Land Verification in Abuja could be challenging but, in this post, you will know how to conduct land verification in Abuja and how to check if your property is legally verified.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria’s capital is gradually becoming a renowned city in Africa. In recent times, there has been an influx of people into the city and its real estate development and construction sectors are developing at a tremendous pace. Residential estates are springing up every day to provide accommodation for new entrants into the city.
The on-going partnership between the Federal Government and private persons towards developing strategic projects and areas in the city is a welcome development. The land registry; Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) was created to dictate and curb land racketeering and other fraudulent practices in relation to land in the FCT as well as provide a modern world-class system of registration of title to land.
Read: How To Buy Properties in Nigeria
How to Conduct Land Verification in Abuja
To conduct a search or authenticate the particulars of the land or property, a person intending to acquire land within the Federal Capital Territory must submit the following requirements to AGIS:
- To begin, write an application letter to the Director of Lands Administration, detailing the property as it appears on the Certificate of Occupancy, including the name of the owner, file number, plot number(s), Certificate of Occupancy Number, and date.
- Evidence of payment of a legal search fee of N10,000 (for residential purposes) or N20,000 (for commercial purposes) (commercial purposes). The Bank has a customized teller for this purpose.
- For documentation and sighting, you’ll need an original certificate or a right of occupancy.
- A photocopy of a valid form of identification is required.
Read: Real Estate Managers Responsibilities
The Land Registry staff shall conduct the search and develop a report stating whether the information provided in the letter matches that of the document with them or any land registered there, the report shall also state the rates payable and provide information on any encumbrances on the land.
- Physical Inspection: A physical inspection of the property to be purchased would quintessentially reveal any patent defects the property might have.
- Probate Search: The purpose of the Probate Registry search is to determine who has the authority to dispose of the deceased’s property. This registry is linked to the court, and it can be visited at the High Court in Maitama in Abuja.
- Corporate Affairs Commission– where a company’s property is located. This is to see if there are any designated charges against the company’s assets. It also helps determine whether the seller is authorized to act on behalf of the company and conduct transactions in its name, as well as whether the property has been mortgaged.
This search can be carried out by a lawyer who is an accredited agent with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
HOW TO CHECK IF YOUR PROPERTY IS LEGALLY VERIFIED.
Finding a property that is free from all sorts of legal tussles is quite an achievement. With the momentous growth of the real estate sector, the number of disputes over land have also gone up. Behind many a project delay, fights over land ownership have been a prime reason. Though the real estate law, which is in various stages of implementation across the county, is going to make the situation more favorable for property buyers, here is a do-it-yourself checklist to know whether the property you are shortlisting is worth investing or not:
Check For the Title Papers: A property should have a clear title, without any dispute. If buying a new property, the title of the land should be with the construction company. If buying a resale one, study the papers wisely or visit the property lawyer to check the authenticity of papers.
Ask For Bank Approvals: If you are getting your home financed from the bank, your half work is already done. Before approving your loan, banks evaluate the property. For an apartment project, several banks offer on-site offers which clearly indicates that the property is legally verified and have all approvals in place. But, do check the clauses before signing the loan agreement with the bank.
Read: Property Management Services
Encumbrance Certificate: An encumbrance certificate is a document which implies a property is legally free from any mortgage or pending loan. It also lists the name of the previous owner of the property. This is a very important document when buying a resale property to know whether the previous owner had mortgaged the property and if all the dues have been paid.
Tally The Approved Plan with Actual Site: If you are buying in apartment project, make sure you get to see the copy of the approved map from the builder which is passed by the local authority. This can give you the fair idea about the area and the construction spree if it illegally encroaches.
Check Out Property Tax Slips: If buying a resale property, ask for property tax slips from the previous owner. This will give you an insight on two factors ― whether the colony or the area you are buying in is regularized or illegal and if the property is duly registered and there are no dues pending with the municipal authority.
Project Has a Registered Society: Every apartment project should have a registered society along with a resident welfare association. This is itself a legal process and also gives an idea about the legality of the project and the property you are buying.
CONCLUTION.
Finally, a Land search should be carried out to verify that the title intended for acquisition belongs to the owner. The search also helps to determine whether the land is hampered. The active involvement of an attorney makes it easy and ensures a thorough and efficient search for the title so that problems that may develop in the future can be avoided.
You can engadge property management firm to conduct land/ property verification in Abuja for you.