A site visit gives you an opportunity to see a property beyond pictures and advertisements.
It also gives you the chance to ask questions before committing your money. The answers can reveal important details about the land, documentation, infrastructure, access, and future development.
Many buyers focus on how the property looks during a site visit. That matters, but appearance should not be the only consideration.
You should leave the site knowing more about the property than when you arrived. The right questions can help you identify issues that require further investigation.
Questions About the Land
Start with basic questions about the property itself.
Ask the person showing you the land to identify the exact plot you are considering. Confirm the plot number, size, location, and position within the estate.
Ask questions such as:
- What is the exact size of this plot?
- Where are the boundaries?
- Can I see the plot on the estate layout?
- What landmarks surround this plot?
- Are there any restrictions on what I can build here?
The answers should match the information provided in the property’s documents and marketing materials.
Questions About the Land Documents
Documentation should be one of your main areas of enquiry.
Ask what title covers the land and which documents you will receive after purchase. The exact documents can depend on the property and transaction.
Viva Gold Real Estate, for example, lists a Gazette, Deed of Assignment, and Registered Survey among the documents for Royal Garden and Resort.
Ask:
- What is the title of this property?
- Can I see the title document?
- Is the survey registered?
- Can I verify these documents independently?
- Which documents will I receive after payment?
- When will each document be available?
Do not rely on verbal assurances alone. Ask to review the relevant documents and have a property lawyer verify them where necessary.
Questions About the Survey Plan
A survey plan helps establish the location, boundaries, dimensions, and coordinates of a property.
During your site visit, ask to see the survey plan and compare it with the physical location.
You can ask:
- Does this plot correspond with the survey plan?
- Where are the survey beacons?
- Can a licensed surveyor verify the boundaries?
- Do the measurements match the documents?
- Are the coordinates available for verification?
ENGIS provides survey related services and supports verification against current geospatial data.
Independent verification remains important, especially before making a major payment.
Questions About Ownership
You should know who has the legal authority to sell the land.
Ask:
- Who owns this land?
- How did the seller acquire it?
- Does the seller have authority to sell it?
- Has the land been transferred to the developer?
- Are there other parties with an interest in the property?
These questions can help you identify potential ownership issues before they become your problem.
A proper land search can also reveal ownership history, registered interests, encumbrances, and other issues affecting the property.
Questions About Government Acquisition
Ask specifically if the property falls within any government acquisition or restricted area.
You can ask:
- Is this land affected by government acquisition?
- Has the property been checked against government records?
- Are there any proposed public projects affecting this location?
- Is there any right of way across the property?
Do not assume a developer’s answer is the only verification you need. Ask your lawyer or surveyor to conduct appropriate independent checks.
Questions About Road Access
The road leading to your property matters just as much as the plot itself.
Ask:
- How do I access this property?
- Is the access road already constructed?
- Who owns or controls the access road?
- Is the road part of the approved layout?
- What happens to access during the rainy season?
- Are there plans to improve the road?
Walk the route during your visit instead of relying entirely on descriptions.
A physical visit can help you assess road conditions, accessibility, surrounding development, and nearby activity.
Questions About Drainage and Flooding
Drainage deserves direct questions during every land inspection.
Ask:
- Has this area experienced flooding?
- Where does rainwater flow?
- Where does the estate drainage discharge?
- Does this particular plot sit in a low area?
- Has the drainage system been tested during heavy rainfall?
- Who maintains the drainage system?
If possible, visit during or shortly after rainfall. Some drainage problems remain invisible during dry weather.
You should also look around the property for standing water, erosion, water channels, and unusually low areas.
Questions About Infrastructure
Ask what infrastructure already exists and what remains planned.
Questions can include:
- Are the roads completed?
- Is electricity available?
- Is water available?
- Is drainage already installed?
- Are street lights operational?
- Is there security infrastructure?
- Which facilities are already available?
- Which facilities are still planned?
Do not treat planned infrastructure as completed infrastructure.
Inspect what you can physically see during your visit. Viva Gold Real Estate, for example, lists roads, drainage, street lights, recreation facilities, and security surveillance among Royal Garden and Resort’s planned infrastructure.
