7 Must-Know Types of Property Ownership Explained

7 types of property ownership in Lagos, Nigeria, including sole ownership, joint tenancy, and trust ownership.

INTRODUCTION: Types of Property Ownership

Thinking of buying a house in Lagos? Hold that thought… because before you invest a single kobo, you need to understand the Types of Property Ownership that exist here. This isn’t just another real estate lecture;  it’s your shortcut to making secure, smart property decisions that set you up for success.

Lagos is full of stories; some are happy stories of appreciation, others of regret from people who jumped in without the right information. You deserve to be on the winning side of that story. Knowing the right Types of Property Ownership isn’t just legal jargon; it’s the difference between sleeping soundly at night and waking up to property disputes.

Ready to feel secure, confident, and ahead of the game? Let’s break it down together.

1. Sole Ownership

This one is straight to the point. You own the house alone. Your name is the only one on the documents. You can build, sell, rent, or pass it on to your children.
 Example: You buy a house in Lekki with your money, and your name alone is on the papers. No one can question your authority. This is one of the safest Types of Property Ownership if you’re buying land for personal use.

2. Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship

Big name, simple meaning. You and someone else; maybe your spouse owns the property together. If one person passes away, the other person automatically owns everything.
 Example: You and your partner buy a house in Lekki. If anything happens to you, your partner becomes the full owner without stress or family drama. This Type of Property Ownership protects your loved ones.

3. Tenancy in Common

Here, you and others own the property together, but your shares can be different. If anything happens to one person, their share goes to their family, not automatically to the other owners.
 Example: You and your brother buy a house. You own 70%, he owns 30%. If you pass away, your 70% goes to your children, not your brother. This Type of Property Ownership is common for business partners or friends investing together.

4. Community Property

In marriage, any property bought during the marriage belongs to both partners, whether the documents show both names or not.
 Example: Husband buys a house while married. Even if only his name is on the papers, the wife automatically owns half. This promotes transparency and fairness in marriage.

5. Tenancy by the Entirety

This is like joint ownership but with extra legal protection for married couples. It makes it hard for creditors to seize the property if one partner is owing money.
 Example: You and your spouse buy a house together in Lekki. If your spouse is owing somebody, they can’t just touch the house because both your names are on it. One of the safest Types of Property Ownership for couples.

6. Trust Ownership

Property is held in a trust for someone else, like your children, until they are ready to own it.
 Example: You buy a house in Ajah for your daughter and keep it in a trust. Even if anything happens to you, nobody can tamper with that house. The trust protects her inheritance.

7. Corporate Ownership

When a business or company owns the house, not an individual. It protects personal money and is great for investors.
 Example: Your real estate company buys a land for development in Lekki. The land belongs to the company, not you personally. It’s a smart Type of Property Ownership for business growth.

Understanding the Types of Property Ownership helps you avoid legal problems, family fights, and land loss. It gives you the security, success, and growth you deserve when investing in Lagos real estate.

Let’s Wrap It Up

So, buying a house in Lekki or anywhere in Lagos isn’t just about paying money and snapping “house acquired” selfies. It’s about understanding the Types of Property Ownership so you can enjoy real security and the kind of success that grows quietly while you sleep.

Let me remind you in the simplest way possible:

  1. Sole Ownership — You own it alone. Your house. Your rules.

  2. Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship — You own it with someone. If they pass, you automatically own everything.

  3. Tenancy in Common — You and others own it, but everyone’s share is different.

  4. Community Property — Married? Everything you buy during marriage belongs to both of you.

  5. Tenancy by the Entirety — Like joint ownership for married people, but with extra protection.

  6. Trust Ownership — You buy for someone else (like your child) and keep it safe in a trust.

  7. Corporate Ownership — Your company owns the land, not you personally.

Understanding these Types of Property Ownership protects you from family drama, or unexpected legal stress.

But here’s the honest truth… most people THINK they understand, but Lagos real estate is not “try your luck.” One small mistake can cost you millions.

That’s why smart people; the ones who value security and long-term success don’t guess.

They Contact Hanuel Homes for a free guide. And honestly, if you don’t? You might end up like those people still telling “how I lost my house” stories over pepper soup.

Why risk it? Your investment deserves better.
 Your peace of mind deserves better.
 Your bank account deserves better.

Contact Hanuel Homes for a free guide now before someone else secures the house you’ve been dreaming of.

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