Every development looks finished in its renders. The sky is blue, the lights are on, and nobody is waiting on a delivery. The question is what stands behind the picture: what has actually been built, what is still only promised, and what you are agreeing to pay for.

Buying a property under development in Lagos, often called buying off-plan, can let you secure a home or an investment before construction is complete. It can also go wrong when the questions come too late. At TEY Projects we ask our own clients questions before we build. Here are the ones every buyer should ask before they commit.

A great deal happens before construction begins. Buyers should know what.

START WITH WHAT HAS ACTUALLY BEEN BUILT

Begin with the development itself: its location, features, construction stage and expected completion date. Ask what is finished, what is under way and what has not started, then go and see the site. A clear picture of today’s status is the best protection against unrealistic expectations.

Then look past the visuals. A render shows the intended outcome; it is not a guarantee of the finished property. Ask for the floor plans, the specification and the proposed finishes, and compare them with the work already on site. A developer confident in the project will welcome that comparison.

Plans checked against progress on site.

READ THE PAPER BEFORE YOU PAY

Before you commit, read the purchase agreement and payment terms closely: the payment schedule, any additional charges, what happens if completion is delayed, and what each party is responsible for. Ask to see the title documents for the land and the planning and building approvals from the relevant Lagos State authorities, and have an independent lawyer verify them. That costs little compared with the commitment it protects.

Construction progress, compared against the approved drawings.

Finally, ask whether the property fits your life and your budget. If you will live in it, test the layout, access and suitability for how you live. If you are buying to invest, look at demand in the area, comparable properties and the full cost of owning, and do not rely on assumed returns. A sound decision starts with careful research and realistic expectations.

Every development is an important decision for the people who choose to be part of it, so we would rather you ask too many questions than too few. TEY Projects works across architectural design, interior design and property consulting, and we are building the Zaya Project. If it interests you, enquire for the latest available details and bring your questions with you.

Architectural render of a completed development.

Considering a property under development in Lagos?

Speak with TEY Projects. Ask your questions, request the latest Zaya Project details, and take your next step with clarity and confidence.