Oladimeji Davies urges real estate professionals to uphold integrity, client trust

Lagos-based real estate broker Oladimeji Davies has urged professionals in Nigeria’s real estate industry to uphold integrity and prioritise client trust in their dealings, stressing that ethical conduct is essential to protecting property buyers and strengthening confidence in the sector.

The founder of Dipo Davies Realty said meaningful transparency includes checking ownership documents before payment, explaining how asking prices are assessed and keeping a clear paper trail for clients.

“Integrity should guide every transaction in real estate. Clients are trusting us with significant financial decisions, and we have a responsibility to give them accurate information, explain the risks involved and ensure they understand what they are committing to,” he said.

Oladimeji, who is also the founder of Dipo Davies Realty, noted that the relationship between property professionals and their clients often extends beyond a single transaction, making professional conduct important to maintaining a credible reputation within the industry.

According to him, agents and brokers must be willing to communicate openly about property conditions, ownership documentation and other details that could influence a buyer’s decision.

“A professional should never withhold important information simply because it might affect a sale. If there are concerns about a property, the client deserves to know. Protecting the client’s interests must come before the desire to close a transaction,” Oladimeji stated.

His comments reflect concerns about the risks buyers may encounter when dealing with property intermediaries, including misleading descriptions, incomplete documentation and unrealistic assurances about potential returns.

These safeguards are especially important for Nigerians abroad, who may have to rely on records and professional advice when they cannot inspect a property or attend a transaction in person.

Oladimeji explained that professionals can help reduce such risks by conducting appropriate checks, presenting property information responsibly and encouraging clients to seek clarification where necessary.

“Before recommending a property, we must be willing to ask the necessary questions and verify the information available to us. Clients should not have to discover important details after they have already made payments,” he said.

The real estate broker draws on experience in property rentals, sales and management through Dipo Davies Realty, a Lagos-based company that began with residential rentals in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki Phase One before expanding its services in 2024.

Under his leadership, Dipo Davies Realty reports recording approximately ₦3 billion in property sales within its first few years of operation. Oladimeji attributed the achievement to the trust clients have placed in the company, describing their confidence in its services as an important factor in its growth.

The firm separately reports more than ₦1 billion in closed sales across Lekki Phase One and Victoria Island.

“Trust has played a major role in what we have achieved as a company. Clients need to know that their interests are being protected, and the confidence they have shown in our services has contributed to the progress we have made,” he said.

His earlier career in telecommunications sales and branch management also exposed him to customer relations and the importance of maintaining professional standards when dealing with clients.

He maintained that the responsibilities of real estate professionals become even greater when working with first-time buyers or individuals unfamiliar with the procedures involved in acquiring property.

“Not every client understands the legal and financial processes involved in buying property. That is why professionals must take time to explain what is required, what documents should be checked and what obligations the buyer is accepting,” he added.

Beyond individual transactions, Oladimeji identified professional accountability as an important consideration for the industry’s development. He said the conduct of agents and brokers can influence how prospective buyers perceive the wider property market.

He also stressed that real estate professionals should avoid making promises about property appreciation or investment returns that cannot be supported by credible information.

“We should be careful about the assurances we give investors. Property values can change, and no professional should present an uncertain outcome as a guarantee. Our responsibility is to help clients assess opportunities using the information available,” he said.

Oladimeji maintained that strengthening ethical standards across the profession would require consistent attention to transparency, responsible communication and accountability in property dealings.

He concluded that the industry’s long-term credibility depends on how professionals treat clients, especially when difficult decisions arise during transactions. For him, earning trust requires conduct that protects buyers’ interests and demonstrates respect for the financial commitments they make.