The most important thing to remember when buying land in Lagos is to always consult professionals.
Land Surveyors and Lawyers are the two main professionals you need during the process of acquiring land. In some cases, especially for large and specific projects, you will need to consult other professionals such as geotechnics, architects, engineers and town planners before you purchase the land.
In general, the following steps will save you from unnecessary troubles
Try and carefully ask people around about the land and the owner.
Consult a Registered Surveyor in Lagos to chart the land at the Office of the Surveyor General.
Obtain all survey documents relating to the land and hand them over to the surveyor for investigation.
Consult a Lawyer. If the land has a title, the lawyer will help you investigate the root of the title of the land so you are sure the title is genuine.
If everything is okay so far, you can pay the seller a percentage of the cost. Avoid paying full money until the land surveyor has confirmed the size of the property and all parties to the transaction have signed the necessary documents.
Carry out the survey. During the survey, it is always good to clear the land. Clearing attracts the attention of neighbours. If there is any issue, they will interrogate you. Interrogation can help unearth hidden information about the land.
The lawyer can now help you finalize your agreement with the seller(s) by preparing a deed.
Take possession immediately by fencing the land completely if possible. Write boldly on the wall fence ”THIS LAND IS NOT FOR SALE. BEWARE OF 419.”