5 Things to Check Before Buying Land in Nigeria
Avoid costly mistakes by following this simple checklist before making any land purchase.
Buying land in Nigeria is a major investment — and unfortunately, it’s also an area where many fall victim to fraud, hidden issues, or unclear documentation. At City Doves Homes & Properties, we’ve helped countless clients avoid these problems by focusing on one thing: verified and secure land deals.
Here are 5 essential things to check before buying any land in Nigeria:
Land ownership in Nigeria can be a secure and profitable investment — if done right. At City Doves Homes & Properties, we take the guesswork out of buying land by handling verification, documentation, and due diligence for you.
1. Title Documentation
The first — and most important — step is verifying the land’s title documents. Common types include:
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Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
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Deed of Assignment
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Registered Survey Plan
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Governor’s Consent
Make sure these documents are authentic and up-to-date. At City Doves, we only list properties that have passed strict legal verification to avoid future disputes.
2. Location and Accessibility
Not all cheap land is a good deal. You need to check:
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How accessible is the land by road?
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Is the area already developed or still emerging?
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What’s the long-term value of the location?
We provide our clients with detailed neighborhood assessments and growth projections to ensure smart investments.
3. Land Use and Zoning Regulations
You can’t build just anything anywhere. Find out:
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Is the land zoned for residential, commercial, or agricultural use?
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Are there building restrictions in place?
City Doves works closely with local authorities to ensure all our properties comply with zoning and planning laws.
4. Land Disputes and Encumbrances
Always check that the land is free from family disputes, government acquisition, or multiple claims. These issues often don’t show up until after money has changed hands — and by then, it’s too late.
That’s why we verify every land parcel we list and provide full transparency to our clients.
5. Survey and Physical Inspection
Before making payment:
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Conduct a physical inspection.
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Confirm the size and boundaries.
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Check if the land matches what’s on the survey plan.
