How Can I Protect Myself From Property Fraud in Abuja

Is there a way to protect yourself from property fraud in the FCT, Abuja? The answer is yes. You may have likely come across stories of people paying for a property that doesn’t exist. Or land that was sold to multiple people, or even title documents of properties that were fake. 

Unfortunately, property fraud is a reality for many buyers in Abuja today. It is a nightmare you won’t like to experience. 

Here is the good news… You don’t have to fall victim to any of these scams. This is because we will provide you with clear steps on how to chart the real estate market in Abuja. You’ll learn how to make important decisions when it comes to protecting your property against fraud in Abuja. We will also teach you how to spot red flags during a property transaction, and practical tips to help you along the way.

Without further ado, let’s dive into how you can protect yourself from property fraud in Abuja.

1. Only Deal with Trusted and Registered Agents

I can’t emphasize this enough. There are a lot of fraudsters who pose as real estate agents in Abuja. They are neither registered nor have the rights to sell any land.

I will give you a quick example of a case of property fraud involving a real estate agent in Abuja. A few years ago, there was a client who was almost scammed by an unregistered agent. The agent showed this client land in the Jabi area with a mouth-watering price, claiming the land was a family inheritance. 

The agent went ahead to present the client with documents of the land that seemed very legit and then requested a 50% deposit. Before the client went ahead to make the payment, he decided to check in with a lawyer. This lawyer went to verify these documents with the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).

It was there they discovered the property did not belong to the agent at all! The so-called land he claimed to be his ‘family inheritance’ had a different owner. Sadly, the owner had no idea his land was being sold by a fraudster.

Don’t think twice about it, ask for proof from the agent you’re transacting with, to know if they are registered with the proper agencies like the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) or the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN).

Also Read:

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2. Verification of Property Title Documents at AGIS

Every piece of land is required to have title documents. Documents such as the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), Deed of Assignment and Survey plan.

The Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) is the government body responsible for the verification and registration of all Land titles or documents in Abuja. If you are seeking information on a particular property in Abuja, then you can conduct a formal search with AGIS.

In order to conduct this search, you would be required to provide certain information or documents, like the certificate of occupancy (CofO), the name of the owner, the number of plots and the file number. You’d also be required to pay for the search depending on the intended use of the property, as the price of residential properties differs from commercial.

Property documents can be fake, in fact, fraudsters have perfected the skill of presenting documents that look legitimate. It is important that you verify these documents with The Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) before making any financial commitment.

3. Visit the Location of the Property

Visit the location of the property yourself to verify its exact spot. It may surprise you to know that you can be sold a plot of land only to find the spot is quite different from the one you were shown. 

This scenario reminds me of a case in Lugbe where a buyer bought a piece of land after only seeing it in pictures. He was told it was situated in a developing estate, and the buyer even promised him that the area would be quickly developed. 

After paying a substantial amount of money, the buyer then visited the site only to find out that the land was not even close or similar to the one in the picture he was shown. Of course, he had already paid a bulk of the money before doing due diligence, so there was little to nothing he could do.

Don’t make the same mistake. 

When you visit the location of the property, take time to speak to the neighbors around the vicinity as well. You’d be surprised to learn one or two things you may not have known about the property or the location from the neighbors.

4. Get a Property Lawyer

A friend of mine was ready to purchase her first plot of land in Kubwa. She had already visited the land, met with the seller and confirmed that the documents were all legitimate. Everything seemed ok from her end, and she was ready to proceed with the payment.

Just before she signed the contract, she developed mixed feelings and decided to get a lawyer to read the contract and look over all the documents. 

The lawyer noticed a small but very significant detail after reviewing the documents. Apparently, the land size stated in the contract was slightly different from the one mentioned in the original title deed. Although the difference was less than 50sqm, it was enough to cause potential disputes. My friend had skipped over this minor detail due to the lengthy document.

Now when the lawyer raised the issue with the seller, he claimed it was just a typographical error. However, the lawyer insisted the seller make the correction in the official contract. 

After checking further, they came to realize that the seller was actually trying to sell part of a land that was in legal dispute with other property owners. 

Now if she hadn’t sought advice from a lawyer, she could have unknowingly bought a smaller plot of land, and may still face legal issues over land boundaries.

Even the smallest error in a property document can cause major issues down the line. The job of a lawyer is to carefully review every minute detail. They’d also confirm that the contract matches the actual title and verify all documents. 

Don’t go signing contracts or documents just because you trust the person. Hire a lawyer that will work closely with you..

5. Pay Through a Traceable Channel

There are a lot of buyers in Abuja who like paying in cash thinking it’s faster and easier. What you should be aware of is that cash payments are not traceable, as they leave no paper trail. Unlike bank transfers and certified checks, there is no proof you paid a certain amount if any issue arises in the future. 

It is better to use a traceable means of payment to have proof of payment. Ensure you also get a receipt after payment. If you’re to pay in installments, make sure you get a receipt after each payment.

Without receipts or a traceable means of payment, it can be nearly impossible to recover your money if the seller turns out to be a fraud.

Also Read:

• Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Building Approval Plan in the FCT
• How Easy Is It for Nigerians Living Abroad to Buy a House in Abuja?
• Why You Should Invest in Abuja: Opportunities for Foreigners and Citizens

6. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Like the saying goes, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Agents know how to lure their victims with cheap prices, they know people will easily fall prey to their scheme. They sell lands below the market value to get buyers to troop in and buy. 

Before you go ahead to purchase land that seems too good to be true, take the time to compare the price with other properties around the same area, and if it is incredibly low, then think twice before investing your money.

7. Understand the Zoning Laws in Abuja

The zoning law dictates how and what land can be used for depending on the area. Different areas in Abuja have specific zoning laws that you need to abide by when building. Failure to keep to these laws can lead to the risk of losing your property.

To protect yourself from property fraud in Abuja, take the time to research the zoning regulations that are applicable to the location of the property you intend to buy. There are zones that are for residential use and others for industrial and commercial purposes. Do well to carry out due diligence so you don’t buy a property that is under government acquisition.

Conclusion

Abuja has a lot of real estate investment opportunities that are ripe for the taking. However, it comes with its risks, so you need to be alert and protect yourself from falling prey to property fraud. 

Take the time to verify documents, visit the site, get a property lawyer and keep receipts. 

Whenever you feel off, take a step back and get a second opinion or advice. While it may take more time and effort to follow these steps, always remember it’s your money at stake.

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