Did you know that there are certain questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria?  For example, is the land in a safe location? Does it have the right documents to show it’s legal?

What about the cost or extra fees? Asking these questions can protect you from mistakes and help you make a smart investment. Keep reading to learn some questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria.

Key Takeaway

• Before buying land, check if it has the right legal documents, like a certificate showing it belongs to the seller. This helps you avoid scams and ensures the land is really yours once you buy it.
• Understand all the costs involved so you don’t spend too much money. Also, check if there are rules about how the land can be used. This is important if you want to build something or use the land in a specific way.
• Choose land in a safe area that’s easy to get to and close to important things like roads, electricity, and water. The location should match what you plan to use the land for, like building a home or starting a business.

What Are the Questions To Ask When Buying Land in Nigeria?

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Buying land is a big decision; asking the right questions can help you avoid certain mistakes. Here are 11 important questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria:

• How is the location?
• Is the land title authentic?
• What are the costs involved?
• Is the location safe?
• What utilities are available?
• Proximity to major roads
• Is the land surveyed?
• Is there any zoning restriction on the land?
• What are the rights associated with this land?
• Are there any environmental hazards associated with the land?
• Is the land boundary marked?

1 . How is the Location?

This is one of the important questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria. Knowing the location is important, especially if you’re planning to build a commercial property.

Furthermore, before choosing your land location, you should consider your intended purpose. You can also check for locations where you can buy affordable land and save money for further improvement.

2. Is the Land Title Authentic?

In Nigeria, different documents determine whether the land rightfully belongs to the seller. Some of these documents include a Certificate of Occupancy or Deed of Assignment.

And without these documents, you might face problems or even lose your land.

3. What are the Costs Involved?

When planning your budget, one of the most important questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria is the costs. However, land prices in Nigeria vary based on location and size.

Are there extra fees like taxes or agent commissions besides the land price? Knowing this helps you avoid unexpected expenses. If the land price exceeds your budget, you can buy seller-financed land.

4. Is the Location Safe?

When looking to buy land in Nigeria, safety should always be a priority. Among the questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria are about the area’s security.

This is because a safe location protects your property and gives you peace of mind, especially if you plan to live there.

Safety should always be a priority. Among the questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria are about the area’s security. A safe location protects your property and gives you peace of mind, especially if you plan to live there.

5. What Utilities are Available?

Utilities like water, electricity, and sewage systems can make or break your experience with the land. So, before building, one of the smartest questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria is if utilities are readily available.

Or if you’ll need to pay extra to install them.

6. Proximity to Major Roads?

In some rural areas, land could be cut off from major roads. But, having an accessible road network to the land can attract development to the area.

7. Is the Land Surveyed?

It is recommended that you hire a certified surveyor to tell you and show you the exact boundaries, as unclear boundaries can cause a dispute.

So, to avoid this, the question to ask when buying land in Nigeria is whether the land has been properly surveyed.

8. Is there any Zoning Restriction on the Land?

When buying land in Nigeria, this is one of the things you need to consider. You should know if there are any zoning regulations.

This is because having an understanding of the zoning regulations will give you an idea of the activities that should be done on that land.

9. What is the Right Associated with the Land?

Some lands come with special rights, like road access or mineral rights. When listing your questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria, be sure to include inquiries about what rights come with the land to avoid limitations.

10. Are there any Environmental Hazards Associated with the Land?

Nobody wants land that floods or is contaminated. So, among the questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria, is if there are any environmental hazards.

Some of these hazards include flooding, chemical waste, or unstable soil that could affect the land’s usability.

11. Is the Land Boundary Marked?

Having clear boundaries set on land is important. They ensure that the promised size of land is what is being sold. Also, when clear boundaries are set, trespassing is avoided.

What Documents Are Required When Buying Land in Nigeria

The following documents are part of the key questions to ask when buying land in Nigeria.

• Survey plan
• Deed of assignment
• Certificate of occupancy
• Land title
• Land purchase receipts

1 . Survey Plan

This is a plan that must be carried out when buying land in Nigeria. You can ask the seller for the plan or hire a surveyor to do it or you.

2.  Deed of Assignment

This is a legal document that governs the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.

3. Certificate of Occupancy

This is a legal document that is issued by the state government to the owner of the land.

4. Land Title

The land title is a legal document that proves ownership, and it can be verified at the land registry.

• Owner’s name
• Land’s location and size
• Any liens, such as mortgage
• A history of past ownership
• Any restrictions on the use of the land

5. Land Receipt

This is the document that confirms the buyer’s payment.

Conclusion

Buying land in Nigeria is a major investment that requires careful planning and the right knowledge. And asking the right questions—about location, legal documents, costs, and potential risks—can save you from fraud.

It can also ensure your investment is secure. Whether you’re buying land for the first time to build a home, start a business, or hold it as an asset, being informed is the key to making the best decisions. Do your homework, ask questions, and protect your future.