27/08/2026
HOW TO VERIFY LAND TITLE DOCUMENTS BEFORE YOU PAY FOR LAND IN NIGERIA
DON’T JUST SEE A DOCUMENT AND PAY. VERIFY IT.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying land is assuming that because the seller has a Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment, Receipt or even a Certificate of Occupancy, the land is automatically safe to buy.
That assumption can cost you millions of naira.
Before you make payment for any land in Nigeria, proper due diligence should be carried out.
Here are some of the important things you should verify:
1. VERIFY THE SURVEY PLAN
Confirm the survey plan number, owner's name, location, coordinates, size of the land and surveyor's details with the appropriate Surveyor-General's office or relevant state land authority.
A survey-plan search is important, but remember: finding a survey record does not by itself prove that the person selling the land is the current owner.
2. VERIFY THE ROOT OF TITLE
Find out exactly how the seller acquired the property.
Is it government allocation?
Family land?
Inherited property?
A previous purchase?
A registered title?
The history of ownership matters.
3. CONDUCT A SEARCH AT THE APPROPRIATE LAND REGISTRY
A professional title search can reveal important information about the property, including registered interests and whether there are issues affecting the title.
Don't rely only on documents supplied by the seller.
4. CHECK FOR GOVERNMENT ACQUISITION
A beautiful piece of land can still become a serious problem if it falls within government acquisition, committed area, road alignment, planning restriction or another prohibited area.
This is one reason proper charting and official verification are extremely important.
5. VERIFY THE DEED OF ASSIGNMENT
If the property is being transferred from an existing owner to you, the Deed of Assignment and the seller's authority to transfer the property should be properly examined.
Depending on the circumstances and state requirements, government consent/registration may also be required.
6. VERIFY THE SELLER
Confirm that the person or company selling the property actually has the legal authority to sell it.
Where the seller is acting through a representative, Power of Attorney and other supporting documents should also be carefully examined.
7. INSPECT THE LAND PHYSICALLY
Don't buy land based only on pictures, videos, Google Maps or what someone tells you.
Visit the actual site.
Confirm the location, boundaries, access road, surrounding developments and physical situation of the property.
8. USE THE RIGHT PROFESSIONALS
For serious property purchases, involve the appropriate professionals — including a qualified surveyor and property lawyer where necessary.
A professional surveyor can help establish the physical identity and boundaries of the land, while a lawyer can properly examine the title and transaction documents.
9. DON'T ALLOW PRESSURE TO MAKE YOU SKIP DUE DILIGENCE
"Price will increase tomorrow."
"Another buyer is coming."
"Pay now before it is sold out."
These statements should never replace proper verification.
VERIFY FIRST. PAY SECOND.
As a real estate professional, I believe that educating people is part of the responsibility of selling real estate.
My goal is not just to help you buy property.
My goal is to help you make informed real estate decisions.
Whether you are buying to build, hold, resell, invest or secure property for the future, DON'T TAKE TITLE VERIFICATION FOR GRANTED.
Before you pay for land, ask questions. Demand documents. Verify the title. Verify the land. Verify the seller.
For genuine real estate consultation, property investment opportunities and professional guidance:
FOR YOUR
Real Estate Consultant | Realtor | Real Estate Coach.
Contact: +2347030179449
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