{"id":9146,"date":"2026-04-27T06:23:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T06:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/?p=9146"},"modified":"2026-04-27T06:27:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T06:27:17","slug":"10-documents-to-check-before-buying-any-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/10-documents-to-check-before-buying-any-property\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Documents to Check Before Buying Any Property"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"digic-3420473612\" class=\"digic-bedfore-post digic-entity-placement\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4104817480020566\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4104817480020566\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"9146\" class=\"elementor elementor-9146\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f8996ae e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f8996ae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69c877c9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"69c877c9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"626\" height=\"418\" data-src=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772706465214836854464907050470.jpg\" alt=\"Property Documents \" class=\"wp-image-9169 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 626px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 626\/418;aspect-ratio:1.4976822429906542;width:840px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772706465214836854464907050470.jpg 626w, https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772706465214836854464907050470-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772706465214836854464907050470-330x220.jpg 330w, https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772706465214836854464907050470-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772706465214836854464907050470-615x410.jpg 615w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the high-stakes world of real estate, &#8220;buyer beware&#8221; is more than just a phrase. It is a financial lifeline. Whether you are navigating the bustling property market in Lagos, the developing corridors of Abuja, or the serene landscapes of Ikorodu, the difference between a secure investment and a total loss lies in the paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you make a transfer or sign a contract, you must ensure that the &#8220;root of title&#8221; is unbroken and the legal status of the land is clear. This guide provides a deep dive into the 10 essential documents every property buyer must verify to secure their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Certificate of Occupancy, commonly referred to as the C of O, is arguably the most vital land document in Nigeria. Issued by the State Government, it serves as the official proof that the holder has the right to occupy the land for a 99 year term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When checking a C of O, do not just look at the paper. You must verify its authenticity at the State Lands Bureau. In Lagos State, for example, this verification is done at the Lands Bureau in Alausa, Ikeja. A valid C of O means the land has been properly surveyed, the government recognizes the owner, and the land is not under any form of acquisition. If a property lacks a C of O, it may be under government acquisition, which means the government can reclaim it at any time without compensation.<\/p><div id=\"digic-202937636\" class=\"digic-get-free-material digic-entity-placement\"><p>Get <a title=\"TikTok SEO Cheats\" href=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/download\/tiktok-seo-cheats\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TikTok SEO Cheat<\/strong><\/a> here<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>To verify a C of O, visit the Lands Bureau with the document number and the survey plan number. Request a search to confirm that the document was genuinely issued and that it matches the land in question. Cross check the name on the C of O with the name of the seller. If they do not match, demand a Deed of Assignment that traces the ownership from the original holder to the current seller. Never accept a photocopy as proof. Insist on seeing the original document and taking it for verification yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The Registered Survey Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Survey Plan is a graphical representation that shows the precise boundaries, size, and features of the land. It is the document that tells you exactly what you are buying and where it is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You must take the coordinates from the seller&#8217;s survey plan to the Office of the Surveyor General for a process called &#8220;charting.&#8221; Charting is the act of plotting the coordinates of the land on the official government map to confirm if the land is &#8220;free&#8221; or &#8220;committed.&#8221; A free land is one that is not under any government acquisition or earmarked for any public project. A committed land, on the other hand, is marked for government projects like roads, schools, hospitals, or drainage systems. Buying committed land is a guaranteed path to demolition and total loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never buy land based on a photocopy of a survey plan. Ensure the original bears the seal and signature of a licensed surveyor. The survey plan should also contain the name of the owner, the size of the land in square meters, the beacon numbers, and the date of the survey. If any of these details are missing or look suspicious, do not proceed with the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Deed of Assignment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Deed of Assignment is the document that officially transfers ownership from the seller, known as the Assignor, to the buyer, known as the Assignee. It is the legal instrument that proves you now own the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This document contains the history of the land, the agreed price, the description of the property, and the signatures of all parties and witnesses. A standard Deed of Assignment must be prepared by a legal practitioner and must be stamped and registered at the Land Registry. Checking the previous owner&#8217;s Deed ensures there is a clear &#8220;chain of title&#8221; leading back to the original owner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To verify a Deed of Assignment, take it to the Land Registry and conduct a title search. This search will reveal if the document was properly registered, if the signatures are genuine, and if there are any encumbrances on the property. An encumbrance is any claim, lien, or liability attached to the property, such as an unpaid mortgage or a court judgment. If the chain of title is broken at any point, meaning