ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO BUY LAND OR PROPERTY

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO BUY LAND OR PROPERTY IN NIGERIA

Buying land or real estate in Nigeria involves significant financial outlays and extensive documentation. Many buyers have suffered financial losses as a result of incomplete or fraudulent paperwork. To ensure a smooth, legal, and secure transaction, you must verify all necessary documentation before making any payments.

This guide offers a comprehensive list of all the documents required to purchase real estate in Nigeria, as well as details on their significance and how to verify their authenticity.

1. Occupancy Certificate (C of O): A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the most significant land document in Nigeria. It is issued by the state government to confirm that the land has been legally allocated and that the owner is permitted to use it.

Why It Matters: 

 -Verifies that the land has been approved by the government;

 -Necessary for bank loans and mortgages
 -Aids in avoiding disputes or revocation by the government

How to Verify: 

- Verify that the seller's name appears on the C of O by visiting the state land registry (such as the Lagos Land Bureau or Abuja AGIS).

NOTE: Make sure the land has a "Governor's Consent" or "Gazette" (for excised land) if it lacks a C of O. 

2. Deed of Assignment: A Deed of Assignment is a formal document that gives the buyer ownership of a property from the seller. It contains the following information: 

-Seller and buyer details 

-Land description and location
-Acquire terms and price

Why It Matters: 

-Serves as proof of ownership transfer 

-Is required for future sales or legal proceedings

Verify that it is registered and stamped at the land registry. 
-Check the seller's previous title documents.

3. Survey Plan: A survey plan is a mapped document that shows the exact measurements, boundaries, and coordinates of the land. It is prepared by a certified surveyor.
The Importance of It: 

-Prevents disputes over boundaries with neighbors 
-Checks to make sure the land doesn't border government property.

How to Verify:

 - Determine whether the Surveyor-General's office has approved it 

- Perform a physical inspection to ensure that the plan and the land match. 

4. Governor's Consent: Before reselling land that has previously been purchased from the government, a governor's consent is necessary. 

Why It is crucial because: 

-The sale is not legally recognized without it;

 -It keeps the government from rescinding it in the future.

How to Verify: 

- Verify at the state land registry 

- Make sure the seller got permission before reselling

5. Gazette (For Excision & Committed Land): This official government publication certifies that land has been released from government acquisition. 

Why It Matters: 

-Verifies that there has been no government takeover of the land.
-Necessary to receive a C of O

How to Verify: -Check with the Ministry of Lands or the Surveyor-General's office.

6. Purchase and Agreement Receipt: A sales agreement is a contract that certifies the payment made by a buyer and a seller. 

Why It Matters: -Prevents dishonest denials of sale serves as official documentation of the transaction.

Verify by having witnesses and both parties sign it and by including clear terms (such as the date of handover, the payment schedule, and the penalties for infractions).


7. Approved Building Plan (For Developed Property): This document attests to the government's endorsement of a home's construction. 

Its Importance: 

-Prevents government agencies (such as the LASG and FCDA) from destroying the property 

- Confirms that the property was built legally

How to verify

-Speak with the local urban planning authority.

8. Power of Attorney (If Relevant): A Power of Attorney (POA) gives the seller permission to sell if they are acting on behalf of another person. 

Why It Matters: 

-Prevents future disputes with the rightful owner 

-Confirms that the seller is authorized by law to sell

How to Verify
-Check the High Court registry.

Warning Signs to Be Aware of
-Missing or forged documents

-Seller avoiding verification

-No survey plan or conflicting land boundaries

-Land under government acquisition or litigation

What to Do After Getting the Documents

-Register the Deed of Assignment

-Process Governor’s Consent (if required)

-Fence & secure the property

-Keep copies in a safe place

CONCLUSION

Buying land or property in Nigeria is a significant investment that should never be taken lightly. Ensuring that you have all the essential documents from the Certificate of Occupancy to the Deed of Assignment and Survey Plan is not just a legal requirement but also your strongest protection against fraud, disputes, and financial loss. As exciting as property ownership may be, taking the time to verify and obtain the right documentation is what turns a risky transaction into a secure and rewarding investment. Always consult legal and real estate professionals before finalizing any deal your future peace of mind depends on it.

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Signed 

Propertyhub
For,
Notre Dame Estates Limited.