is there a way to verify the authenticity of a property of a C of O in Abuja? The answer is yes. A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is one of the important documents you will need when buying a property in Abuja. This document serves as proof that the government has granted ownership of the land to its holders, providing them the legal rights to occupy and use the land.Â
Verifying the C of O is important before buying a property to confirm that it is duly registered. This is also important to help you verify that the name on the document matches that on the land registry records.
Follow these steps to verify the authenticity of the C of O in Abuja.
1. Request for a copy of the C of O from the seller
To verify the authenticity of a Certificate of Occupancy in Abuja, you’d need a copy of the C of O. You can ask the seller to provide the C of O and make a photocopy, or get a soft copy of the document. If the seller is unwilling to provide the document, that’s already a warning sign to avoid such property.
When you get the copy of the C of O, proceed to the office of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) to carry out the verification process.
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2. Visit the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) office
The Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) is the government agency responsible for land searches and verification in Abuja. They are also in charge of land registration and information regarding any property in Abuja.
To verify the Certificate of Occupancy at the AGIS, you’d need:
- A copy of the C of O, or the registration number on the C of O
- The name of the property owner as listed on the C of O
- Plot details like the plot number, location and size. (This is important to note as the C of O may be in their name but not cover all the land in the estate.)
With these documents, you can go ahead and request a C of O verification at the AGIS. The documents presented will be cross-checked (using the registration number on the C of O), with the one on their database to confirm if it’s original or not.
This verification usually comes at a fee, which covers administrative charges.
3. Check for Encumbrances on the Property
While the verification of the C of O is important, it is also important to check that there are no encumbrances on the property. Sometimes a genuine C of O can come with land encumbrances like unpaid taxes or government dues. Any encumbrances on a land can restrict your full right to the property.
To protect yourself from these issues, you can check for encumbrances at the AGIS.
To request a property search at the AGIS office, you’d need:
- An original document of the Certificate of Occupancy for documentation and sighting
- Owner’s name
- Application letter for a land search to the Director of Lands Administration, including the number of plots, file number, Certificate of Occupancy number, and the date.
- Legal Search Fee (depending on the land purpose as commercial purpose properties cost more than residential).
- A valid form of Identification
This search will clarify the state of the land in question. If there are any disputes or encumbrances, it will be there in the report.
4. Consult a Qualified Property Lawyer
The process of verification at the AGIS can seem daunting if you are not conversant with the legalities that surround land titles. This is where a real estate lawyer comes in handy. They will help you through the process of verification. Lawyers are well-equipped and experienced, they can easily spot hidden issues that you may not be aware of.
Lawyers will help in cross-checking the C of O and other property documents. They’d also help in verifying the seller’s identity. If there are any hidden details or traps in the property documents, a Lawyer will help you identify them.
5. Confirm the Seller’s Identity
Verifying the C of O is as important as verifying the property owner or seller. You may have a genuine C of O, but the seller may not be the legal owner of the property.
To confirm, request the seller’s identification and check if it matches with that on the C of O. If you are dealing with a representative or real estate agent, you can request an official letter from the actual owner. Cross-check the information with the one provided by the AGIS or with your lawyer. If there are inconsistencies in the documents, then it may likely be a fraudulent transaction.
6. Inspect the Physical Location
After confirming the seller’s identity and the C of O, visit the property to physically verify the authenticity of the details on the Abuja property documents. It is important to carry out a physical inspection to be sure the land matches with what is on the documents.
Look out for the plot size and number of the land, the location surrounding the property and the boundaries. In most cases, you’d need a surveyor to help out with this verification.
Inspecting the physical location helps in confirming that the land you are about to purchase is the same as the one tied to the C of O.
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Conclusion
Verifying the authenticity of a C of O is an important step when purchasing a property in Abuja. Unfortunately, many companies are selling properties with fake documents. Without proper verification, you may be left with a property that is yet to pay taxes or battling with legal disputes.
You can protect yourself by following the steps given above. If you can not do it alone, get a real estate Lawyer to do so on your behalf.
Taking the time to verify the authenticity of a C of O with the AGIS will help you safeguard your investment. You’d also get peace of mind while buying a property in Abuja.
Frequently Asked Questions on Certificate of Occupancy
Can a C of O Expire?
Yes. A Certificate of occupancy is given for a period of 99 years. After this period, it can be renewed.
Why is the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) Important?
The C of O is important because it legally confirms the owner’s right to use and occupy the land. It is issued by the state government and protects the rights of the property owner in issues of ownership disputes.
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