Searching for straightforward tips on “How to Avoid Land Scams in Abuja”? Then you are in luck today.
We all agree that owning land in Abuja is exciting. The city is growing in leaps. Companies are springing up, it is the country’s capital.
However, the move can be challenging. The risk of falling victim to land scams is huge in Abuja right now and knowing how to avoid them is important.
So, we have put together this in-depth guide for you.
This blog post will help you steer clear of trouble:
We will break down the process of avoiding land scams in Abuja.
We will cover key steps like checking titles, doing thorough research, and taking legal precautions.
If you follow these simple strategies, you can make smart decisions and protect your investment.
Ask the Right Questions and Get to the Root of the Answers
In Abuja and Nigeria in general, there are pertinent questions to ask as far as land is concerned.
What makes it more important is whether the land in question is communal land, family land or not.
So, even if it will cost you money to carry out your due diligence, the cost is lower than committing millions to waste.
For instance, dig deeper into the details of fenced lands. You can find the answers by tracing the history of ownership to date.
Ideally, a fenced property should be a good offer, right? But it is not always so. It is usually a good target for land grabbers.
So, always ask for the survey plan and try to trace the beacon numbers either on the ground or on the wall and compare them with what you have on the survey plan.
A survey plan shows the boundaries and shape of the land.
On this, only deal with registered surveyors with verifiable credentials.
Everything must match from the name of the owner to the location of the land.
Make sure that you cross-check every survey detail as the perfection of scamming is getting better, daily.
2. Verify Land Ownership and Title
We advise that you engage the service of a qualified legal professional with expertise in real estate.
They have to meticulously examine land ownership documents and titles.
Ensure they verify the authenticity of signatures, stamps, and seals on these crucial documents.
You should also personally visit relevant government offices such as the land registry to cross-verify information provided by the seller.
Never buy a property directly from a site without first seeing it on-site. You could also send a trusted rep to act on your behalf.
Confirm that the land titles on file match those presented by the seller, leaving no room for discrepancies.
3. Carry-out Due Diligence
For every land you are interested in, always ask for:
- The Survey Plan
- The deed of Assignment
- Track the history of the transfer
- Copy of the original receipt
- Copy of the C/O etc.
If an agent says that a certain document is private and not for your eyes, then, find a deal elsewhere.
In other words, no matter the sweet-talking, choose facts over promises.
When asked, hear what the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) Executive Director, Barr Festus Adebayo has to say on the matter.
He stated that when purchasing land in Abuja, there are five key documents to request before paying.
He said, “If you want to buy a plot from an estate developer, ask for the following and confirm them: Title document/allocation letter confirming that the seller/developer is the genuine owner. Survey plan/Technical Drawing Plan (TDP) showing the perimeter and survey data of the estate plot.
“The approved detailed site development plan by the urban and regional planning department and approved layout plan of the estate as well as the approved prototype house design for your house.”
He also advised obtaining a copy of the layout plan showing his or her plot location.
“Once these documents are made available to you, get an independent professional, for example, a surveyor or town planner, to verify these documents and ensure they are genuine and legitimate.
“Also, physically visit the site; read the agreement, and also the allocation letter terms and conditions before you start payment,” he added.
4. Research the Seller and Agent
Run a thorough background check on the agent. It doesn’t matter whether the agent is a company or a private person.
Dig into their background to ascertain their credibility and track record in real estate transactions.
This way, you can verify the agent’s credentials, ensuring they are registered and reputable.
You should also explore real estate forums for reviews or testimonials from people who have engaged with them before.
Then, pay attention to the red flags mentioned by previous clients. Don’t bank on your case being different.
5. Visit the Property Site
Sometimes a scam can be as simple as the purchase of a “useless’’ or “waste” land.
This in turn leads to buyer’s remorse because you can not find a profitable use for the land.
The problem may be the topography, the location or other environmental problems.
So, physically visit the land to assess its topography, soil quality, and general suitability for your intended use.
Often, a land can be situated in a flooded area or a location that is hard to navigate.
You should also interact with the locals to gather insights into the property’s history, any disputes, or environmental concerns.
These perspectives can unveil crucial information that might not be obvious during a standard inspection.
4. Understand Zoning Regulations
Research and understand the zoning laws in Abuja.
These include restrictions and allowances for the specific area where the land is located.
Ensure that your intended use aligns with the zoning regulations.
So many regrets abound when investors buy land sold by land grabbers. These land are no-go areas reserved for special reasons by the government.
5. Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
If a land deal sounds too good, it is likely too good to be true. Pay attention to your instinct in this case.
Be careful if the offered price seems significantly lower than similar properties in that area.
Find out the reasons behind the low pricing, such as hidden issues or potential scams.
In addition, be alert to high-pressure tactics from sellers or agents who seem to be in a wild hurry for you to buy.
6. Engage Legal Professionals
Retain a qualified lawyer to review all legal documents, including the sales agreement and any other contracts.
Buying land in Abuja can be tricky as the nature of scams varies from place to place.
Iron out every issue regarding statutory costs or admin fees.
Conclusion
In the world of real estate, especially in Abuja, the possibility of scams is real.
As we wrap up our discussion on “How to Avoid Land Scams in Abuja,” remember that being careful and seeking professional advice are your best tools.
Whether it’s verifying titles, visiting the land, or staying cautious about too-good-to-be-true deals, these steps will protect you against scams.
Make sure to put these tips into practice to ensure a regret-free transaction. We know you would need help and that’s why we are here to help you.
To invest in our Abuja real estate offer, Kyami Pavilion Estate, please, call +2348132794689 or send a WhatsApp message to +2348132794689.
