Would you like to learn the various types of land scams in Awka and how to avoid them? We are here to guide you.
Land scams are devastating and frustrating, primarily because they involve significant financial loss. No one wants to endure the pain of investing hard-earned money into a property, only to discover they’ve been duped.
Unfortunately, in places like Awka, the capital of Anambra State in Nigeria, land fraud has become increasingly prevalent, due to the infiltration of fraudsters in the real estate space.
This does not mean that everyone can get scammed. You can avoid being a victim if you follow the right guidelines. In this article, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to ensure a secure and legitimate land purchase in Awka.
Why Are Land Scams So Prevalent in Awka?
Awka has experienced some measure of growth in recent years, with more people moving to the city for business and residential purposes.
In a way, this urban shift has caused a spike in demand for land, making it a prime target for scammers.
Even with several government interventions, these scams seem to be on the rise. According to a report by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, land disputes and fraud account for about 65% of property-related court cases in Nigeria, including Awka.
One of such cases happened not too long ago. In December 2019, the EFCC arraigned an individual in Awka for allegedly defrauding buyers of N66,250,500. The fraudster posed as a land agent and conspired with accomplices to sell plots of land they didn’t own.
Similarly, in February 2024, an Enugu-based lawyer was charged with N91 million land fraud involving the sale of non-existent plots in a nearby town.
The major reasons for the high rate of land scams in Awka include:
Unclear Land Ownership Titles: In some communities, land ownership is based on traditional inheritance without proper documentation.
Multiple Sales of the Same Plot: It’s not unusual to find unscrupulous sellers selling the same piece of land to multiple buyers.
Unregistered Land Agents: Many so-called “agents” operate without legal authorization or proper verification.
Fake Documents and Forgery: Fraudsters often forge documents, including Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and Deeds of Assignment.
With these challenges in mind, how can you safely buy land in Awka? Let’s go through the essential guidelines.
Also Read:
- Everything About the Awka Real Estate Investment Opportunities
- Where to Buy Land in Idemili at Affordable Prices
- 5 Best Places To Invest In Enugu Real Estate
Guidelines to Avoid Land Scams in Awka
Here are foolproof ways to avoid land scams in Awka.
1. Verify Land Ownership and Title Documents
Before making any payment, always verify the ownership of the land. This is the first and most important step you need to take to avoid land scams in Awka. Here’s how:
First, conduct a land search at the Ministry of Lands, Awka. This helps you confirm the authenticity of the title documents, including the C of O, Deed of Assignment, and Survey Plan. Ensure the land is not under government acquisition or involved in any legal disputes.
Next, engage a competent lawyer. This is because a good property lawyer will help you interpret the documents and identify any red flags. They can also carry out due diligence on the land’s legal status.
Finally, confirm from the community or local leaders that the land you want to buy is legally free. In some parts of Awka, community leaders or family heads have historical knowledge of land ownership. Confirming from them can help you avoid disputes related to family inheritance or communal ownership.
2. Deal Directly with the Rightful Owner or Reputable Agents
One common trick scammers use is to pose as land agents or representatives of the rightful owner. To avoid falling for this, insist on meeting the real owner of the land.
Even if you are dealing with a seemingly real agent, always request a meeting with the landowner. You can verify the identity of the owner by cross-checking their details on the title documents.
Also, try to use reputable real estate agencies. If you must use an agent, opt for reputable real estate agencies with a physical office and a track record of successful transactions.
Next, avoid cash transactions. It’s more advisable to make payments via bank transfer to the landowner’s account. This creates a traceable record that could be useful in case of disputes.
3. Conduct a Physical Inspection of the Land
Never buy land you haven’t physically inspected. It’s important to see the land you want to buy physically. During the inspection, check for encumbrances.
This means you must make sure the land is free from encroachments, disputes, or ongoing litigation. This may also involve looking out for signs like “Not for Sale” inscriptions, which may indicate a legal dispute.
At the same time, confirm access and boundaries of the land with the help of a surveyor. Remind the surveyor to also help you confirm that the land corresponds with the dimensions on the Survey Plan.
While you’re still on the physical check, confirm the availability of essential utilities like electricity, water, and drainage systems. This will help you gauge the true value of the property.
4. Avoid Buying Land on a “First Come, First Serve” Basis
Fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics like, “Many buyers are interested, so you need to act fast.” This is a red flag.
Genuine land transactions allow for due diligence. So, don’t be pressured into rushing the process.
Be sure to take your time before you make any purchase. Insist on having enough time to verify documents, inspect the land, and engage legal counsel.
In the end, if you feel unduly pressured, or if the seller insists on immediate payment without room for proper verification, it’s safer to walk away.
5. Get a Survey Plan and Verify It
A Survey Plan is a needful document that shows the precise location, boundaries, and dimensions of the land.
Before you pay for land anywhere, hire a registered surveyor to look at the land’s survey plan. Ensure the Survey Plan is drafted by a registered surveyor who is licensed by the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON).
Also, take the Survey Plan to the Office of the Surveyor-General in Awka to confirm that the land is not under government acquisition or encroaching on any restricted area.
Finally, match the details in the survey plan with that of the title documents. It’s important to ensure that the details on the Survey Plan align with those on the title documents and the physical inspection findings. If they align, you have one less thing to worry about.
6. Document Every Transaction and Agreement
Proper documentation is key to avoiding land scams. Make sure to draft a sales agreement that will detail the terms of the sale, including the payment schedule, parties involved, and description of the land.
Insist that the documents be signed by both parties and witnessed by credible individuals.
Then, collect and safeguard all receipts. Keep receipts of every payment made, including agency fees, survey costs, and legal fees.
After the purchase, register the land with the Ministry of Lands in Awka to formalize ownership. This protects you from future claims.
7. Engage a Competent Lawyer Throughout the Process
It’s true that legal services are expensive, but if you want to avoid scams, they are non-negotiable.
A competent property lawyer will review legal documents for you, including checking for authenticity and ensuring that documents are legally binding.
They will also draft and authenticate the deed of assignment. The deed of assignment legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. Your lawyer will draft this document and ensure it’s signed and notarized.
Another task they will do is to facilitate land registration. After you buy the land, they will assist you in registering the land with the state government. This way, they help you safeguard your ownership rights.
Also Read:
- An Overview of Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Abakaliki
- What You Should Know About Survey Plan in Nigeria
- 5 Emerging Locations for Real Estate Investment in Southeast Nigeria
Common Types of Land Scams in Awka
What kind of scams is one likely to encounter in Awka? Here are a few.
Non-Existent Land Sales: This is when fraudsters sell land that doesn’t exist or isn’t theirs to sell. When this happens, victims often discover the deception only after payments have been made.
Double Selling: In this case, a single plot of land is sold to multiple buyers, leading to disputes and legal battles.
Forgery of Documents: This scam method is quite prevalent. This involves scammers forging land documents to make fraudulent sales appear legitimate.
Encumbrance Fraud: This kind of scam involves selling land that is under government acquisition or has legal issues. This is usually done without disclosing these encumbrances to the buyer.
Protect Yourself From Land Scams in Awka
The increasing rate of land scams in Awka may give investors a lot of concern, but it is quite avoidable. If you know what to do, you can wisely make the right investments and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
Are you considering buying land in Awka? Don’t go through the journey alone. Contact us today for expert guidance, legal verification, and safe transactions. Secure your investment the right way.
To explore any of our investment plans like land banking, retirement plan, kids education investment plan, trade apprenticeship plan or if you want to purchase some plots where you will have residential or commercial buildings, send an email to us at info@affablehomes.com.ng or call +2349134056630.
