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Buying property in Nigeria is a major investment. But it’s also one of the riskiest transactions you can make—especially if you don’t follow the right legal steps.

At Universal Solicitors & Advocates, we’ve seen too many people lose money, land, and peace of mind simply because they skipped basic legal checks. With land scams and ownership disputes on the rise, due diligence isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Before you pay a single naira, here are five critical legal checks you must carry out:

1. Verify Title Documents

You must confirm that the seller holds a valid and recognized title. Common property titles in Nigeria include:

• Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)

• Governor’s Consent

• Deed of Assignment (properly registered)

• Deed of Sublease or Registered Conveyance

Don’t rely on photocopies. Insist on seeing originals and ensure they are registered with the appropriate land registry. At Universal Solicitors & Advocates, we review these documents for authenticity and legal compliance.

2. Conduct a Land Search

A land search at the state Land Registry reveals the legal status of the property.

It tells you:

• Whether the land is already sold or mortgaged

• If it’s under government acquisition

• If there are any encumbrances or pending litigation

For Lagos properties, for instance, the Lagos State Lands Bureau or ALAUSA Land Registry is where the search should be conducted. We perform comprehensive land registry searches for our clients as part of our real estate due diligence service.

3. Survey Plan Verification

Don’t just accept any survey plan. Verify it with the Office of the Surveyor General.

Why is this important?

• Confirms that the land is correctly plotted

• Ensures the land isn’t under government acquisition or overlapping another person’s plot

• Verifies size and location match what’s being sold

At Universal Solicitors & Advocates, we cross-check survey plans with government records to protect our clients from boundary disputes or invalid land claims.

4. Confirm Seller’s Ownership

Before you trust any seller—individual, family, company, or community—you must verify that they have legal authority to sell the land.

Ask for:

• Valid means of identification

• Corporate ownership records (if it’s a company)

• Family resolutions (for family land)

• Power of Attorney (if the seller is an agent)

We also conduct background checks on sellers to ensure they have no adverse claims or legal issues that might affect your future ownership.

5. Engage a Property Lawyer

This is the most important step—and sadly, the most ignored. A competent property lawyer will:

• Review all documents before you sign anything

• Draft and vet Deeds of Assignment, Contracts of Sale, and other legal instruments

• Represent you during the transaction

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements

At Universal Solicitors & Advocates, our real estate team has guided individuals, families, and corporate clients through safe and successful property transactions across Nigeria.

Conclusion

Buying land or property in Nigeria is not just about finding a good location or price. It’s about protecting your money and your future. Don’t fall victim to fake sellers, double allocations, or shady deals.

Let Universal Solicitors & Advocates be your legal shield. We offer end-to-end legal support on property matters—from due diligence and documentation to post-purchase registration.

Buying land? Let us guide you.
📞 Contact us today at info@usalaw-ng.com or visit our office at 208 Ikorodu Road, Palm Grove, Lagos. 234-8028479225, 234-7073529596