The Nigerian Real Estate Market offers one of the best investment opportunities, but you need to do your own verification before buying   to avoid making mistakes.  

Here are few steps to follow to know a genuine land, house and other properties.  

1. Verify the Documents - Always confirm the C of O, Deed of Assignment, Survey Plan, or Governor’s Consent at the state land registry.  

Title Deed Verification and What to check - The seller’s name must be on the deed, and they should have full ownership.  

How to verify, Get a certified copy of the title deed and check with the land registry or relevant government authority.  

If the seller can't produce the original title or if the name doesn’t match, you can consider walking away.  

2. Verify Land   Ownership – Make sure the person selling is the rightful owner of the property.  

Check if the land is, Freehold (full ownership) or Leasehold (limited period).  

Under mortgage, legal dispute, or loan ask for an Encumbrance Certificate or similar official record.  

This helps you avoid buying land that could be repossessed or entangled in legal issues.  

3. Land   Use Zoning and Permits - Check the zoning laws, verify if the land is designated for residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial use, Make sure it matches your intended purpose.  

Ask for conversion certificates if the land has been changed from one use to another (e.g., agricultural to residential).  

4. Survey and Boundaries - Hire a licensed surveyor to Verify the exact size and boundaries.  

Match it with the registered records, Markers or fences may not match legal boundaries, so don’t rely on them alone.  

Engage Professionals, Hire a surveyor, a lawyer, or trusted agent to guide you.  

5. Check Government Approvals, For urban or developed areas, Ensure the layout is approved by local planning authorities.  

Ask for approval letters or layout permits, If you are buying from a developer, confirm that the development is legally authorized.  

Bonus - Inspect the Location. Visit the land or house   yourself, if you are close to the property to check for government acquisition, flooded zones, or disputes with neighbors.  

Remember: Don’t Rush Payments, A genuine property deal will give you time to verify everything, It’s better to spend days verifying than to lose millions in one day.