You’re looking to buy land in Nigeria but are confused about the different measurement units. How big is a plot? How many square meters are in an acre? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the key land measurement units used in Nigeria. We’ll explain what a plot is, how many square feet are in a plot, and how to convert between hectares, acres, and square meters.
Whether you’re looking to buy a small residential plot or large commercial land, we’ll make sure you understand all the units and terminology. With this guide, you’ll be a pro at comparing land sizes and prices across Nigeria.
What is Land Measurement?
Land measurement is the process of finding the exact coordinates of a piece of land. Land measurement simply refers to the process of determining the area of a plot of land. Hectares, acres, meters, and feet are the units of measurement for land in Nigeria. A multitude of variables influences these measurements, including economic development and investment patterns, environmental and social challenges that may lead to mass migration and artificial scarcity of development-ready land.
A plot of land is an area of land that has been marked out. According to Nigerian land divisions, the ideal site for house development is 100 x 50 feet. A hectare is a plot of land that measures 100m × 100m, or 328ft x 328ft. It is around two and a half acres. An acre, on the other hand, is a rectangular plot of land measuring 4,046 square meters (43,560 square feet) in total.
Knowing how to properly measure land area is important for buying, selling, developing, farming, or even just understanding the size of your property.
Land Sizes in Nigeria
To understand land measurement in Nigeria, you first need to know the units of measurement used. The most common units are plots, acres, hectares, and square meters.
Plots
A plot of land is an area that has been marked out. The size of a plot of land might vary for a variety of reasons, but according to Nigerian land divisions, the best plot for house construction is 100 x 50ft, which can accommodate a standard house and a modest complex.
Acres
An acre is a standard unit of measurement used by land sellers, and it is almost equivalent to the size of a traditional football field. An acre is equal to 4,046 square meters or 0.4 hectares. Acres are commonly used to measure larger agricultural or commercial land. An average small farm in Nigeria may be 5 to 50 acres in size.
Hectares (ha)
A hectare is one of the least well-known metric units and one that potential purchasers and estate developers appear to struggle with. It is a plot of land measuring 100m x 100m (328ft x 328ft). It is around two and a half acres.
Square Meters
Square meters (or sq m) are a metric unit used to measure area. One square meter equals 10.76 square feet. Square meters are commonly used to measure the area of houses, apartments, and small plots of land in Nigeria. For example, a typical 3-bedroom house in Nigeria may be 120 to 200 square meters in size.
Feet (Square Feet)
Square feet are an imperial unit used to measure area. One square foot equals 0.093 square meters. Square feet, along with acres, are still commonly used in Nigeria to measure land and building areas, especially by older generations. For example, a small residential plot may be 0.25 to 0.5 acres in size, equivalent to around 10,000 to 20,000 square feet.
Perches
A perch is a traditional unit of measurement that equals 30.25 square yards or 25.29 square meters. Perches are still used in some rural parts of Nigeria, especially in western and northern regions, to measure small land areas. For example, a small subsistence farm may be 5 to 10 perches in size.
Rods
A rod is another traditional unit of measurement that equals 5.5 yards or 16.5 feet. Rods, like perches, are still used in some rural parts of Nigeria to measure land areas but are becoming increasingly uncommon. For example, a house may measure 10 rods by 20 rods, equivalent to 55 by 110 feet.
In summary, the units of measurement you’ll encounter most often when dealing with land in Nigeria are plots, acres, hectares, and square meters. Familiarizing yourself with how these relate to each other will help you understand land sizes and determine what unit of measurement is most appropriate for your needs.
What Is a Plot in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, a plot of land refers to a parcel of land that is meant for building or agricultural purposes. A plot of land is a marked-out piece of land. The size of a plot can vary but is typically measured in square meters (sq m). According to Nigeria’s land divisions, the appropriate plot for house construction is 100 x 50ft. This can accommodate a standard house with a small compound. In Lagos state, the standard size of a plot is 60 x 120 ft (18m x 36m, that is, 648sqm), while in some other cities in the country, the land is measured at 50 x 100 ft.
Residential Plots
If you’re looking to build a house, you’ll want to purchase a residential plot. These plots are located within residential areas zoned for building homes. The most common sizes for residential plots are 300, 450, and 600 sq m. The size you choose will depend on how large of a house you want to build and your budget. Keep in mind that larger plots often come at a higher cost per sq m.
