Dennis Isong: Is It Better to Buy Land from an Estate or From Omo Onile?

A young couple living in Canada contacted me after seeing two land offers online. One was an estate of land in a developing area on the outskirts of Lagos. The other was omo onile land in a fairly busy part of the mainland. The omo onile land was cheaper and closer to town. The estate land was more expensive and felt far away. They asked the same question many buyers ask: “Dennis, is it better to buy land from an estate or from omo-onile?”

Instead of answering immediately, I asked them what they wanted the land for, how soon they planned to build, and how much stress they were willing to tolerate. Their answers made the decision clearer than the price ever could. That is how this topic should be approached. You have to understand the nature of each option.

Understanding What Buying from an Estate Really Means

When people hear the word estate, they often imagine order, safety and peace of mind. In many cases, this is true, but it is important to understand what you are actually buying. An estate land usually means you are buying from a company or developer who has acquired a large portion of land, planned it, and is selling it in plots. The land often comes with defined boundaries, a layout plan, and some level of infrastructure planning.

One major advantage of buying from an estate is structure. Roads are planned. Drainage is considered. Plot sizes are clear. There is usually a single point of contact instead of multiple family members. Documentation is another reason estates attract buyers. Many estates already have a global C of O, excision, or are in the process of perfecting title. This reduces the risk of ownership disputes if the process is properly handled.

However, estate land is not magic land. Some estates are far from the city because that is where large parcels of land are still available. Development may take time. You might not see immediate activity. Infrastructure may be promised gradually, not instantly. Estate land is often better suited for buyers who think long term, want predictable processes, and prefer lower emotional stress over immediate convenience.

What It Really Means to Buy from Omo Onile

Buying land from omo-onile is the oldest form of land acquisition in Lagos. Long before estates became popular, families owned land and sold portions as needed. Omo onile land is usually family land, passed down through generations. These lands are often located in already developed or semi-developed areas. This is why many buyers are drawn to them.

One big attraction is price. Omo onile land is often cheaper than estate land in prime areas, at least on the surface. You can buy close to the road, close to town, and feel like you are getting value. But this option comes with realities that must be understood clearly. Family land often involves many stakeholders. Brothers, uncles, cousins, and sometimes distant relatives may all have a say. If not handled properly, this can lead to future disputes.

There is also the issue of multiple payments. Foundation levy, roofing levy, family levy, development levy. Some are legitimate, some are not. If agreements are not properly documented, problems can arise later. Buying from omo onile is not wrong. Many people have built peacefully on family land. But it requires strong due diligence, clear documentation, and professional handling. This option suits buyers who want immediate access to developed areas and are willing to manage complexity carefully.

Cost Beyond the Purchase Price

One reason this debate never ends is cost. Many buyers look only at the initial price and stop there. Estate land may be more expensive upfront, but costs are often more predictable. Development fees are usually stated early. Infrastructure costs are planned. You know what you are paying for. Omo onile land may appear cheaper at first, but hidden costs can appear later. Family levies. Community payments. Unexpected claims. Delays that cost money and time. This does not mean omo onile land is always more expensive in the end. It means the buyer must be realistic about long-term costs. Also consider resale value. Some buyers plan to flip land. Estates with clear titles and layouts often attract corporate and diaspora buyers later. Omo onile land can also appreciate, especially in prime areas, but resale may involve explaining family history to new buyers. The real cost of land includes money, time, stress, and patience.

Which Option Is Better Depends on You

So, is it better to buy land from an estate or from omo-onile? There is no universal best option. There is only one option that fits your purpose, timeline and risk tolerance. If you are buying from abroad, want minimal stress, and are investing for the future, estate land often makes more sense. If you want land in an already active area and can manage complexity with proper guidance, omo onile land can work. Problems arise when buyers choose blindly. Estate buyers assume everything is perfect. Omo-onile buyers trust verbal promises. The smartest buyers ask questions, verify documents, and work with professionals who understand Lagos land culture deeply. That is how you turn a land purchase into peace of mind instead of a long story of regret.