‘Fraud, poor verification negatively impacting Nigeria’s real estate sector’

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of JustOne Homes Ltd, Taiwo Idowu, has warned that fraud, inadequate property verification and the activities of unqualified operators are threatening confidence in the country’s real estate sector.

Idowu raised the concern at the unveiling ceremony of the company’s latest initiative, which was attended by industry stakeholders.

He said the increasing demand for land and housing in Nigeria had created significant opportunities in the real estate industry, but also attracted unscrupulous individuals whose activities were undermining the credibility of legitimate practitioners and exposing investors and prospective homeowners to unnecessary risks.

According to him, the most pressing question facing property buyers today is no longer simply the price of a property, but whether the person offering it can be trusted.

“Clients are no longer just asking, ‘How much is the property?’ They are asking, ‘Can I trust you?’ And honestly, I think that is the most important question,” he said.

Idowu described trust as a fundamental currency in the real estate business, stressing that no amount of marketing could sustain a company if clients did not have confidence in its operations.

He said: “Trust is a currency,” adding that transparency, proper verification and responsible dealings were essential to restoring and sustaining confidence in the sector.

The real estate entrepreneur, who described himself as passionate about creating opportunities through property and contributing to Nigeria’s housing needs, said his approach to the business had always been people-centred.

“For me, it has never been just about selling land or houses. It is about helping people secure a future, build wealth, fulfil their dreams of property ownership and create communities where people can thrive,” he said.

He added that JustOne Homes viewed its clients as family rather than merely customers, noting that the company’s responsibility extended beyond completing property transactions to ensuring that buyers could make informed and secure investments.

Speaking further on the company’s vision, Idowu said property development should be viewed as more than a commercial transaction, describing it as an avenue for creating long-term value and secure assets for individuals and families.

“Our vision has always been driven by one simple belief: every human being has a portion of the earth with their name on it,” he said.

He explained that the company was committed to making land and home ownership more accessible, transparent and dependable, particularly for Nigerians seeking to invest in property or acquire homes for their families.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the company’s brand ambassador, Adeyemo, whose selection, according to the company’s leadership, was based on her professional excellence, authenticity and strong connection with the public.

The partnership is expected to increase public awareness of structured real estate investment while helping to demystify property ownership among different segments of the population, including first-time buyers, investors and families.

“We want more people to understand that owning property is not a dream reserved for a select few. The collaboration will focus on outreach campaigns targeting first-time buyers, investors, and families,” Idowu said.

Accepting the ambassadorial role, Adeyemo expressed enthusiasm about joining the brand and pledged to support its vision by promoting responsible property ownership and encouraging greater awareness of opportunities in the real estate sector.