A listing should reduce uncertainty before the first call. “Luxury,” “hot deal” and a row of emojis do not tell a buyer whether a property fits their budget or how to view it. Strong listings describe the unit precisely, disclose material limits and make the next step easy.
Lead with facts a buyer can compare
Open with property type, approximate location, bedroom and bathroom count, usable size if measured, price or rent period, and availability. Be specific about whether the property is a completed unit, construction-stage offer or land. State whether the price is negotiable and whether extra fees apply. If an exact address is withheld for privacy, say the neighbourhood and viewing process clearly.
Photograph the approach, living spaces, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, outdoor areas and any notable defect. Use current images of the actual unit, not a similar apartment. Label renderings as renderings. A floor plan is useful when it matches the unit on offer.
Explain the total commitment
For rentals, list rent, deposit, agency and agreement fees, service charges, utility arrangements and payment period. For sales, say what is included in the price and which transaction costs are separate. Do not promise that a title is “perfect” based on a photograph; identify the documents available for a buyer's independent legal review. The Land Use Act explains why the type of right and transfer process matters.
Describe living conditions honestly
Mention parking, access road, water, power, security arrangements, drainage and known restrictions. For a new building in Lagos, do not claim completion approval unless you can identify and substantiate the relevant building-control certificate. Clear disclosure saves wasted viewings and protects your reputation.
End with a concrete call to action
Tell prospects how to request a viewing, what identity or appointment details you need and when you can respond. Keep one authorised contact channel and promptly mark unavailable units as unavailable. Record enquiries and follow up with a useful answer, not a repeated “Are you still interested?”
A well-written listing may attract fewer casual clicks, but it gives serious prospects the information to act. Create a professional profile so clients can understand your service areas and contact details outside any single advert.
Sources
Official pages this guide relies on. Rules and fees change, so check the current version before you act.
- Land Use Act (lawsofnigeria.placng.org)
- Building-control certificate (lasbca.lagosstate.gov.ng)
Related reading: How to price a house for sale · Questions buyers ask at a viewing.