Land for sale in Lagos

Buying checklist: avoid property fraud in Lagos

1. 1. Search the title at the land registry

   Before paying, do a search on the title document at the state lands registry to confirm the owner, the size of the plot and that it isn't under government acquisition.

2. 2. Know the title type

   A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Governor's Consent or a registered deed is far safer than an unregistered receipt or family agreement alone.

3. 3. Inspect and survey in person

   Visit the property yourself, check access roads, flooding and neighbours, and confirm the boundaries match a registered survey plan.

4. 4. Watch out for omonile and family land issues

   On family or community land, confirm who has the right to sell, get the family head's signature, and make sure the land isn't already sold to someone else.

5. 5. Use your own lawyer

   Have a property lawyer you chose review all documents and prepare the deed of assignment or contract of sale. Budget for legal, agency and consent fees.

6. 6. Pay traceably, never in cash

   Pay into an account in the verified owner's name, get signed receipts, and only release the balance once documents are signed.