there is a missing link between one owner and the next, do not buy the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Governor&#8217;s Consent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Land Use Act of 1978, all land in each state is vested in the Governor of that state, and any transfer of land interest requires the consent of the State Governor. This consent is documented in a certificate known as Governor&#8217;s Consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are buying a property that already has a C of O, the seller must have obtained Governor&#8217;s Consent when they purchased it. Without this, the transaction is technically incomplete in the eyes of the law. A transaction without Governor&#8217;s Consent is voidable, meaning the state can challenge it at any time. Verifying this document protects you from future litigation by the state and ensures that your own title can be perfected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To verify Governor&#8217;s Consent, check the Lands Bureau for the registration number and confirm that it corresponds to the property you intend to buy. The consent should contain the name of the original holder, the name of the new holder, the description of the land, and the signature of the Governor or an authorized representative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"686\" height=\"400\" data-src=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772708850041123814066634178525.jpg\" alt=\"Property Documents \" class=\"wp-image-9171 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 686px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 686\/400;aspect-ratio:1.715027930778546;width:828px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772708850041123814066634178525.jpg 686w, https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772708850041123814066634178525-300x175.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Gazette<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Gazette is an official record book that details which lands have been &#8220;excised&#8221; or released to a community and which are still held by the government. Excision means that the government has formally released a portion of land from its acquisition and given it back to the indigenous community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a seller claims the land is &#8220;Gazetted,&#8221; you must verify the volume and page number at the State Lands Bureau or the Government Printing Press. The Gazette will contain a map of the excised land, the name of the community, and the date of excision. If the land is not in the Gazette and has no other title like a C of O or a Deed of Assignment, it technically belongs to the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying land that is not gazetted and has no C of O is extremely risky. Such lands are often sold by &#8220;Omonile&#8221; or local land grabbers who have no legal right to sell. Always insist on seeing the Gazette and verifying it at the appropriate government office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Land Information Certificate (Charting Report)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Land Information Certificate, also known as the Charting Report, is a document issued by the Surveyor General&#8217;s office upon request. It provides the current status of the land at the exact moment of your inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This certificate will tell you if the land is in a residential, commercial, or agricultural zone. It will also tell you if the land is under any form of acquisition, if it is committed for public use, or if it is free. Buying commercial land for residential purposes can lead to your house being demolished by town planning authorities. Similarly, buying agricultural land for residential use without proper conversion can result in legal penalties and demolition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To obtain a Land Information Certificate, submit the survey plan of the land to the Surveyor General&#8217;s office and request a charting report. The report usually takes a few days to process and comes with a fee. Do not skip this step, as it is one of the most reliable ways to know the true status of the land you are about to buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Contract of Sale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While often confused with the Deed of Assignment, the Contract of Sale is the preliminary agreement that outlines the terms of the transaction before the final transfer of ownership. It is the document that governs the relationship between the buyer and the seller during the transaction process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Contract of Sale includes the payment plan, especially if the purchase is on installment, the date of possession, the description of the property, and what happens if one party defaults. It also contains warranties and representations made by the seller about the title and condition of the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should check this document carefully to ensure there are no hidden clauses that allow the seller to revoke the sale, increase the price arbitrarily, or delay the transfer of title. Look out for clauses that impose unreasonable penalties on the buyer for late payment while imposing none on the seller for late delivery of title documents. Always have a lawyer review the Contract of Sale before you sign it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Purchase Receipt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Purchase Receipt is the most basic evidence of a financial transaction. It proves that money actually changed hands from the buyer to the seller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure the receipt clearly states the names of the buyer and seller, the date of payment, the amount paid, and the specific property description. The receipt should be signed by the seller and, where possible, witnessed by a third party. While a receipt is not a title document, it is a crucial piece of evidence in court if a dispute arises regarding whether payment was made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the seller is a company, ensure the receipt is issued on the company&#8217;s letterhead and signed by an authorized officer. If the seller is an individual, ensure the name on the receipt matches the name on the title documents. Keep all receipts, including those for agency fees, survey fees, and legal fees, as they form part of your evidence of the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"588\" height=\"234\" data-src=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772709420002368726843757138621.jpg\" alt=\"Property Documents \" class=\"wp-image-9172 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 588px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 588\/234;aspect-ratio:2.512921535893155;width:840px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772709420002368726843757138621.jpg 588w, https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/17772709420002368726843757138621-300x119.