Buying land or property in Nigeria, especially in a city like Port Harcourt, can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The fear of purchasing fake, disputed, or encumbered land is one of the biggest concerns for buyers. With cases of land scams, double sales, and government acquisition, many people hesitate to invest in real estate.
However, the good news is that with proper due diligence, you can confidently purchase a genuine property without fear. In this guide, we’ll break down how you can verify a land’s authenticity, avoid real estate fraud, and secure your investment in Port Harcourt and beyond.
Understanding Fake and Encumbered Properties
Before diving into due diligence, let’s first understand the terms:
Fake Property:
This refers to land that does not exist or has been fraudulently sold to multiple buyers. It could also be land sold by someone who has no legal right to do so.
Encumbered Property:
An encumbered property is one that has legal or financial restrictions, such as:
Government acquisition – This means the land has been taken over by the government for public projects, such as roads, schools, or hospitals. Buying such land can lead to demolition or legal battles because it is not meant for private ownership.
Litigation – This means the land is involved in a court case. If you buy such land, you may find yourself in a legal dispute where another party is also claiming ownership.
Mortgage or loan collateral – Some landowners use their land as security to obtain loans from banks. If they fail to repay the loan, the bank has the right to seize and sell the land. Buying such land could mean losing it to the bank.
Buying such land can lead to legal battles, financial loss, or even demolition by authorities.
How to Conduct Due Diligence Before Buying Land in Nigeria
Verify the Seller’s Identity and Ownership
Before buying any land, you need to confirm that the seller actually owns it and has the legal right to sell it. Here’s how:
Ask for proof of ownership, such as a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or Registered Survey Plan. These documents show that the person legally owns the land.
Check if the seller’s name on the document matches the government records. Some people sell land that does not belong to them.
If the seller claims to be representing the owner, request a Power of Attorney, which is a legal document proving they have permission to sell the land on behalf of the real owner.
Visit the community and ask about the land’s history and ownership to verify the seller’s claims. Speaking with neighbors and local chiefs can help confirm if the seller is genuine.
Conduct a Land Search at the Ministry of Lands
This is one of the most important steps to ensure the land is not under any government restriction or legal dispute. Here’s how to do it:
Take the land documents (Survey Plan, Deed of Assignment, or C of O) to the Ministry of Lands in Rivers State.
Request a land search to check if the property is free from government acquisition, legal disputes, or multiple claims.
If the land is under government acquisition, do not buy it, as you may lose your investment.
Confirm the Land’s Survey Plan
A survey plan is a document that shows the exact location, size, and boundaries of the land. Here’s what to do:
Obtain a copy of the survey plan from the seller.
Verify it with the Office of the Surveyor General to check if it falls under an excision (approved land for private ownership), government acquisition, or a free land zone.
You can also hire a registered surveyor to confirm that the land coordinates match what is on the survey plan.
Check for Community or Omonile Issues
In some areas, local families or communities (often called Omonile) sell land, but sometimes they do so without resolving past disputes.
Visit the community to ask if the land has been sold before or if there are any ongoing disputes.
If buying from a community (Omonile), ensure they issue a valid Deed of Assignment and get a lawyer to verify the transaction.
Be cautious, as some Omonile sell the same land to multiple buyers, leading to conflicts.
Avoid Quick Deals and Cheap Offers
If a land deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Be cautious of:
Rushed sales – If a seller pressures you to make payment immediately without giving you time to verify the documents, it is a red flag.
Unbelievably cheap land – If the price is much lower than the market value, there may be legal problems with the land.
Lack of documents – Always insist on seeing and verifying legal documents before making any payments.
Why Choose Win Realty for Your Property Purchase in Port Harcourt?
Navigating the Nigerian real estate market can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Win Realty ensures that all properties we list are thoroughly vetted, free from encumbrances, and legally secure.
With us, you get:
✔ Verified and litigation-free properties – Every land we sell has been checked to ensure there are no legal disputes or issues.
✔ Genuine land documents – All documents are authentic and can be verified.
✔ Transparent transactions with no hidden charges – You get clear and honest pricing with no surprise fees.
✔ Professional guidance throughout the buying process – Our team helps you every step of the way, from verification to securing legal documents.
Buying land in Nigeria doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By conducting thorough due diligence, you can protect yourself from scams, fraud, and legal troubles. Always verify land ownership, conduct a search at the Ministry of Lands, and engage a real estate lawyer before making any payments.
With Win Realty, you can invest in real estate with confidence, knowing that your land is genuine and free from disputes.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start your journey to owning a secured property in Port Harcourt today!
Ready to secure a plot of land in Port Harcourt? Contact Win Realty today and let us help you own a stress-free, legally backed property.
Call/WhatsApp [+234 814 900 3508] OR Visit our office: [2nd Floor, Mall Flora, Sars Rd. Port Harcourt]