Buying land is one of the smartest investments you can make in Nigeria. But sadly, many people lose their hard-earned money because they didn’t take the right steps before paying. Land scams are everywhere, and if you are not careful, you may end up paying for a land that doesn’t even belong to the seller.
To help you avoid mistakes, here are 5 important things you must check before buying land in Nigeria.
1. Confirm the Land Title Documents
The first step is to check the documents attached to the land. Some common land titles in Nigeria are:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) – proves ownership granted by the government.
- Deed of Assignment – shows transfer of ownership from one person to another.
- Survey Plan – shows the location and boundaries of the land.
If the seller cannot provide these documents, that is a red flag.
You can also confirm land documents with the state land registry to be sure they are genuine.
Read more on land titles from Nigerian Property Centre)
2. Verify the Seller’s Identity
Don’t just take the seller’s word. Some fraudsters sell land that doesn’t belong to them. Ask questions like:
- Is the person the real owner of the land?
- If it’s a family land, do all family members agree to sell?
- If it’s from an estate developer, is the company registered?
At Walex Dot Com, we always help our clients verify sellers before any payment is made. Check our available properties here.
3. Check for Government Acquisition
Some lands are under government acquisition, meaning they are reserved for public projects like roads, schools, or airports. Buying such land can lead to losing your investment.
Always do a land search at the land registry to know if the land is free from government acquisition.
4. Inspect the Land in Person
Never buy land without seeing it with your own eyes. Visit the location, check the environment, ask the neighbors questions, and confirm the boundaries with the survey plan.
Don’t rely only on pictures or videos. Some people sell land in swampy or restricted areas without telling buyers.
5. Work with a Trusted Real Estate Agent or Company
Finally, the safest way to buy land is to work with a trusted real estate company. An experienced agent will guide you through due diligence, prepare proper agreements, and make sure you don’t fall into scams.
At Walex Dot Com, we help clients buy land and houses with peace of mind. Whether you want land for building, investment, or estate development, we make sure everything is genuine and secure.
Final Thoughts
Buying land in Nigeria is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be risky. By checking the title documents, seller’s identity, government records, physical inspection, and using a trusted agent, you can secure your future without fear.
Ready to buy your own land? Contact Walex Dot Com today and let us help you find genuine properties at the best prices.
