Buying land is a major financial decision. The excitement of finding a promising property can make you want to pay quickly.
That is exactly when you need to slow down and verify everything. A developer may show you a survey plan, deed, allocation letter, or other documents.
Having documents does not automatically prove that the developer has a valid interest in the land.
You need to confirm the documents with the appropriate authorities. You also need to confirm that the property matches the documents you received.
Viva Gold Real Estate recommends conducting proper title searches and verifying survey plans before purchasing land.
Knowing what to check can help you make a more informed property decision.
Start With the Developer’s Identity
Before checking the land, confirm who you are dealing with. Ask for the developer’s registered business details and authorized representative.
If an individual is selling on behalf of a company, ask for proof of authority. You should know exactly which person or company will receive your money.
Viva Gold Real Estate advises buyers to verify the company and its authorized representatives before making payments.
Do not rely solely on social media pages, advertisements, or WhatsApp messages. Confirm the developer through reliable records and official contact channels.
Ask for the Property Documents
Request copies of the documents covering the property. The documents you receive can vary depending on the property and its title.
They may include a Certificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, Gazette, allocation documents, or registered survey plan.
A payment receipt is also useful as evidence of payment.
However, a receipt does not establish that the seller owns the land. The document supporting the developer’s interest is what requires careful verification.
Ask the developer to explain each document and its connection to the property.
Verify the Root of Title
The root of title shows how the developer obtained the land. This is an important part of your due diligence.
For example, the developer may have acquired the property from an individual, family, company, or government authority.
You need to understand the ownership history. Your lawyer can conduct a search at the relevant Land Registry.
A title search can reveal ownership history and possible encumbrances affecting the property. This can help identify mortgages, disputes, restrictions, or competing interests.
Never assume that a document is genuine simply because it looks official.
Check the Survey Plan
A survey plan identifies the location and boundaries of a parcel.
It contains information such as coordinates, dimensions, survey details, and the surveyor’s information.
You should verify these details with the relevant Surveyor General’s office. The Office of the Surveyor General of Enugu State provides land surveying and related land record services.
Viva Gold Real Estate also recommends checking survey plans against official records. The survey should correspond with the actual property you are buying.
A survey document alone does not prove that the person presenting it owns the land. Official verification remains important.
Confirm That the Land Is Not Under Acquisition
Government acquisition is another issue you should investigate. A property can look attractive while being affected by government plans.
Your surveyor or lawyer can help determine the property’s status. The relevant government records should be checked before payment.
This is particularly important when buying undeveloped land. A survey plan can help identify the property’s location.
The appropriate government search can then establish whether restrictions or acquisitions affect the land.
Conduct a Search at the Land Registry
A Land Registry search can provide important information about the property’s title. Depending on the location, the relevant government authority will handle the search.
For example, Enugu State has an official Surveyor General’s office providing land record and surveying services.
The search should be conducted using the relevant property documents. You should confirm the registered owner and existing interests affecting the property.
The search can also reveal information that may not appear on the document given to you. This is one reason professional legal assistance is valuable.
Check the Deed of Assignment
A Deed of Assignment is an important document in a land transaction. It records the transfer of an interest in land from one party to another.
The relevant government authorities describe Deeds of Assignment as documents used to transfer interests in land.
Do not assume that receiving a deed automatically means the transaction is complete. The underlying title still matters.
Your lawyer should review the deed and confirm that the seller has the legal capacity to transfer the interest.
The required consent and registration should also be considered.
Confirm the Developer’s Authority to Sell
Sometimes the developer may not be the original landowner. The developer could have acquired development rights or authority from another party.
You need to understand that relationship. Ask for documents showing the developer’s authority to develop or sell the property.
If someone is acting as an agent, verify their authority. Do not send money to an individual simply because they claim to represent the developer.
Viva Gold Real Estate specifically advises buyers to confirm ownership and selling authority before transferring money.
Compare the Documents With the Physical Property
Document verification should not happen entirely online. Visit the property if possible.
Check the location, boundaries, access roads, and surrounding development.
Your surveyor can help confirm that the physical property matches the survey information. This step can expose inconsistencies that documents alone may not reveal.
If you cannot visit personally, appoint a trusted representative. You can also engage an independent professional to inspect the property.
Use Independent Professionals
You do not have to rely entirely on the developer’s lawyer or surveyor. Consider engaging your own property lawyer.
You can also use an independent registered surveyor for technical verification. If you need valuation advice, verify the professional’s credentials.
ESVARBON maintains an official register for Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Independent professionals can review the transaction from your perspective.
This provides another layer of protection before you commit your money.
Do Not Rush Because of a Payment Deadline
Some property offers come with deadlines or limited availability. That does not mean you should skip verification.
A good investment can still wait for proper due diligence. Ask questions when something is unclear.
Request the documents early enough to review them. You should understand what you are buying before making a substantial payment.
A rushed decision can create problems that are difficult to reverse.
What Should You Verify Before Paying?
Before transferring your money, check these key areas:
- The developer’s identity and authority
- The property’s root of title
- The relevant title documents
- The registered survey plan
- The property’s location and boundaries
- Government acquisition status
- Existing mortgages or encumbrances
- The developer’s authority to sell
- The Deed of Assignment requirements
- The payment and documentation process
This checklist can help you identify important questions before completing the transaction.
How Viva Gold Real Estate Approaches Property Documentation
Viva Gold Real Estate provides property documentation for its developments. Its projects include Royal Garden and Resort, The Wealthy Place, and The Prideland.
The company has also published guidance encouraging buyers to conduct title searches and verify survey plans.
Royal Garden and Resort, for example, is presented on the company’s website with documentation including a Gazette, Registered Survey, and Deed of Assignment.
Buyers should still review the documents for the specific property they intend to purchase. Independent legal verification is also advisable for significant property transactions.
Make Verification Part of Your Buying Process
The safest time to verify property documents is before you pay. Do not wait until after purchasing land to investigate its ownership.
Ask for the relevant documents. Check them with the appropriate authorities.
Confirm the survey. Investigate the title. Inspect the property.
Use independent professionals when necessary.
These steps can help you make your investment decision with greater confidence.
If you are considering property in Enugu, visit Viva Gold Real Estate to explore available developments and review your property options.
You can also call or WhatsApp +234 813 221 5202, +234 901 001 0160, or +234 901 001 0170 to speak with the team directly.
