Buying Land? Questions to Ask Before Paying

Buying land can be an exciting step towards building your home or investing for the future. However, a good location, attractive price and convincing sales pitch are only part of the picture.

Before paying for land in Port Harcourt or elsewhere in Nigeria, you need to understand exactly what you are buying, who has the authority to sell it and what additional expenses may follow.

Here are ten questions to ask before committing your money.

1. Who owns the land, and who is authorised to sell it?

Ask whether the land belongs to an individual, a family, a community or a company. If you are dealing with an agent, find out who they represent and request evidence of their authority.

Where several people have an interest in the property, ask your lawyer to confirm whose approval and signatures are necessary.

Knowing the person marketing the land is useful. Verifying their authority to sell it is essential.

2. Which documents are available for verification?

Request copies of the available title documents, survey plan and previous transfer documents before payment.

Ask your lawyer to explain what each document establishes and what further checks are needed. Documents should be checked independently, rather than accepted solely because they look official.

In Rivers State, the Ministry of Lands and Survey handles land administration, surveying and land use management. Its published Certificate of Occupancy process includes document submission, charting and site inspection. These are reasons to involve qualified professionals when checking a proposed purchase.

3. Is there any dispute or competing claim?

Ask whether the land has been sold previously, pledged as security, occupied by another person or involved in a family, community or court dispute.

Do not rely only on the seller’s response. Ask your lawyer to investigate the ownership history and any competing claims.

Conversations with neighbours may provide helpful background, but they should support professional verification.

4. Where exactly is the plot, and how large is it?

Inspect the actual plot you intend to buy. Request its measurements in square metres and ask to see the boundaries.

The word “plot” alone does not tell you the precise size of the land.

Have a registered surveyor confirm that the land shown during inspection matches the survey information. If you are buying within an estate, clarify whether you are inspecting your allocated plot or only the wider estate.

5. Can I use the land for my intended purpose?

Explain what you intend to build: a family home, rental apartments, shops or another type of development.

Ask about permitted uses, planning restrictions, setbacks and estate building rules. Have the relevant requirements checked before assuming your preferred building will be allowed.

Also ask whether there is a deadline for commencing construction.

6. What happens to the land during heavy rain?

During inspection, look at drainage, the surrounding ground level and nearby waterways.

Ask neighbours about conditions during the rainy season. Where possible, visit after rainfall and obtain professional advice about drainage, soil conditions and any filling required.

Land that needs extensive preparation may cost more to develop than the purchase price suggests.

7. Does the land have a confirmed access route?

Check how you will reach the property and whether that access is established.

If an estate advertises a proposed road, ask when it will be completed, who will provide it and whether the commitment appears in the agreement.

Apply the same questions to promised electricity, drainage, security and other infrastructure.

8. What is the total cost beyond the advertised price?

Request a written breakdown of all charges that apply to your purchase.

These may include survey fees, legal fees, documentation, registration, agency charges, development levies and estate service charges.

For instalment purchases, also ask about late-payment penalties, cancellation terms and whether the price can change during the payment period.

9. When will I receive my allocation and documents?

Ask when the specific plot will be allocated, when you can take possession and which documents you will receive.

If allocation depends on completing payment, make sure that condition is clearly written.

Also confirm what happens if the seller cannot allocate the agreed plot or deliver the promised documents.

10. Who receives the payment, and what written agreement protects me?

Before transferring money, have your lawyer review the agreement and confirm the authorised payment recipient.

The agreement should identify the parties, describe the land, state the price and record the payment terms and commitments.

Keep signed documents, receipts and payment records. If a payment account differs from the seller named in the agreement, request a clear explanation and have it verified.

Take Your Time Before Paying

A discount or approaching deadline should not stop you from inspecting the land and completing independent checks.

Before committing, make sure you understand the ownership, exact location, permitted use, total cost and delivery terms. Engage a property lawyer and registered surveyor to check the transaction.

The goal is to buy land you can confidently possess and use for the purpose you intended.