Inspection Fee is Illegal, Should You Consider Tipping an Agent or Not When inspecting Apartment.

We are faced with the unsettling reality of house inspections

Searching for a home in Nigerian cities has become a frustrating ordeal, as many prospective tenants face an unsettling reality: estate agents demand hefty fees for limited property viewings, while leading clients to properties that often fail to match their requirements.

This exploitative practice, as investigations reveal, doesn’t just drain finances but leaves tenants feeling trapped and misled with inspections of various houses.

As the housing crisis deepens, the integrity of Nigeria’s real estate market seems to be teetering on shaky ground.

READ ALSO: Low-Budget Hunting Apartment? Here's a Valuable Lesson, Learn to Compromise

In a nation where access to comfortable and secure housing is a fundamental need, a disturbing trend has emerged: estate agents exploiting the desperation of prospective tenants to maximize their profits.

Many house hunters, desperate to secure a suitable home, pour time and money into multiple inspections, only to be shown properties that fall far short of expectations, whether due to poor locations, subpar amenities, or prices wildly exceeding their budgets.

This troubling pattern has tainted what should be a straightforward house-hunting experience, turning it into a frustrating cycle of financial strain and unmet promises.

If you're reading this, you're aware of different stories all around regarding agent unnecessary exploitation, but here's

It all goes down to asking important questions as fast as possible after getting the apartment pictures/video from any agent. Move forward to get the mandate number and prepare your questions before leaving home to inspect.

When to Proceed to Tip (or Not!)

After your initial inspection, you should have a good idea if the house is worth pursuing further.

Proceed: If you're generally happy with what you've seen and the major aspects align with your needs, then paying the inspection fee for a more detailed, agent-led inspection or discussion might be the next step.

Don't Proceed: If you find significant issues (e.g., major damp, severe structural problems, poor security, unsuitable location) that are deal-breakers for you, it's better to walk away before incurring any fees. Politely thank the agent for their time and move on to other options.