Is the property genuinely verified and legally documented?Before buying, confirm that the property actually exists, the seller has the legal right to sell it, and the documents presented can be independently verified. Depending on the property, documents may include a Registered Survey, Deed of Assignment, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Gazette, or other relevant title documents.
2. What title does the property have?Ask the seller to clearly state the title attached to the property. Common land documents in Nigeria include C of O, Gazette, Excision, Registered Survey, and Deed of Assignment. Don’t assume that having a document automatically means the property is safe—verify the document and its relationship to the specific property.
Who owns the property, and can I verify the ownership?Ask for evidence showing who legally owns the property and verify that information through the appropriate authority and documentation. Where applicable, confirm that the person or company selling the property has the authority to transfer it to you.
4. Has the property undergone proper due diligence?Ask what checks have been carried out before you commit your money. Due diligence should examine issues such as ownership, title, survey coordinates, government acquisition, encumbrances, disputes, and whether the property matches the documents presented.
5. Is the land free from government acquisition or other encumbrances?This is an important question because land can have restrictions, acquisition issues, disputes, mortgages, or other claims attached to it. Ask for evidence that the property has been properly investigated and that there are no undisclosed issues that could affect your ownership or development plans.
