Buying land in Lagos without understanding land titles is like paying for a car without checking if it has an engine—you might end up with something useless. Many buyers rush into deals without verifying the legal status of the land, only to realize later that they’ve paid for land they can’t legally own.
So, let’s break it down—what exactly are land titles, and why should you care?
What Is a Land Title?
A land title is an official document that proves ownership or legal rights to a parcel of land. It defines whether a piece of land is free for sale, already owned, or controlled by the government. Without a proper title, you may face legal battles, government demolitions, or even lose your land to another claimant.
In Lagos, there are key types of land titles every buyer must understand before making a purchase.
Common Land Titles in Lagos
1. Excision
Think of excision like a school principal allowing students to use a part of the school field for their own activities. Excision is when the government officially removes a portion of land from its acquisition and allocates it to indigenous families or communities. This is important because, by default, all land in Nigeria is owned by the government. Land without excision remains under government control and cannot be legally sold to individuals.
How to verify?
- Check the Lagos State Land Bureau.
- Ask for the survey plan and confirm if it falls within an excised area.
- Request a copy of the Gazette (more on this below).
2. Gazette
A gazette is an official government record that lists all excised lands. Once land has been excised, it gets published in the government’s gazette, making it recognized and legal for private ownership.
Why does this matter?
- A piece of land in a gazetted area is safe to buy because the government has officially recorded it.
- It prevents cases where the government reclaims land from buyers who unknowingly purchase unapproved land.
How to verify?
- Request the gazette record from the seller.
- Visit the Lagos State Land Bureau to confirm.
3. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the gold standard of land ownership in Nigeria. It is a government-issued document that certifies an individual or entity as the legal owner of a property for 99 years.
Why is a C of O important?
- It provides absolute proof of ownership.
- It helps secure bank loans since banks recognize it as collateral.
- It prevents future land disputes.
How to verify?
- Check with the Lagos State Land Bureau.
- Conduct a search at the Lands Registry.
4. Governor’s Consent
Once a land with a C of O is sold to another buyer, the new owner must obtain Governor’s Consent to legalize the transfer of ownership. Without this, the land is still considered owned by the previous seller in government records.
How to verify?
- Ask for a copy of the existing C of O and the Governor’s Consent.
- Conduct a title verification check at the Lagos State Land Registry.
5. Deed of Assignment
A Deed of Assignment is the official document that transfers ownership of land from the seller to the buyer. While it is not a government title on its own, it is essential for legal ownership.
Why is this important?
- It serves as proof that the seller has willingly sold the land to you.
- It includes details of the transaction and history of ownership.
How to verify?
- Ensure it is signed by both parties and registered at the Lagos State Lands Registry.
Risks of Buying Land Without Proper Title
Many buyers in Lagos fall into the trap of purchasing land without verifying titles. Here’s what could go wrong:
- Government Seizure: The land may be under government acquisition, and you may lose your investment.
- Ownership Disputes: Multiple people could claim ownership over the same land.
- No Resale Value: Without proper documentation, you cannot resell the land legally.
- Litigation Issues: You may be dragged into costly legal battles.
How to Verify a Land Title Before Buying
- Visit the Lagos State Land Bureau – Conduct a title search.
- Demand for Original Documents – Review the C of O, Gazette, Excision, or Deed of Assignment.
- Hire a Property Lawyer – A professional will help check for hidden legal issues.
- Check for Encumbrances – Ensure the land is not under dispute or litigation.
- Verify Survey Plan – Make sure the land falls within an approved area.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy Blindly!
In Lagos, buying land is not just about finding a good location—it’s about securing your future investment. Always verify the land title before committing your hard-earned money. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Looking for verified properties with clean titles? Estate Property Pro ensures every property listed is legally secured and safe for purchase. Contact us today for expert real estate guidance and secure land investments!
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