Buying a house with the right documents in Lekki, one of Lagos State’s most prestigious and rapidly urbanising districts, is a significant financial and lifestyle investment. With its blend of high-end residential estates, luxury amenities, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and booming commercial opportunities, Lekki has become a magnet for real estate developers, investors, and aspiring homeowners alike.

But behind the glossy billboards, gated estates, and trending property listings lies a real estate terrain that is often complex, unpredictable, and fraught with hidden risks. From government acquisitions and zoning restrictions to disputed ownership claims, “Omo-onile” interference, and unauthorised structures, the potential for complications is high, especially for uninformed buyers.

While Lekki offers the promise of long-term financial appreciation and social prestige, many individuals have lost millions to shady deals, forged documents, and incomplete paperwork. Sadly, several buyers only discover the legal defects in their property documents when it’s already too late, often during resale, refinancing, or when faced with a government demolition order.

Whether you are acquiring property for residential use, commercial development, rental income, or land banking, due diligence is not optional; it is essential. No matter how beautiful the house looks or how attractive the price sounds, if the paperwork isn’t complete, authentic, and verifiable, the deal should not proceed.

Real estate, especially in prime areas like Lekki, should never be approached with assumptions or blind trust. Instead, approach it with the same seriousness you would a business acquisition with facts, legal backing, and professional guidance.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the documents you must ask for before buying any house in Lekki.

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

The Certificate of Occupancy is one of the most important documents in any real estate transaction in Nigeria. It is issued by the government and confirms that the land on which the house sits is legally recognised and allocated for residential use.

Why It Matters:

• Proves legal ownership and government approval.
• Protects you from government acquisition or forced eviction.
• Makes property resale and financing easier.

What to Check:

• Confirm that the name on the C of O matches the seller’s.
• Verify its authenticity at the Lagos State Land Registry.

2. Deed of Assignment

This is a legally binding document that records the transfer of ownership of a property from one party to another. Without this document, there’s no record of how the property changed hands from its previous owner to you.

What It Must Include:

• Names of the assignor (seller) and the assignee (buyer)
• Description of the property
• Transaction date
• Amount paid
• Duration of right/interest transferred
• Signatures of both parties and witnesses

Why You Need It:

• You’ll need the deed to process the Governor’s Consent.
• It creates a chain of title, ensuring no break in property ownership history.

Register the Deed of Assignment with the Lagos State Land Registry immediately after the transaction.

Also Read:

• 5 Invalid Land Titles to Avoid in Ibusa for Safe Transactions
• What You Should Know About Excision Land Title in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki
• Factors to Consider Before Buying a House from a Developer in Lagos

3. Survey Plan

A Survey Plan provides a detailed layout of the land, including its size, boundaries, and coordinates. It also shows whether the land is under government acquisition or not. Before buying a house in Lekki, one of the documents you should request is the survey plan. You need to know if it’s a registered survey plan or a provisional survey plan.

Why It Matters:

• Confirms the land location and size.
• Helps avoid boundary disputes with neighbours.
• Detects encroachments on restricted or government lands.

How to Verify:

• Have a registered surveyor cross-check it with the Surveyor General’s Office.

4. Governor’s Consent

Under Nigeria’s Land Use Act of 1978, all land is ultimately owned by the state. So, any transfer of ownership (especially for land with a C of O) requires the Governor’s Consent to be valid.

Why It’s Crucial:

• It’s the only legal proof that the Lagos State Government is aware of and approves the transaction.
• Without it, you’re legally vulnerable, and the government could revoke the sale.

How to Get It:

• Apply through the Ministry of Lands after executing a registered Deed of Assignment.
• Takes several weeks/months, so plan accordingly.

The cost of obtaining the Governor’s Consent is usually borne by the buyer unless otherwise negotiated.

5. Approved Building Plan

The Approved Building Plan is a document issued by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), granting permission to erect a building in compliance with town planning and environmental regulations.

Why It’s Important:

• Ensures the building adheres to the correct zoning (residential, commercial, etc.)
• Confirms that proper building standards were followed
• Protects you from future demolition or fines

What to Check:

• Does the building on-site match the layout and description in the approved plan?
• Was it issued by LASPPPA?
• Was the plan amended during construction?

6. Purchase Receipt and Sale Agreement

This section deserves special attention because many informal transactions in Lekki happen without detailed documentation, which exposes buyers to fraud.

Purchase Receipt:

• A written acknowledgement from the seller that confirms the amount paid
• Should include buyer/seller names, property details, date, and method of payment

Sale Agreement:

• Outlines the terms of the sale
• Details of possession timeline, mode of payment, default clauses, warranties, and signatures

Why It Matters:

• It’s your proof of transaction and ownership claim
• Crucial if a dispute arises over the transaction or if a third party claims ownership
• Required during title processing and the Governor’s Consent application

Legal Tip: Always have a real estate lawyer draft or review this agreement before signing.

7. Land Use Charge & Utility Bills

The Land Use Charge is an annual tax levied on property owners in Lagos. Other recurrent bills like waste disposal (LAWMA), electricity (IKEDC), and water (LWC) may also apply.

Before Buying:

• Ask the seller to provide evidence of current payments
• Confirm there are no arrears or outstanding charges
• Cross-check utility meters and account ownership

Why It Matters:

• Avoid inheriting the seller’s debts
• Smooth transfer of service accounts
• Prevents interruption of utilities

8. Due Diligence Is Non-Negotiable

Even if all documents appear in place, always perform due diligence:

• Engage a Real Estate Lawyer to verify all documents and carry out a land search.
• Visit the Land Registry to confirm the property’s legal status and if there’s any pending litigation or encumbrance.
• Conduct a Physical Inspection and ask neighbours about the property’s history.
• Avoid “Omo-onile” purchases without formal documentation, as they often lead to multiple claims on a single property.

9. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if:

• The seller avoids or delays showing documents.
• The price is too low for the area.
• The land is marked “under acquisition” or “excision in process.”
• Multiple individuals claim ownership.

10. Additional Documentation (If Available)

Depending on the property and its history, also request:

• Excision letters (for land with excision in process)
• Allocation letters (for government or estate allocation)
• Registered title (if seller has already completed title registration)
• Building Completion Certificate
• Certificate of Habitability

Also Read:

• What is a Fully Detached Duplex in Lagos?
• How Not to Get It Wrong When Buying a Home in Lagos
• How Much Can I Make From Land Banking in Lagos in 5 Years

Conclusion

Lekki is a highly sought-after location, and with that demand comes both opportunity and risk. Never make the mistake of buying a house in Lekki without demanding and verifying the right documents. Legal documentation is your only real proof of ownership, and without it, you’re just a visitor on someone else’s land.

These documents serve as your legal armour:

• They establish proof of ownership.
• These documents will protect you from fraudulent transactions and double sales.
• They will shield you from future litigations, government demolitions, and land disputes.
• And most importantly, they give you peace of mind and full control over your property rights.

When in doubt, engage a professional. Real estate is a long-term investment. Take your time, follow the law, and protect your money.

Do you desire to buy this house in Lekki? Call or send a WhatsApp message to +2348134794494.