You know what is better than getting a good deal? Buying genuine land that has its documents intact. Working with a reliable real estate company like Affable Homes Ltd makes it easier for you to verify land ownership in Ibusa before buying.
So, while you’re delighted at the prospect of owning land in Ibusa, a fast-growing community in Delta State, Nigeria, it’s essential to ensure that the land you’re about to buy is legitimate and free from disputes.
Verifying land ownership might seem like a tedious process, but it’s worth every second when you think about the peace of mind it brings. Let’s walk through how to verify land ownership in Ibusa before you buy.
How to Verify Land Ownership in Ibusa Before You Buy
The following steps are the procedures to follow if you want to verify land ownership in Ibusa.
1. Get Acquainted With the Local Land Market in Ibusa
Yes, this step is important. Don’t just pay money for land immediately you see one. Take some time to understand the real estate situation in Ibusa.
During your research process, you will find out the price range of land in the area. You’ll also discover that the land here is often held under family or communal ownership, which can make transactions tricky.
However, there’s nothing to worry about. You can also ask for the land documents to verify the ownership status of the land.
Also Read: How Does Location Affect Property Value in Ibusa? 9 Factors to Consider
2. Organize a Physical Inspection
Never buy land based solely on pictures or verbal descriptions. It pays to visit the site in person to inspect the land’s condition.
It’s at this inspection that you find out the actual size of the land and how accessible it is. Other things you need to take note of are:
- Land Boundaries: Check for clear boundaries or beacons.
- Occupancy Status: Ensure the land isn’t occupied or used for farming.
- Environmental Factors: Look for signs of flooding or erosion.
3. Verify the Land Survey Plan
A valid land survey plan is non-negotiable. It is one of the documents that confirm ownership. Ask the seller for a copy and have a licensed surveyor verify its authenticity.
To know that a survey plan is genuine, it should include the surveyor’s seal and stamp. This is what shows that the survey was done professionally.
Next are the coordinates and boundaries. Find a way to cross-check what is in the plan with what you saw during your physical inspection.
Finally, take note of the file number. You’ll use it to confirm the land is properly documented at the Delta State Surveyor-General’s office.
4. Check Land Title Documents
This should have been the first step, but then, we encourage you to go for a physical inspection first. So, you know you’re not wasting your time.
Land title documents are proof of ownership. In Ibusa, the most common documents include:
- Deed of Assignment: This shows ownership transfer from the previous owner.
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): Issued by the government, this is the most recognized land title in Nigeria.
- Governor’s Consent: If the land has been resold, the buyer must obtain the Governor’s consent to validate the transfer.
- Registered Survey Plan: This shows the land’s precise location and measurements.
What if you see a land with only a “Receipt of Purchase”? Then, run! Because that document is not a legal proof of ownership.
Also Read: How Can I Protect Myself From Property Fraud in Ibusa, Delta State
5. Conduct a Search at the Delta State Land Registry
Even after you’ve seen the land titles, you cannot afford to stop there. Doing that will mean stopping the verification halfway. So, what you should do next is to visit the Delta State Land Registry in Asaba to confirm if the land is registered.
Here’s what to do. First, submit a search application. Include the survey plan and a formal request. However, you may be given a form to fill out in the office.
After that, the official search process begins. The land registry staff will check if the land is legally registered and free from disputes. If the land is truly registered, obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC) for an added measure of security.
6. Investigate the Ownership History
Investigate the land’s ownership history to avoid “Omonile” (land grabbers) issues. Ask the seller for past ownership records and verify them through the Community Leaders.
Schedule a meeting with respected community elders in Ibusa and speak to them about the land you want to purchase.
If that is too much for you, you can always go with consulting family representatives. If it’s family land, ensure all principal family members consent to the sale.
7. Confirm the Land is Free from Government Acquisition
Many lands in Ibusa fall under government acquisition for future public projects. But you can check for this using the surveyor verification.
In this method, you can get a registered surveyor to check the land’s status at the Ministry of Lands.
You can also check through zoning laws and master plan reviews. Ask the Ministry for Ibusa’s development plan to ensure the land isn’t marked for public use.
Also Read: The Best Time to Invest in Ibusa Real Estate Market
8. Obtain a Legal Search Report
In case you don’t want to do all the work by yourself, you have the option of hiring a lawyer. So, Hire a real estate lawyer to conduct a comprehensive search and provide a legal search report.
The report should:
- Confirm the ownership history.
- Identify pending litigations or disputes.
- Verify compliance with zoning regulations.
What To Do After Ownership Verification
After the verification, you can then decide if you want to go ahead with the purchase. If everything checks out during the verification and the land is genuine, you can proceed to formalize the purchase by drafting a purchase agreement.
In the agreement, outline the terms, payment schedule, and transfer conditions. Then, sign the deed of assignment. This document must be signed by both parties, witnessed, and registered at the Land Registry.
While all this is going on, make arrangements to pay the necessary fees. This includes legal, survey, and land registration fees.
Finally, ensure the land is registered in your name at the Delta State Land Registry. This step gives you full legal ownership and protects you from future claims.
Common Land Fraud Red Flags in Ibusa
In a recent event, The Lagos Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), affirmed that one of the things that often leads to disputes over ownership and fraud in real estate is lack of transparency.
While this speaks of Lagos, The same can be said of Ibusa. That is why you need to take the verification process seriously, so you don’t fall victim to scammers who are out to defraud people of their money.
Here are some red flags to look out for as you do your due diligence.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices: Extremely cheap offers often signal fraud.
No Clear Ownership History: Avoid sellers who can’t provide a verifiable ownership history.
Incomplete Documents: Insist on seeing all legal documents before making any payments.
Also Read: The 3 Best Locations to Buy Land NEAR Asaba
Final Thoughts
Buying land in Ibusa can be a rewarding investment if done right. Verifying land ownership might seem lengthy, but it’s a critical process that saves you from future headaches and financial loss.
Follow these steps diligently, and you’ll soon become a proud, lawful landowner in this promising community.
Ready to invest in Ibusa? Take your time, consult professionals, and ensure every document checks out. And if you need our assistance, we are always here to help.
To explore any of our real estate packages 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.
