The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) has called on the state residents to always be on guard to avoid falling victim to fake and dubious estate agents.

The special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, made the call on Tuesday during the Lagos State 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja.

She urged the residents to deal with registered real estate professionals.

According to her, LASRERA currently has a list of 925 registered individuals and organisations on its official portal.

She urged the residents to always verify the status of agents before engaging in property transactions.

“We urge Lagosians to patronise only those who are officially registered with LASRERA.

“It is crucial to verify the status of estate agents before signing any contracts or making payments,” she said.

The governor’s aide said the warning followed a rise in reports of fraudulent estate agents exploiting unsuspecting buyers, sellers and tenants across the state.

Ms Odunuga-Bakare said engaging unregistered agents could have serious financial and legal consequences.

She warned that it was an offence to operate as a real estate agent in Lagos without being registered with the agency.

Ms Odunuga-Bakare encouraged the residents to report any suspicious agents to the agency, saying it would help to curb fraudulent practices and promote transparency in the real estate sub-sector.

(NAN)