Before you commit to purchasing any piece of land in Nigeria, it is important to do your due diligence by checking that the sale of the plot(s) is a genuine sale, to avoid a sour tale. Buying land is often the first step people take to own a home.
Buying land is as easy as it sounds but it can also be complicated if you are not conversant with the documents needed to purchase legit land. It is important we mention that, before you commit to purchasing any piece of land in Nigeria, it is important to do your due diligence by checking that the sale of the plot(s) is a genuine sale, to avoid losing money. Here is a list of documents required when purchasing land.
1. Approved survey plan: This is an important title document that helps to reveal the true ownership status in any land and landed properties’ transactions. It gives the exact measurement of the land which includes its length and breadth. It also helps to reveal if such land is not under any government acquired or committed lands/area.
2. Approved layout: The layout Plan is a drawing that shows the arrangement of the lands/houses and roads in that area. It helps you decide where you want your building to face.
3. Deed of Assignment: This is a document that shows you are the new owner of the land. It is a very important document that should not be overlooked. It is also referred to as ‘deed of conveyance ‘ which means the process of transfer of ownership. The deed of Assignment contains very important information like the date the land was transferred to a new owner and a clear description of the land.
4. Certificate of occupancy: This document certifies the legal ownership of land. It is a document that shows the owner has been legal permission from the executive government of the state to occupy that property.
Some land already comes with C of O, if the one you want to purchase doesn’t, you should get one yourself.
5. Receipt: This is often confused with ‘certificate of occupancy ‘ but it is important to note that they are NOT the same. A receipt is evidence of purchase that will be issued to the buyer upon transaction completion.
It is a document that proves that money was exchanged. Without this document, you cannot have any proof of money transactions. A real estate purchase without a receipt becomes untraceable.
As said earlier, buying land can be as simple as it sounds and can also be complicated. It’s very simple if you have the above documents when you purchase land. However, If you are unable to produce your title documents, you could lose your landed property.