When it comes to buying land in Nigeria, it’s important to be diligent and thorough in your research to avoid potential risks and pitfalls. One of the most important aspects of this process is making sure you have all the necessary documentation from the seller before you commit to purchasing the land. Here are some of the key documents you should request from the seller before buying land in Nigeria:
- Proof of Ownership: The first and most important document you should request is proof of ownership. This could be a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), a deed of assignment, or a survey plan. It’s important to verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the land and has the legal right to sell it.
- Survey Plan: A survey plan is a document that shows the boundaries and measurements of the land you’re interested in purchasing. It’s important to review this document carefully to make sure the land you’re buying matches the description provided by the seller.
- Power of Attorney: If the seller is not the original owner of the land or is acting on behalf of someone else, they will need to provide a power of attorney document to prove that they have the legal authority to sell the land.
- Tax Clearance: Before you purchase land in Nigeria, it’s important to verify that the seller has paid all the necessary taxes and fees. You should request a tax clearance certificate from the seller to ensure that there are no outstanding tax obligations associated with the land.
- Receipts and Agreements: Finally, it’s important to request copies of any receipts or agreements related to the purchase of the land. This could include receipts for payments made, agreements with surveyors or architects, or any other relevant documentation related to the sale of the land.
By requesting these key documents from the seller, you can help protect yourself and ensure that you’re making a smart and informed decision when it comes to purchasing land in Nigeria. If you’re not familiar with the process of reviewing these documents, it may be helpful to work with a real estate lawyer who can guide you through the process and help ensure that everything is in order before you move forward with the purchase.