Ofada Owode is fast becoming one of the hottest places to buy land in Ogun State. This is not surprising as the area is developing fast and the value of land there keeps going up. Whether you’re planning to build a house, start a business, or invest in the future, Ofada Owode is a good place to consider. This is why you must verify the land ownership in Ofada Owode.
As more people rush to buy land in the area, the risk of falling victim to scammers is also rising. You’ll hear stories of people who bought land and later discovered the seller was not the original owner. It’s not hard to verify land ownership in Ofada Owode, especially if you’re equipped with the right information.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. From checking and verifying the seller’s documents to conducting a title search, these steps will help you avoid being scammed.
Confirm the Ownership of the Land
The first step is to confirm if the person selling the land is the real owner. Don’t just assume. Many people have learned the hard way. Ask the seller for all the necessary documents. These documents prove the seller owns the land and is at liberty to sell. The most common documents include:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O): This is one of the most important documents proving land ownership. You can request a copy of the C of O from the seller or visit the Ogun State Land Bureau.
- Deed of Assignment: This document details the transfer of ownership from the original owner to the current owner. Request a copy of the deed and examine its content. You can also visit the Land Registry Office in Ogun State to check if the deed has been registered.
- Land Survey Plan: The survey plan provides information showing the exact location, size, and boundaries of the land.
- Governor’s Consent: This document confirms the consent of the land and it was genuinely granted by the government.
Conduct a Title Search at the Land Registry
Once you’ve checked the seller’s documents, the next step is to confirm those documents with the government. This is called a title search, and it can be done at the Ogun State Land Registry. Conducting a title search is important because it confirms if the land truly belongs to the seller. It also checks if there are any hidden issues, like government acquisition or disputes.
Here’s how to conduct a title search:
- Visit the Land Registry: Go to the Ogun State Land Registry. You’ll need a copy of the land documents, such as a Certificate of Occupancy ( C of O) and Deed of Assignment, for the search.
- Submit the documents for verification: Hand over the documents to the officials and request a title search. They will examine the land documents and cross-check with their records to confirm the ownership status.
- Obtain a report: The official report serves as proof that you’ve done your findings.
Even if the seller seems trustworthy, don’t skip this step. Conduct a title search for your peace of mind.
Also Read:
- 10 Simple Questions to Ask Before Buying Land in Badagry
- What to Look for During a Land Site Inspection in Ofada Owode
- Read This Before You Buy Land in Ogbaku, Imo State
Engage a Professional
Buying Land in Ofada Owode is a great investment. Having professionals guide you will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Here’s why hiring the right people matters:
- Real Estate Lawyer: A lawyer is your best partner when it comes to legal matters. A real estate lawyer will help you review all the documents to ensure they are authentic and complete. He will also check if the seller has the legal right to sell the land. Finally, he can draft or review the purchase agreement to protect your interests.
- Licensed Surveyor: A certified surveyor can verify the survey plan of the land and confirm all the details are accurate. He will also check for physical issues on the land such as improper markings or encroachment.
- Real Estate Agent or Property Consultant: If you’re not familiar with the area, a local real estate agent will be of great help. He can help you understand the market value of the land to avoid overpaying. He can also share information about the neighborhood and potential risks.
By working with these professionals, you can reduce risks and ensure the purchase goes smoothly. It might cost extra money to hire them, but it’s worth it for your peace of mind.
Collect a Receipt and Sign a Purchase Agreement
Once you’ve confirmed the ownership of the land and everything is legitimate, it’s time to make payments. This step is crucial to protect your money and also create a legal record of the purchase.
Here’s how to go about it:
- Request a receipt: Always request a receipt from the seller after making any payment. The receipt should clearly state the amount paid, the proper of payment, the date of payment, and the name and signature of both parties.
- Draft a purchase agreement: A purchase agreement is a legal, that outlets the details of the transaction. It protects both the seller and the buyer.
- Sign in the presence of witnesses: Witnesses add additional security to the transaction. Ensure the agreement is signed in the presence of witnesses preferably a lawyer.
- Collect copies of all documents: After signing, collect copies of the signed purchase agreement, land documents, and other related documents. Store these documents in a secure place.
Register Your Land with the Government
After finalizing the purchase, the next step is to officially register the land documents in your name. This proves that you’re not the rightful owner of the land. Here’s how to register your land:
- Prepare the necessary documents: You’ll need the signed purchase agreement, land documents, survey plan, and a receipt of payment. Keep both the originals and photocopies ready, as they may be needed.
- Visit the land registry: Head to the Ogun State Land Registry to begin the registration process. Submit your documents to the officials and they’ll proceed from there.
- Obtain the governor’s consent: In Nigeria, all land transactions must be approved by the state governor. The land registry will guide you on how to proceed with this.
Also Read:
- 5 Emerging Locations for Real Estate Investment in Southeast Nigeria
- An Overview of Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Ogwashi-Uku
- Follow This Guidelines to Avoid Land Scams in Badagry
Registering your land might take some time and effort but it’s non-negotiable. Without registration, you’re at risk of losing your land.
Verifying land ownership in Ofada Owode might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Taking the time to follow this guideline will save you from losing your hard-earned money. Never rush a land purchase. Take your time to do all the necessary verification. Before paying for any land in Ofada Owode, verify who the original owner of the land is is. We at Affable Homes Ltd has made the whole process easy for you because all our estates are free from government acquisition and disputes.
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.