Questions About Neighbouring Properties
Look beyond your plot.
Ask about the properties surrounding the land and what is planned for nearby areas.
You can ask:
- Who owns the neighbouring plots?
- Are there existing buildings nearby?
- Are there commercial activities around the estate?
- Are more developments planned nearby?
- Are there any known disputes involving neighbouring properties?
Speaking with people who already live or work nearby can also provide useful information about the area’s conditions.
Questions About Community Issues
Community relationships can affect land ownership and development.
Ask the developer about the community’s relationship with the estate and any relevant obligations.
You can ask:
- Has the developer completed its community agreements?
- Are there development levies?
- Are there community fees?
- Are there any outstanding community issues?
- Are buyers expected to make additional payments later?
Get important financial obligations in writing rather than relying on verbal explanations.
Questions About Development Restrictions
Your plans for the property should influence your questions.
If you want to build a home, ask about residential development requirements. If you want commercial property, ask about the permitted use.
Ask:
- What type of building can I construct?
- Are there building restrictions?
- Are there setback requirements?
- Is commercial development permitted?
- Are there restrictions on building height?
- Do I need additional approvals before construction?
A property can look perfect while still having restrictions that affect your plans.
Questions About Additional Fees
The advertised land price may not represent every cost involved.
Ask for a clear breakdown of additional fees before making a commitment.
Ask:
- Is there a documentation fee?
- Is there a survey fee?
- Is there an allocation fee?
- Is there a development fee?
- Are there estate maintenance fees?
- Are there any other mandatory charges?
Viva Gold Real Estate currently lists documentation and survey fees separately for Royal Garden and Resort, while noting that development fees may be introduced later. Confirm current charges directly because fees can change.
Questions About Allocation
Find out what happens after you complete payment.
Ask:
- When will my plot be allocated?
- Is allocation immediate or scheduled?
- How will I receive my allocation details?
- Will my plot number appear on my documents?
- What happens if the plot I selected becomes unavailable?
Viva Gold Real Estate states that its Royal Garden and Resort buyers can receive instant or batched allocation after completing the required payments and fees.
Confirm the current process before making your purchase.
Questions About Payment
Never leave a site visit without understanding how payment works.
Ask:
- What payment methods are accepted?
- What account should I pay into?
- Does the account name match the company name?
- Can I receive an official payment receipt?
- What happens after I make payment?
- Are payment plans available?
Viva Gold Real Estate advertises flexible payment plans on its projects page.
Always verify payment details through the company’s official communication channels before transferring money.
Questions About the Developer
Your questions should also extend beyond the individual plot.
Ask:
- How long has the developer operated?
- What other developments have they completed?
- Can I inspect completed projects?
- Can I speak with previous buyers?
- Can I review the property’s documentation before payment?
A developer who welcomes reasonable due diligence gives you more opportunity to make an informed decision.
Viva Gold Real Estate says its site visits involve walking through the estate, checking infrastructure, reviewing documentation, and allowing buyers to ask questions during the inspection.
Do Not Leave Without Getting Clear Answers
A site visit should not feel like a quick property tour.
Use the opportunity to ask questions, inspect the land, compare the physical property with its documents, and identify anything that needs independent verification.
Do not feel pressured to make a payment simply because you have visited the property. A good site visit should give you confidence based on information, not pressure.
Ask Before You Buy
The best site visits are not simply about seeing the land. They are about understanding what you are buying.
Ask about the title, survey, boundaries, access, drainage, infrastructure, community, fees, allocation, and development restrictions.
Take notes and request supporting documents for important claims. Where necessary, involve a licensed surveyor or property lawyer before completing the transaction.
For buyers considering land in Enugu, Viva Gold Real Estate provides site inspection opportunities across its developments. Royal Garden and Resort is one of the properties featured on the company’s projects page, with an option to book an inspection directly.
Ready to inspect available properties? Visit Viva Gold Real Estate’s website to explore its developments and request a site inspection.
You can also call or WhatsApp +234 813 221 5202, +234 901 001 0160, or +234 901 001 0170 to speak with the team.
The right questions can help you move from simply viewing land to making a better informed investment decision.
