The need to verify the authenticity of land in Lagos before making a purchase can’t be overemphasized.
Imagine investing your hard-earned money to buy land only to watch it get demolished because the property was built on government-acquired land or had legal disputes.
This scenario unfortunately has played out too many times where properties get demolished because the buyer failed to carry out proper research before purchasing the land. That is why we’d be focusing on how to verify the authenticity of a land in Lagos, to avoid these kinds of devastating outcomes.
We will walk you through the steps necessary to verify any land you intend buying in Lagos, to ensure you aren’t making the mistake of investing in any land with potential disputes.
The Importance of Land Verification
If you’re still in doubt about why you need to verify the authenticity of a Land you acquired, especially if you purchased it from a well-recognized real estate company, then come closer.
Verifying the authenticity ensures that the seller has the legal rights to sell the land and that there are no existing issues on the land. To further buttress the point, here are some common issues or land scams you may face especially when investing in land in Lagos.
Common Land Scams in Lagos
As vibrant as the real estate market is in Lagos, it also has its fair share of land scams some of which include;
1. Omo-Onile Issues
If you are conversant with the real estate terrain in Lagos, you must have come across the term ‘Omo-Onile’. Omo-Onile refers to local land owners, they are the owners of the land, usually a large expanse of land owned by families. These local landowners can decide to sell the same piece of land to multiple buyers which can only lead to different people laying claims to one property. Such land disputes can lead to legal battles that will only cost you to lose more money.
That’s not all, Omo-Oniles are also notorious for demanding various atrocious fees even after purchasing the land legally. Fees like ‘Laying of Foundation’ ‘roofing’ or any kind of fees they deem fit. Buying land from Omo-Oniles can be very risky especially if there is no legal backing or documentation involved.
Also Read: Understanding Property Titles and Documentation in Nigeria
2. Fake Documents
There are lots of fraudsters claiming to have rights of sale to a given property, only to present you with forged documents or documents that are outdated. Without doing your due diligence, you may end up at the losing end.
3. Encumbered Land
These lands may have pending legal issues, unpaid taxes or may even be government-acquired lands, making them a no-go area.
Being aware of these scams helps you become vigilant and avoid falling victim when investing in any land in Lagos.
Key Documents to Check When Buying a Land
Before we go ahead to mention the steps to verifying land in Lagos, here are key documents you need to check before buying land.
1. Certificate of Occupancy(C of O)
This document certifies that the property owner has been given permission to occupy the use of the land for a specific purpose. It is usually issued by the state government.
2. Deed of Assignment
This is a legal document that transfers the ownership of a given property from one party to the other. This document is proof that the ownership of a land has been transferred stating the terms and conditions of the transfer.
3. Survey Plan
The survey plan provides the precise location, boundaries, size, dimensions and features of a property. This plan is prepared by a licensed surveyor and can be very useful when dealing with boundary disputes.
4. Governor’s Consent
The Governor’s consent is a legal document required to validate any land transaction involving a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO). This document confirms that the transaction complies with the state laws and regulations.
5. Receipt of Purchase
This document serves as proof of payment for the transfer of ownership of the given property. It is issued by the buyer to the seller confirming the purchase of the land at the price stated in the document. The receipt of purchase is important as it serves as evidence of transaction, and is required at the lands registry during the point of registration.
Also Read: 7 Real Estate Investment Mistakes to Avoid in Enugu If You Live Abroad
Steps to Verify Land Authenticity in Lagos
Here are the steps (in no particular order) to verify the authenticity of a land in Lagos
i. Conduct a Physical Inspection of the Land
Physically inspect the land to ascertain that it exists and matches the description and boundaries portrayed in the document.
ii. Verify the Property Documents
Ask to see the documents of the land, the deed of assignment, certificate of occupancy, survey plan and Governor’s consent. Ensure that these documents are on the ground before making any negotiations.
iii. Conduct a Search at the Land Registry
This search is to look into the land’s record to confirm if the land is registered and verify its legal owner. If the land has any issues or legal disputes, you’ll find out at the land registry. It’s best to carry out this search with the help of a lawyer or property surveyor.
iv. Consult a Legal Professional
You may need the services of a lawyer when verifying the property documents. If possible, get a property lawyer that specializes in real estate in Lagos, to guide you through the process of verification.
v. Verify the Seller’s Identity
Ensure the seller is the real owner of the land and is not posing as a fake to avoid falling into the hands of land scammers.
vi. Conduct a Survey
Consult with a licensed surveyor to conduct a survey on the land to verify the land’s boundaries, ensuring they match with that on the records.
vii. Verify with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA)
Check to verify if the land has any planning permits or approvals as Lagos state has specific zoning laws that determine what kind of development is allowed in specific areas (e.g. residential, commercial or industrial).
viii. Verify the Governor’s Consent
Verifying the Governor’s consent ensures that the seller has obtained consent to transfer ownership. This prevents fraudulent sales and multiple allocations of the same land.
Also Read: Essential Documents You Must Get After Buying Property In Nigeria
Conclusion
Lagos real estate is very vibrant when it comes to real estate investment. In addition, it’s also a high risk due to the number of people investing in real estate daily. It is not just enough to invest in real estate because you can afford one. Taking the time to verify the land you are about to purchase is very important.
Fraudsters run away with large sums of money because many investors failed to verify the lands before purchasing.
With these steps given above, you can minimize the risk of being a victim to scammers. By this, you will know what to look out for when purchasing land in Lagos.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents should I request to verify the authenticity of land in Lagos?
The documents to verify a land in Lagos include; the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor’s consent, Deed of Assignment and a Survey Plan. These documents prove the status of the land and who the owner is. Verify that the documents have the name of the seller or landowner on them and are valid before buying the property.
2. How do I confirm the seller has the right to sell the land?
You can request the title documents in hard or soft copy. Thereafter, you can proceed to authenticate them at the Land Registry in Alausa Ikeja, Lagos.
3. Should I involve a lawyer when buying land in Lagos?
Yes, a lawyer will help you review the title documents of the land, verify the authenticity, and ensure the seller has the legal rights to sell the land.
To purchase a property in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki or any part of Lagos State, call +2348134794494 or send a WhatsApp message to +2348134794494.