Commercial Plots
Commercial plots are located within areas zoned for businesses, offices, and retail space. They tend to be larger in size, often 1000 sq m or more. The specific size will depend on the type of commercial building you want to construct. Commercial plots typically cost more per sq m than residential plots due to their larger size and potential to generate business revenue.
Agricultural Plots
Agricultural plots, or farmlands, refer to larger plots of land meant for farming and agricultural use. They are usually measured in hectares (ha) rather than square meters. Agricultural plots are located within areas specifically zoned for farming and agricultural activities. The size of an agricultural plot can vary greatly depending on the specific use, crop, and scale of the farm. Agricultural plots typically have a lower cost per sq m compared to residential and commercial plots.
The specific size, use, and cost of a plot in Nigeria can vary in different locations and zones. It’s best to check with your local government’s land bureau to determine the size, use, and fair market price of any plot you’re interested in. Understanding these factors will help ensure you purchase a plot that suits your needs and budget.
How many Square Meters Make a Plot?
A square meter is a unit of area measurement equal to a square that is one meter on each side. It’s used to measure the size of plots of land. A standard residential plot of land in Nigeria is typically 648 square meters, which is equal to about 0.16 acres. However, according to the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) policy in partnership with the Nigeria Institute of Surveyors (NIS), as supported by CAP 194 of the Nigerian constitution, a standard plot should be 669.78 square meters.
In Nigeria, some individuals sell plots of land as 648 Square meters (sqm or m²), but real estate developers usually do not use that. Some real estate companies sell their land per square meter (sqm or m²) while some sell at 300sqm, 450sqm, 500sqm, 600sqm, and 900sqm, as the case may be. Most estates in Lagos state use 500 or 600 square metres as opposed to 648. The exact size can vary in different areas and cities based on typical lot sizes and zoning laws.
An acre is also commonly used to measure land, equal to 43,560 square feet. An acre is roughly 4,046 square meters. So, if you see a property listing for a 2-acre plot, that would be around 8,093 sq m, plenty of space for a home and compound.
Other Measurements
Some other units you may encounter when looking at properties in Nigeria include:
- Hectare – 10,000 sq m, about 2.5 acres
- Square Kilometer – 1,000,000 sq m, about 247 acres
- Square Mile – 640 acres or 2.59 sq km
The most important thing is understanding how the square meter relates to the size of a typical plot of land. Keep this guide handy, and soon, you’ll be conversing with real estate agents and measuring land areas like a pro!
Land Measurement Conversions Table
| Unit Of Area | Conversion Unit |
|---|---|
| 1 Plot | 18 m x 30 m = 540 sqm or 18 m × 36 m = 648 sqm or 30 m x 30 m = 900 sqm Note: Sizes of plots do vary: always ask for plot sizes in square meters*** |
| 1 Acre | 43,560 square feet or 4046.86 square meters or 0.404686 hectares |
| 1 Hectare | 10,000 square metres or 2.47 acres |
| 1 Square meter (sqm) | 10.76 sq feet |
| 1 Square feet (sq feet) | 0.093 sqm |
| 1 Meter (m) | 3.28 ft |
| 1 Foot (ft) | 0.3048 m |
Table of Converted Land Sizes
| Land Type | Plot of Land in Feet | Plot of Land in Meters | Plot of Land in Square Meters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Plot | 50 FT x 50 FT | 15 M x 15 M | 225 SQM |
| 2 Full Plots | 100 FT x 100 FT | 30 M x 30 M | 900 SQM |
| Full Plot | 50 FT x 100 FT | 15 M x 30 M | 450 SQM |
| Full Plot | 60 FT x 120 FT | 18 M x 36 M | 648 SQM |
| Half Plot | 60 FT x 60 FT | 18 M x 18 M | 324 SQM |
| Full Plot | 60 FT x 100 FT | 18 M x 30 M | 540 SQM |
Why is Measuring Land Important For Investors and Developers?
These are some of the reasons land measurement is important for both Investors and developers:
Accuracy
Accurately measuring the dimensions of a plot of land is crucial for investors and developers. Without precise measurements, you could end up paying too much for a property or face unexpected costs to develop it. Using professional land surveyors and the latest equipment helps ensure measurements are correct.
Planning Permits
To obtain planning permits for developing land, you’ll need to provide detailed site plans that specify exact property boundaries and dimensions. Inaccurate measurements could delay or complicate the permitting process.
Calculating Costs
Knowing the precise size of a plot allows developers to calculate costs accurately for construction, materials, and other expenses. Underestimating a property’s size could lead to going over budget while overestimating wastes money.
