What to Look for During a Land Site Inspection in Abuja

We all know how exciting it is to find a piece of land you want to buy finally. Many times, this land fits your budget, it’s in your preferred location, and to top it all, once you make payment, it’s going to be all yours. 

In fact, it’s your exact spec. And even if it doesn’t tick all your boxes, it’s close to what you want. In this situation, it’s very tempting to give in to FOMO (fear of missing out) and rush to seal the deal. 

But before you go on to pay for the land, there’s one step you absolutely cannot skip: the land site inspection. Why? Because what you see on paper or in pictures can be a far cry from what you encounter in reality.

So, what exactly should you look out for during a land site inspection in Abuja? If you’re wondering what you should focus on, we are here to help. In this article, we will explain all the things you should be looking for during a land site inspection in Abuja.

7 Key Things to Look for During a Land Site Inspection in Abuja

To ensure that your dream land doesn’t turn into a nightmare, here are major aspects to look out for. 

1. Ownership and Document Verification 

Well, we have to bring this to the forefront. Before you even set foot on the land, make sure all the paperwork is in order. The thing is this; Abuja has had its fair share of land disputes in times past. And maybe even presently. 

Most times, some of these issues arise from double allocation, illegal sales, or conflicting claims of ownership. So, you need to insist on verifying the ownership before even going for the inspection. Confirm that the seller has the right to sell the land by verifying the title documents at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS). 

To avoid becoming a part of the number of people who have had issues with land ownership cases, ensure that all documents like the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), survey plans, and land allocation papers are genuine and in order.

Also, make sure that the land isn’t under any government acquisition or part of a communal land. And while at it, it will be in your best interest to involve a lawyer who specializes in Abuja property law to cross-check these documents and verify that they are genuine.

Also Read:

• Everything You Should Know About Deed of Conveyance in Abuja
• What You Nееd to Know about Contract of Salе in Abuja
• Why You Should Invest in Abuja: Opportunities for Foreigners and Citizens

2. Check the Land Topography and Soil Condition

The terrain of the land is more important than you might think. A plot that appears perfect at first glance could be situated on a steep slope or rocky ground. It could even be in a flood-prone area. But you won’t know any of this if you don’t pay attention. 

While a flat piece of land is generally easier to build on, a slight slope might provide better drainage. On the other hand, a swampy area could mean additional expenses on filling and foundation. This can entirely affect your building costs and project timeline.

Try visiting the site after heavy rainfall. This will give you a clearer picture of the drainage situation and whether the land is prone to flooding. Abuja has an annual average rainfall of about 1,500mm, so drainage issues can be a real concern. 

If you can, also conduct a soil test to check for soil stability and composition. This is especially critical if you’re planning to build a large structure. The results of a soil test will guide your construction plans and help avoid future issues like foundation cracks or building collapse.

Therefore, during your inspection, take note of the topography and the soil quality. Knowing this information on time could be the difference between cutting costs and making grave building mistakes.

3. Assess Accessibility and Road Network

Location is key, but accessibility is king. You might have found a beautiful plot, but if it’s hidden away in a remote area with poor road networks, you’ll face challenges down the road—literally. 

So, when you get to the location, it’s important to find out if there are good roads leading to the site. 

For context, Abuja has a rapidly developing infrastructure, but some areas still have inadequate road networks. You don’t want to struggle with bad roads or, worse, have no roads at all during the rainy season.

If you’re visiting during the rainy season, see if the access roads become muddy or flooded. Bad roads can greatly reduce the value of the land and make construction difficult.

Don’t forget also how close the land is to essential facilities like hospitals, schools, markets, and public transportation. Accessibility and proximity also affect property value, so this is a point to consider.

4. Evaluate the Neighborhood and Future Developments

You’ll want to get a feel of the neighborhood. Is it developed or developing? Are there ongoing or planned developments? 

This matters because the value of your land could appreciate based on future projects in the area, like shopping malls, schools, or government institutions. To be honest, a thriving community can be an indicator of the area’s growth potential.

For instance, areas like Gwarinpa and Lokogoma have seen some appreciation in land value due to infrastructure developments and their proximity to the central business district. 

A piece of land bought for N5 million five years ago could now be worth over N15 million. So take your time to look around and also speak to the people already in the area to find out how the area is. Proper site inspection of the land you want to buy in Abuja will help you get the best deal.

Find out if it’s peaceful. Are there any ongoing land disputes? Local communities often have valuable information about the history and status of a piece of land. They can tell you about past ownership issues, communal disputes, or even government interest in the area. 

Having a chat with the locals can give you a perspective that you won’t get from documents or real estate agents. In the end, if you know what the existing members of the community know, you will get a clearer picture of what to expect once you make your purchase. 

5. Look Out for Utility Availability

This may sound basic but don’t make any move unless you ensure that essential utilities like water and electricity are available. This may sound untrue, but it’s possible to get some really posh places that lack these amenities. 

Good mobile network coverage is also something you need to check, especially if you’re planning to use the land for residential purposes. 

You need to keep a good eye out for this. Why? Because lack of these amenities can lead to a lot of inconvenience and additional costs. 

For instance, if the nearest transformer is so many miles away, there’s no way you won’t spend so much more money trying to connect your property to the grid.

According to a recent survey, about 40% of properties in the outskirts of Abuja face challenges with access to basic utilities. But you can overcome that if you follow our recommendations. 

6. Verify the Land Boundaries

Obviously, this is one of the first things to look out for. But you’d be surprised how often people overlook this step. 

Don’t be like them. Ensure that the boundaries of the land match what’s on the survey plan. Of course, you don’t have to do this yourself, if you don’t have the technical know-how. 

You can hire a surveyor to help with this. Encroachment issues can lead to legal disputes and potential loss of part of your land.

Abuja’s land market has seen cases where buyers lose a portion of their land because of boundary disputes. It’s better to spend a little extra now to confirm this now than face costly legal battles later.

7. Zoning and Development Plans

Abuja is a city planned and governed by a master plan, which dictates land use in various areas. This means that not all land can be used for any purpose. 

Some areas are designated for residential use, others for commercial, recreational, or agricultural purposes. Ensure that the land you’re buying aligns with your intended use by consulting the master plan at AGIS. 

Purchasing a plot meant for agriculture when you intend to build a home could lead to costly repercussions.

While at it, check if there are plans for future developments like highways, industrial areas, or commercial complexes that could impact the value or suitability of your land. For instance, proximity to a planned shopping mall or business hub can increase the value of your property over time. 

Also Read:

• How to Conduct Land Search and Verify Property Titles in Abuja
• Different Land Sizes and Measurements Available in Abuja
• How to Know if a Land is Free from Government Acquisition in Abuja

Secure Genuine Lands Through Eagle-eyed Inspections

A thorough land site inspection in Abuja goes beyond just a casual look-around. It’s an in-depth evaluation of all the factors that could affect your investment. 

In Abuja, where the land market is dynamic and sometimes tricky, taking the time to do a proper inspection will save you both your hard-earned money and precious time. Plus stress. 

So, the next time you find yourself on a piece of land in Abuja, just keep these points in mind. And tick them off your notebook one after the other. 

To invest in our Abuja real estate offer, Kyami Pavilion Estate or Karshi, please, call +2348132794689 or send a WhatsApp message to +2348132794689.