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Building Plan Approval<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are buying a finished house or an off plan property, you must check the Approved Building Plan. This document proves that the structure was built according to state engineering standards, town planning regulations, and safety codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Approved Building Plan is issued by the Physical Planning Authority or the Building Control Agency of the state. It contains the architectural drawings, structural drawings, and mechanical drawings of the building. It also specifies the number of floors, the setbacks, and the purpose for which the building was approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a house without an approved plan means you may inherit heavy fines or, in extreme cases, a demolition order from the Building Control Agency. To verify an Approved Building Plan, visit the Physical Planning Authority with the plan number and request a search. Confirm that the building on the ground matches the approved plan. Any deviation, such as an extra floor or an extension beyond the approved boundary, is a red flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tax Clearance Certificate is a document issued by the relevant tax authority to confirm that an individual or company has paid all due taxes for a specified period. State governments often require both the buyer and seller to provide their TCCs before a new title can be registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Checking the seller&#8217;s TCC ensures they are a law abiding citizen and that there are no outstanding tax liabilities attached to the property. In some states, the absence of a TCC can stall the perfection of your own title. It is also a sign that the seller is financially responsible and transparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To verify a TCC, check the tax identification number and the period covered. Ensure the certificate is current and was issued by a recognized tax authority. If the seller cannot provide a TCC, ask for an explanation and consider it a warning sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Property Verification Summary Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Document<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Where to Verify<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Key Risk if Missing<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>C of O<\/td><td>State Lands Bureau<\/td><td>Land may be under government acquisition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Survey Plan<\/td><td>Surveyor General&#8217;s Office<\/td><td>Boundary disputes or encroachment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Deed of Assignment<\/td><td>Land Registry<\/td><td>No proof of transfer of ownership<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gazette<\/td><td>Government Printing Press or Registry<\/td><td>Land may not be legally excised<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Building Plan<\/td><td>Physical Planning Authority<\/td><td>Potential for building demolition<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Search is Non Negotiable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before paying a single Naira, hire a lawyer to conduct a Title Search at the Land Registry. A title search is a formal inquiry into the public records to determine the legal ownership of a property and to find out if there are any claims, liens, or encumbrances on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This search will reveal if the property is currently being used as collateral for a bank loan, also known as a mortgage. It will also reveal if there is an active court case, known as a lis pendens, preventing the sale of the property. A lis pendens is a written notice that a lawsuit has been filed concerning real estate, involving either the title to the property or a claimed ownership interest in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not rely on the seller&#8217;s word or the agent&#8217;s assurances. Agents are often motivated by commission and may not disclose material facts. Only a formal title search conducted by a qualified lawyer can give you the peace of mind you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying property in Nigeria is a significant financial commitment that requires due diligence, patience, and professional guidance. The documents listed above are not mere formalities. They are the legal shields that protect your investment from fraud, government acquisition, and demolition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never rush a property transaction. Take the time to verify every document, visit every government office, and consult with qualified professionals. The cost of due diligence is always far less than the cost of losing your investment to a scam or a legal dispute.<\/p><div id=\"digic-3754200752\" class=\"digic-content_2 digic-entity-placement\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4104817480020566\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4104817480020566\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"in post\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read More On:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/3nj4fy5d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Memory Techniques To Remember Anything Faster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/yfvknyd4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Signs You Are Studying Hard But Not Smart.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ydetcwux\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Skills to Learn in College That Employers Actually Want<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Protect your investment with our 2026 guide on the 10 documents to check before buying any property. Learn how to verify land titles, survey plans, and C of O in Nigeria to avoid fraud and legal disputes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":9172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-9146","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-how-to"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9146"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9146\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9176,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9146\/revisions\/9176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9146"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9146"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digiconceptng.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}