How do you verify that a land is genuine in Abuja before making payment? Buying land in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is a big investment, and fraudsters take advantage of this.
When you see a piece of land you like, it’s easy to let excitement cloud your judgment. But you simply can avoid making some newbie mistakes.
That’s why we are spilling the secret to buying genuine land in Abuja in this quick expert guide.
This guide is your map through the terrain of land verification and gets to the heart of all you need to know. From checking documents to talking to the right people, we’ll lay out the steps clearly and simply.
You can protect your investment and make sure your choice is solid. Let’s get it right from the outset which starts from getting and verifying the documents below.
1. Check the Land Title
The first step in verifying land legitimacy is to check its title and other documents. Here’s how to go about it:
a. Obtain a Copy of the Title Document
Request a copy of the land title document from the seller. The main documents to look for are:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This is the primary document proving ownership of land in Abuja. It shows the owner’s name, the land’s location, and its size.
- Deed of Assignment: This document transfers ownership from one person to another. You have to register it with the appropriate land registry.
- Land Grant/Allocation Letter: This is issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or other relevant authorities for land allocation.
b. Verify the Title with the Land Registry
Visit the Abuja Land Registry to verify the authenticity of the title documents. The registry will confirm if the title is genuine and if there are any encumbrances or legal issues attached to the land.
You can use the services of an independent professional such as a surveyor or town planner to verify the documents.
Also Read: Why You Should Buy Land in Abuja as a Young Investor
2. Conduct a Land Search
A land search provides detailed information about the land, including ownership history and any legal disputes. Here’s how to conduct a land search:
a. Visit the Abuja Land Registry Office
Go to the Abuja Land Registry Office, located at the Federal Capital Territory Land Registry. Request a land search for the specific plot you are interested in.
You will have to fill out a land search request form by providing relevant information concerning the land. Details include the land title, location, survey plan if available, and other relevant information.
The Land Registry will provide a report on the property’s status, including ownership history and any existing encumbrances or legal issues.
b. Check for Encumbrances
Talking of encumbrances, confirm that the land has no “issues”. By this, we mean problems such as legal disputes, or government claims. The land search report will provide information on any existing issues.
3. Verify the Abuja Land Seller’s Identity and Ownership
Cross-check the seller’s name against the land title document and the records at the Land Registry. Ensure that the seller’s name matches the one on the title document and that they have the authority to sell the land. Also, compare the information in the land registry report with the title deed provided by the seller.
Also Read: What to Do Before You Purchase Any Property in Abuja
4. Inspect the Land Physically
Ideally, you need to go to the land and inspect its condition. This step could even help you catch signs of dispute or encroachment.
You will also utilize the physical inspection to ensure that the land matches the description provided in the title documents.
Confirm that the boundaries of the land match what is indicated in the title documents. Use landmarks or boundary markers to confirm this.
Consult a Legal Professional
Engaging a legal professional is a wise step to ensure all legal aspects are covered. A real estate lawyer can help review all documents and ensure that everything is in order.
They can also help with the legal processes involved in transferring ownership ownership to you when you eventually make payment.
Your lawyer can also conduct a title search on your behalf to ensure that the land is free from legal issues and disputes.
Check for Government Approval
For land in Abuja, government approval is highly important and you must verify it before making payment. Ensure that the land has the appropriate land use approval from the FCTA. This confirms that the land is designated for the intended use whether residential, commercial, or out of bounds.
Checking for government approval means confirming if the land is within a designated development plan or if any planned government projects might affect it. This information can be obtained from the FCTA or local government offices.
Review the Sale Agreement
Before making any payments, make sure you are okay with the sale agreement. It’s not just about signing everything on paper, you have to review it properly.
Make sure that the sale agreement clearly outlines the terms of the sale, including the payment schedule, transfer of ownership, and any conditions attached. Then, have your lawyer review the sale agreement to ensure that it is legally sound and protects your interests.
Also Read: Deed of Assignment vs. Contract of Sale: What Is the Difference?
5. Complete the Transaction Safely
When you’re ready to proceed with the purchase, make payments through secure methods, such as bank transfers, to have clear proof of the transaction.
It may seem obvious, right? But don’t commit to making cash payments out of “trust” in exchange for a receipt.
This kind of transaction has backfired for some because there is no bank trace of any sort detailing credit and debit between the parties involved.
Well, after payment, ensure the land transfer is officially registered with the Abuja Land Registry to finalize the ownership transfer.
Conclusion
Remember this: the land’s true worth lies not just in its location or its promise but in the certainty you have about its legitimacy. The process is straightforward if you keep your wits about you and follow the steps we have laid out.
Have patience enough to verify the documents, consult the right experts, and trust in the due diligence you’ve performed.
By following these steps—checking the land title, conducting a land search, verifying the seller’s identity, inspecting the land, consulting a legal professional, and reviewing the sale agreement—you can make informed decisions and secure your investment in Abuja.
Remember, thorough due diligence is key to a successful property purchase in the Federal Capital Territory.
Dear investor, don’t be a victim of land scam in Enugu when a genuine real estate company. Reach out to me on +2348033352126 or click on this phone number to send me a WhatsApp message, +2348033352126
