Many property buyers have lost their life savings to fraudulent land sellers across the country. These scammers have become so sophisticated that they can fool even experienced investors. In this article, GLE Properties explains how to identify genuine land deals in Nigeria.

The fear of losing money to fake deals has made many Nigerians avoid real estate investment entirely.

What Makes a Land Deal Genuine?

A genuine land deal involves the legal transfer of property from a rightful owner to a buyer. The transaction must follow all legal requirements and involve authentic documentation.

Real land deals have several key characteristics:

  • The seller is the actual owner or an authorized representative.

  • All documents are authentic and verifiable.

  • The property exists and matches the description.

  • The transaction follows legal procedures.

  • Government authorities recognize the sale.

When these elements are present, you can be confident you’re dealing with genuine land deals in Nigeria.

Common Types of Fake Land Deals

Understanding fraud patterns helps you spot fake deals.

Double Sale Scams: Some fraudulent sellers sell the same piece of land to multiple buyers. Each buyer believes they own the property until conflicts arise.

Non-existent Properties: The fraudulent sellers create fake documents for land that doesn’t exist. They can also show you properties that are different from what you agreed to buy.

Forged Documents: Fraudsters create fake certificates of occupancy, survey plans, and other documents to support their illegal sales.

Impersonation Fraud: Scammers pretend to be the rightful owners of properties they do not own. And they usually use stolen or forged identity documents to do this.

Key Documents for Genuine Land Deals

Every authentic land transaction requires specific documents, as we state below:

Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This is the most important document for any land deal. It proves government recognition of ownership rights.

Survey Plan: A proper survey plan shows the exact location, size, and boundaries of the property. It must be prepared by a licensed surveyor.

Deed of Assignment: “Deed” document legally transfers ownership from the seller to you. It must be properly executed and stamped.

Also Read:

1. Everything you should know about contract of sale in Nigeria

2. Top 25 Real Estate Terms in Nigeria and Their Meanings

How to Verify Seller Authenticity

Always confirm that the person selling land actually owns it:

Check Identity Documents: Request and verify the seller’s national ID card, driver’s license, or international passport. Ensure the names match the property documents presented to you.

Verify Ownership History: Ask for documents showing how the seller acquired the property. This helps trace ownership back to the original grant.

Meet at the Property: Insist on meeting the seller at the actual property location. Genuine owners are usually familiar with their land.

Speak with Neighbors: Talk to people living near the property. They often know the real owner and can spot impostors.

Steps to Verify Genuine Land Deals in Nigeria

Follow this systematic approach to confirm genuine deals:

Step 1: Document Verification Take all documents to the issuing authorities for verification. Don’t rely on photocopies or stories from sellers.

Step 2: Physical Inspection Visit the property multiple times, preferably with a surveyor. Confirm that it matches the description in documents.

Step 3: Title Search Verify at the land registry to confirm ownership and check for any disputes.

Step 4: Community Investigation Speak with local chiefs, community leaders, and long-time residents about the property and the seller.

Step 5: Legal Review Have a qualified property lawyer review all documents and advise on the transaction’s legality.

Working with Trusted Professionals

Genuine land deals require professional support:

Licensed Real Estate Agents: Work with agents who have valid licenses and good reputations in the industry.

Property Lawyers: Always involve a qualified lawyer who specializes in real estate transactions.

Licensed Surveyors: Use only licensed surveyors for property measurements and boundary confirmations.

Certified Valuers: Professional valuers help ensure you pay fair market prices for properties.

Government Agencies That Help

Several government offices can assist with verification of genuine land deals in Nigeria:

State Ministry of Lands: This ministry issue certificates of occupancy and maintain land records.

Land Use Allocation Committees: Allocation committees handle land allocation and can verify ownership claims.

Survey Departments: Government survey departments maintain records of all approved survey plans.

Land Registry Offices: These offices keep records of all property transactions and ownership changes.

Legal Consequences of Fake Deals

Criminal Charges: Fraudulent land sales can result in criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

Financial Losses: Victims may lose their entire investment with little chance of recovery.

Ownership Disputes: Fake deals often lead to lengthy court battles over property ownership.

Protection Strategies for Buyers

Protect yourself with these strategies:

Due Diligence Always conduct thorough research before making any payments or commitments.

Escrow Services Use escrow services to hold funds until all verification is complete.

Insurance Coverage Consider title insurance to protect against ownership disputes.

Professional Representation Always use qualified lawyers and real estate professionals for major transactions.