You get your receipt and contract instantly, and the physical site visits can be arranged at your convenience. They also provide a property advisor to guide you every step of the way.”

Jazã & Sakeenah’s system also includes a referral programme, which rewards customers who introduce others to the platform. “This isn’t just about buying land. It’s also about creating opportunities for passive income,” she remarked.

Currently, the company is running a massive promotional discount on its web app, which Elewe encouraged potential investors to take advantage of. “This promo won’t last forever, so it’s a great time to invest. Plus, everything is done securely online – there’s no need to worry about middlemen or fraudulent payments.”

Elewe concluded by reiterating the need for transparency and customer empowerment in Nigeria’s real estate market, and she believes companies like Jazã & Sakeenah are paving the way. “What you buy is what you get, and that’s exactly what this market needs.”

The ongoing issues in Nigeria’s real estate industry highlight the importance of companies committed to integrity and clarity, making services like Jazã & Sakeenah a breath of fresh air for many potential investors.