5 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Land in Nigeria - Arinze Ewuzie
Buying land is one of the best decisions anyone can make, but it can also turn into a painful story when not done the right way. Every week, I meet people who are scared of buying land because of what has happened to someone they know.
Recently, I spoke with a man who wanted to buy land but was not sure about going ahead. He later shared that his brother once bought land from a company, paid fully, but never got allocation or even a proper inspection. When he tried to see the land, the company started giving stories. Later, when he wanted to resell it, they told him to go and bring his own buyer.
Source: Twitter
Sadly, many people in Nigeria have faced similar problems. These are some of the main mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.
Not Checking the Land Documents Properly Before you pay for land: Makimg sure one understand what type of document it has — for example, a C of O, Gazette, Excision, Registered Survey, or Deed of Assignment.
Ask questions and let the company explain clearly what covers the land. Every genuine developer should be able to show proof and allow proper verification when the time comes.
You don’t need to rush to collect every paper yourself, what matters is being sure the land is genuine and verifiable. A quick check with a professional or surveyor can save you a lot of trouble later.
Ignoring Government Plans and Land Use: Every land in Nigeria has a purpose already mapped out by the government, it could be for housing, farming, business, or mixed use. But many people buy land without knowing what it’s meant for, Also, just because an area is filled with houses doesn’t mean the land there is free from government acquisition. Some government-acquired lands can be corrected later, but prevention is always better than cure. Make sure you or your agent confirm the land is free before you pay.
Not Researching the Company or People Behind It: Many buyers don’t take time to check who they are buying from. Before you trust any company, check their past work. Visit their office, look at their previous estates, and ask questions from people who have bought from them.
You can also search their name online. This small step can save you from losing money or buying from the wrong hands.
Skipping Site Inspection Before or After Payment: Some buyers rush into transactions without scheduling a proper inspection. Site visits help you confirm the land’s location, accessibility, and development stage.
However, not all inspections happen before payment, some reputable real estate firms organize group or individual inspections after initial commitment or during allocation. What matters most is that the company you’re buying from is transparent, allows you to visit, and delivers on what was promised.
If you are not available, you can send a trusted person to represent you. What matters is that you confirm the land you are paying for truly exists and is what you were told it is.
Source: Legit.ng
