Ever wondered why some property deals in Nigeria go off without a hitch while others turn into legal nightmares? The secret often lies in the legal documents. One of such documents is the Contract of Sale.

In Nigeria, the Contract of Sale is more than just a piece of paper. It’s one of the legal documents that seal the deal for you as a new property owner. In this blog post, we’ll show you everything you need to know about a Contractor of Sale in Nigeria. With the knowledge you’ll get here, you can prevent unnecessary legal drama related to your property. 

What is a Contract of Sale?

In simpler terms, contract of sale in Nigeria is a written agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of a property sale. This agreement forms the foundation of your real estate journey, ensuring that your dream property becomes legally and rightfully yours. Think of it as the handshake that seals the deal between the property buyer and property seller in the real estate world, especially in Nigeria.

Now, let’s break down the key elements that make up this essential document.

Key Elements of a Contract of Sale in Nigeria

Now that we’ve established the significance of a Contract of Sale in Nigeria, let’s look at some core components of the document.

1. Parties Involved

Every contract has its cast of characters. In the case of a Contract of Sale, it’s the buyer and the seller. It’s vital to accurately identify and describe each party involved. This includes their full names, contact details, and, in some cases, their legal representatives.

2. Property Details

Your property is the star of the show. Detailed information about the property, including its address, size, and a clear description, is essential. This ensures there’s no ambiguity about what’s being bought or sold.

3. Price and Terms

The heart of the contract lies in the agreed-upon price and the terms of payment. This section outlines how much the property costs, the method of payment, and any specific conditions regarding the purchase price.

4. Property Condition

No one wants unpleasant surprises. The condition of the property should be clearly stated. If there are any specific conditions that need to be met, like repairs or inspections, they should be mentioned here.

5. Obligations of the Parties

Both the buyer and seller have responsibilities. This part of the contract outlines what each party is expected to do before the sale is finalized.

Typically, these are the fundamental elements of a contract of sale in Nigerian Real Estate. There may be others, depending on the contract type. However, every type must have the basics. Your best bet is to have a lawyer and your property agenda look thoroughly through the document. This will help you avoid misunderstandings. 

Now, let’s explore the different types of Contracts of Sale you might encounter in Nigeria.

Also Read:

3 Types of Contracts of Sale in Nigeria 

In Nigeria, there are three common types of Contracts of Sale:

1. Absolute Sale

This is the most straightforward type. When a property is sold under absolute sale, it means the transaction comes with no conditions or strings attached. Once the agreed-upon payment is made, ownership of the property is immediately transferred to the buyer.

2. Conditional Sale

In a conditional sale, there are specific conditions attached to the transaction. Ownership of the property will only be transferred when these conditions are met. For instance, the sale might be contingent on the buyer obtaining certain permits or fulfilling other specified requirements. It’s like agreeing to purchase a car, but the deal only goes through if the seller repairs the brakes as agreed.

3. Installment Sale

In an installment sale, the property is sold with a payment plan. Buyers make payments in installments over an agreed-upon period. Ownership may transfer in parts as payments are made, but full ownership is usually granted upon completion of the payment plan. It’s similar to buying a smartphone and paying for it in monthly installments until you’ve paid the full amount.

As a property owner, you must understand the types of contract of sale in Nigerian real estate. Even better, you should choose the right type unique to your specific needs and circumstances.

Legal Requirements and Formalities

These legal requirements and formalities are in place to protect the interests of both the buyer and the seller. They ensure transparency and legality in property transactions. 

  1. Written Agreement: A Contract of Sale must be in writing. Verbal agreements hardly hold up in court, because they’re hard to prove. 
  2. Signatures: Both the buyer and seller must sign the contract. Signatures signify consent and commitment. 
  3. Property Description: The contract should include a detailed description of the property. This ensures there’s no ambiguity about what is being sold.
  4. Price and Payment Terms: The agreed-upon price and the terms of payment must be explicitly stated. This helps in avoiding disputes later on.
  5. Delivery of the Property: The contract should specify when and how the property will be delivered to the buyer. This ensures a clear understanding of the handover process.
  6. Witnesses: It’s common to have witnesses present during the signing of the contract. They can testify to the authenticity of the agreement if needed.

Next, we’ll discuss common mistakes to avoid when dealing with Contracts of Sale in Nigeria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting the Contract of Sale for a Property

It’s essential to be aware of common pitfalls that can lead to legal complications. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

  1. Lack of a Written Agreement: This cannot be said enough. Failing to document the transaction in a written Contract of Sale is a significant error. Verbal agreements are hard to prove in legal disputes.
  2. Incomplete Property Description: Ensure the property’s description in the contract is comprehensive and accurate. Vague descriptions can lead to disputes. 
  3. Undefined Price and Payment Terms: Be clear about the price and payment conditions in the contract. Ambiguities can cause financial disagreements.
  4. Skipping Legal Advice: Don’t ever do this. Not seeking legal counsel or advice before signing a contract is risky. A legal expert can help you understand the document and ensure it’s in your best interest.
  5. Overlooking Special Conditions: If there are any special conditions or requirements for the sale, ensure they are clearly outlined in the contract. Ignoring them can lead to disputes.
  6. Forgoing Due Diligence: It’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence on the property and the seller. Skipping this step can lead to unpleasant surprises.
  7. Ignoring Registration: In some cases, contracts should be registered with relevant authorities. Neglecting this step can render the contract unenforceable.

Also Read:

Conclusion

The Contract of Sale is a crucial document for property ownership. Now you know what you need to know about a contract of sale in Nigerian real estate. You should be able to spot the basic components, identify types, and sidestep common errors to secure your property deals. With this understanding, you’re ready for a smooth real estate journey.

Would you like to come for land inspection so as to buy land or house in Epe, Ajah, Lekki, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria? Reach out to us on +234 806 400 3456 or send an email to support@godslandempire.com. We are ever ready to assist you on your property ownership journey in Nigeria.