How to Buy Land in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are many ways to buy land in Nigeria. It can be via p2p which is from one person to another or from one company to an individual. If you meet the right people and take the right approach, the land procurement process in Nigeria can be seamless. Otherwise, it can be very horrendous.

That said, there are many things to look out for when exploring opportunities to buy land in Nigeria. Some might seem trivial but could be very important to procuring land.

Whether you want to buy land to build your dream apartment or invest in real estate, there are crucial elements you need to know so that you can understand the common hurdles people face when buying land.

In this post, we will share a step-by-step guide on how to buy land in Nigeria within the boundaries of the Nigerian land purchase guide. So keep reading.

A step-by-step guide to buying your land in Nigeria

Budget and Purpose:

It is important to have a defined purpose and budget in mind before you set out to buy land. Defining the purpose of purchasing land will give you more clarity and direction regarding the approach to employ. This automatically influences your budget for the land.

When you define the purpose, it helps you choose the right location and land size that works for you. Also, know that your budget should not cater to the land alone, it should include other minor expenses attached like legal fees, government charges, and surveys.

Location Scouting:

Depending on your purpose for purchasing land, you should choose your location wisely. The value of the land is important, suitability, percentage, and likelihood of appreciation should also be accounted for when scouting for the location.

It is also important to note that urban regions like Abuja, Lagos, and Ogun, have more expensive lands than rural areas. This can be due to proximity to cutting-edge amenities and the growth and development prospects of these regions.

Conduct a Land Search (physical inspection):

When you have settled on the location and identified the land, the next step is to conduct a comprehensive search. Ensure the land is not encroaching on any government property or waterways. You should also check that the boundaries will not lead to future disputes. Look for signs of land grabbing or ongoing construction in the area.

After your physical inspection, another option is to visit the nearby land registry to confirm the ownership and legal status of the land. Some land can have legal proceedings and disputes, and in some cases, unpaid dues, and due diligence is required.

Verify the Land Title:

This is the next step, verify the land title. Verifying the land title is primarily identifying the true owner of the land. It is important to verify the land title before you make any financial commitment.

In Nigeria, documents like C of O (certificate of occupancy), survey plans, deed of assignment, and government’s consent can serve as land titles. You need the help of a legal expert to go through all these documents as they are all different.

Hire A Legal Expert (Lawyer):

When buying land in Nigeria you need a qualified lawyer, it is not negotiable. With the help of a lawyer, you are guaranteed a smooth sailing land procurement process.

The lawyer will help verify every document, conduct a comprehensive title search, and handle all the legal aspects of the transaction. A lawyer will also ensure the sales agreement is legally binding and protects your interests.

Negotiate and Make Financial offer:

After verifying the authenticity of the documents and you are satisfied with the land and every detail, you should proceed to negotiate the price with the seller.

It’s normal in the Nigerian real estate market to negotiate and bargain the price and be prepared to do that.

When you reach a mutual agreement, proceed to draft an offer letter with the help of your lawyer, stating your intention to purchase the land.

Sales Agreement and Payment:

When terms are agreed upon, move to the next step. Here you draft a sales agreement. Meticulously outline all details, terms, and conditions applicable to the transaction.

Ensure nothing is left out, for evidence and record purposes. Payment terms, land price, and obligations of everyone involved in the transaction should be well stated.

Ensure your lawyer proofreads everything and gives the go-ahead before you sign and commit to anything. Witnesses are important for these transactions; a minimum of two witnesses should be present at the time of the transaction.

When all is done, you can then proceed to make payment, based on the agreement, whether that be in installment or lump sum. While at it, ensure you also receive a receipt for the transaction.

Get all the necessary Documents

When all transactions are done, the next step is to obtain all the necessary documents so that the land title can be fully transferred to you. The deed of assignment is key in this regard. It is a document that shows the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.

In the same vein, to obtain the survey plan, you can hire a surveyor to help determine the exact boundaries of your land and document it. Also, get the governor’s consent document.

All lands in Nigeria are under the vested power of the state governor, which means obtaining a governor’s consent is necessary to assume full ownership of the land to avoid future land disputes.

Remember to log your survey plan to the office of the surveyor general, and your deed of assignment should be registered at the nearest land registry.

Register the Land

The last step involved in buying land in Nigeria is land registration. This final stage helps ensure your legal ownership of the land as protected under the Nigerian land purchase guide and law.

The registration involves submitting all your acquired documents (Governor’s consent, deed of assignment,) to the land registry where you received the C of O or any recognized title deed. This depends on the state where you are purchasing the land.

Conclusion

When buying land in Nigeria, due diligence and proper planning are required. Buying land is a significant investment you cannot take lightly.

Always remember that buying land in Nigeria is a big deal and you can’t always do it all by yourself.

Try to get the right legal and professional guidance to ensure you don’t go beyond the boundaries of the Nigerian land purchase guide.

With these few steps, you are guaranteed a smooth sailing process when buying land to ensure your investment is fully secured.