Determining Value
A property’s value depends heavily on its size. Precise measurements are necessary to determine a fair asking or selling price per square meter. Without them, you could end up overpaying or underselling the land.
Avoiding Disputes
Clear documentation of a property’s boundaries and dimensions helps avoid disputes over land ownership or usage rights in the future. Unclear boundaries often lead to legal issues that end up costing time, money, and peace of mind.
Maximizing Usage
For developers, accurately measuring a plot of land allows designing an optimal layout to maximize its usable space. Every spare meter can translate into greater profits, so precision pays off.
Meeting Legal Requirements
Many jurisdictions have specific laws around property boundaries and land usage. Accurate measurements are necessary to ensure any development meets these legal requirements and zoning restrictions. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, legal issues, and even having to demolish structures.
For investors and developers, measuring land precisely is crucial to success. While it requires an upfront investment of time and money, it pays off through maximizing profits, avoiding unexpected costs, and ensuring legal compliance. For the savvy investor, accurate land measurement is the foundation for a winning strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions on Land Measurement in Nigeria
You probably have some questions about how land is measured in Nigeria. Here are some of the most common FAQs to help clarify things.
How Do I Convert Square Meters to Square Feet?
To convert square meters to square feet, multiply the square meters by 10.76. So, a 100-square-meter plot would be equal to 1,076 square feet (100 * 10.76 = 1,076). Square feet are a common unit of measurement in some other parts of the world, but square meters are typically used in Nigeria for measuring land.
What is the Measurement of a Typical Plot in Square Feet?
A standard 100 square-meter residential plot in Nigeria would be equal to about 1,076 square feet (100 * 10.76 = 1,076). So, you can expect a typical small plot of land to be around 1,000 to 1,500 square feet or a bit larger. Square feet can be a more familiar unit of measurement, so converting from square meters to square feet can give you a sense of the actual size of the land.
How Do I Convert Hectares to Plots?
One hectare of land contains 10,000 square meters. So, to convert hectares into residential plots, divide the hectares by 100. For example, 2 hectares would be equal to 20 standard plots (2 * 10,000 / 100 = 200 plots). Hectares are commonly used to measure larger agricultural land, so converting to plots helps in understanding how many residential parcels of land could be developed.
How many plots make an acre?
There are usually between 5 to 8 residential plots in an acre, depending on the exact size of the plots. For example, six standard plots of 648 square meters would fit in a single acre.
What do square meters measure?
A square meter (or “sq m”) is a unit of area measurement. It measures how much surface space an object takes up. One square meter is equal to about 10.76 square feet. In Nigeria, square meters are commonly used to measure the size of land plots, houses, apartments, and rooms.
What are other units of measurement for land?
In Nigeria, land can also be measured in hectares, which contain 10,000 square meters. An acre is another common unit and is equal to 0.4 hectares. Some older properties may use local units like poles, rods, or cubits to measure land, but square meters and acres are now the standard.
How big is an acre of land?
An acre is a common unit of measurement for land area in Nigeria. One acre equals 0.405 hectares or 4,046 square meters. So, if you purchase an acre of land, you’ll get a decent-sized plot.
What is the difference between a plot and a hectare?
A plot refers to a specific parcel of land that has defined boundaries. A hectare is a standard unit of measurement equal to 10,000 square meters or 2.47 acres. A single plot of land could be a fraction of a hectare up to several hectares in size.
How many square meters are in a standard plot?
There is no set size for a standard residential plot in Nigeria. Plot sizes can range from as small as 300 square meters up to 1,000 square meters or more, depending on the area and developer. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want at least 500 to 700 square meters for a typical family home with a small yard.
What documents do I need to purchase land?
To purchase land in Nigeria, you’ll typically need a deed of assignment, certificate of occupancy, and survey plan. The deed of assignment is the document that transfers legal ownership of the land. The certificate of occupancy certifies that the land can be used for residential or commercial purposes. A survey plan provides the exact boundaries and measurements of the plot.
The specific size and documents required for a plot of land can vary in different states and areas of the country. But with an understanding of these basic concepts and FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to navigating land purchases in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Now you know the key land measurement units used in Nigeria and how to convert between them. Whether you’re looking to buy property, invest in land, or just want to get familiar with the local lingo, this guide gives you the lowdown on hectares, acres, square meters, and plots. With this knowledge, you’ll be conversing like a local in no time. Hopefully, this breakdown demystified these unique Nigerian land measurements for you.
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