A fake or defective title document means you may not get a valid transfer of the property, however much you have paid. Forged documents can look convincing, so the only safe approach is to check every document against the official records before you pay.
Step 1: Get clear copies of every document
Ask the seller for copies of all the title documents, not only the most impressive one. These may include the Certificate of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent, registered Deeds of Assignment from earlier sales, the survey plan, and excision or gazette details for family or community land.
Step 2: Check the documents agree with each other
Compare the owner’s name, plot number, location, size and survey plan number across all the documents. Look out for spelling differences, altered dates, missing pages or signatures, and stamps or seals that look copied. Any mismatch needs a clear explanation.
Step 3: Conduct a search at the Land Registry
A search at the Lagos State Land Registry confirms whether the title is registered, who the registered owner is, and whether there are mortgages, caveats or other interests recorded against it. The search should be done by you or your lawyer directly, not through the seller.
Step 4: Chart the survey plan
Take the survey plan to the Office of the Surveyor-General of Lagos State for charting. This confirms where the land actually is and whether it is free from government acquisition, or affected by a road, drainage channel, power line or other setback. It also helps confirm that the survey plan itself is genuine.
Step 5: Check family or community land carefully
If the land comes from a family or community, confirm that it has been excised from government acquisition and that the excision is published in the official gazette. Make sure the people signing have authority to sell on behalf of the family, which usually means the recognised head of family and principal members.
Step 6: Visit the property
Visit the land or building in person. Confirm that it matches the survey plan, find out who is in possession, and ask neighbours whether there are any disputes. A property occupied by someone other than the seller needs further investigation.
Red flags
- The seller refuses a search or wants you to use their own agent for it.
- The price is far below the market value for the area.
- You are pushed to pay quickly before checks are finished.
- Only photocopies exist and the originals cannot be seen.
- The land is described as “under acquisition” or “awaiting excision” with no clear plan.
Need help?
Propslisting can help you check a property before you commit. Contact our team or message us on WhatsApp, and browse current listings.
This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Every property and transaction is different, so always get independent legal advice before you pay or sign anything.
