Documents to Check Before Buying Property in Lagos
Buying a property in Lagos is a significant financial decision. While location, design, size and price naturally attract attention, the documentation behind the property is equally important.
A visually impressive house does not remove the need for proper due diligence.
Before committing funds to a property, prospective buyers should understand what documents exist, what those documents represent and which records should be independently verified.
This guide explains some of the key documents buyers should consider when purchasing property in Lagos.
Important: This article is general educational information and is not a substitute for independent legal, surveying or professional property advice.
1. Evidence of title to the property
The first question should be simple:
What legal interest in the land is being transferred?
The seller or developer should be able to present the relevant title documentation relating to the property.
Depending on the land and transaction history, documents may include a:
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Governor’s Consent
- registered conveyance or assignment
- land certificate
- other recognized evidence of title
Lagos State’s planning regulations specifically recognize documents such as Certificates of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent and deeds of conveyance or land certificates as examples of title documentation used in development-permit processing. EPP Lagos State
A buyer should not rely solely on a photocopy supplied by a seller. Appropriate searches and verification should be carried out through qualified professionals and the relevant government authorities.
2. Survey plan
A survey plan identifies the physical parcel of land involved in a transaction.
It normally helps establish matters such as:
- the property’s location
- boundaries
- dimensions
- beacon information
- the land being referred to in the transaction
Lagos State development-permit requirements include a survey plan or beacon information as part of the documentation used during planning approval processes. EPP Lagos State
The description on the survey documentation should be consistent with the property being offered to the buyer.
Where necessary, engage a qualified surveyor to confirm that the physical property corresponds with the survey information.
3. Deed or transfer document
When an existing interest in property is being transferred, the transaction should be properly documented.
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a deed of assignment, conveyance or another appropriate transfer instrument prepared by a qualified legal practitioner.
The Land Use Act regulates the alienation of rights of occupancy. In particular, Section 22 addresses assignments, mortgages, transfers of possession and subleases involving statutory rights of occupancy and requires the Governor’s consent in the circumstances covered by that section. Laws of Nigeria
The specific documentation required for a particular transaction should therefore be confirmed by a property lawyer.
4. Governor’s Consent where applicable
Governor’s Consent and a Certificate of Occupancy are not the same thing.
A Certificate of Occupancy relates to a right of occupancy, while Governor’s Consent relates to certain subsequent transactions involving an existing statutory right of occupancy.
Section 22 of the Land Use Act provides that the holder of a statutory right of occupancy granted by the Governor cannot alienate that right through assignment, mortgage, transfer of possession, sublease or similar transaction without the required consent of the Governor. Laws of Nigeria
This is why buyers frequently encounter the term Governor’s Consent when reviewing Lagos property documentation.
5. Development or planning permit
If you are buying a completed or developing building, land title documentation is only part of the picture.
You should also establish whether the development has the appropriate planning approvals.
Lagos State’s development-permit requirements include title evidence, survey documentation, architectural drawings and, depending on the development, structural, mechanical and electrical documentation. EPP Lagos State
For a new-build development, ask the developer about the applicable planning and building-control documentation.
6. Approved building drawings
A buyer purchasing a newly built or ongoing development should consider whether the structure corresponds with the approved design.
LASBCA states that its stage inspections examine whether construction follows development-permit drawings. Inspectors also consider building dimensions, structural members such as foundations, columns, slabs and beams, and conformity with approved requirements. LASBCA
This means approved drawings are not merely design illustrations. They form part of the regulatory framework for construction.
7. Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation where applicable
For completed developments, ask whether the required completion and habitation documentation is available or applicable.
LASBCA states that after final inspection it issues a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation/Use where construction has been carried out according to the relevant development-permit documentation. LASBCA
The applicable requirements will depend on the property and its stage of development.
8. Land Use Charge records
Buyers should also check whether there are outstanding property-related obligations.
Lagos State’s Land Use Charge guidance specifically warns that where a buyer acquires property with undisclosed Land Use Charge arrears and the seller does not settle them, the buyer may ultimately need to pay the outstanding amount to avoid enforcement action. Lagos State Land Use Charge
Request current records and confirm the position as part of due diligence.
9. Seller or developer identification
Documentation relating to the property should be matched with the person or company offering it for sale.
If you are purchasing from a company, verify:
- the company’s legal name
- the person authorized to act for the company
- the relationship between the company and the property
- the account into which payments are requested
- the transaction documentation
Never assume that possession of property photographs, plans or keys establishes ownership or authority to sell.
10. Written purchase terms
The commercial terms should also be documented clearly.
Before making substantial payments, understand:
- the agreed purchase price
- payment schedule
- what exactly is included
- additional charges
- property specifications
- handover conditions
- applicable completion arrangements
- documentation to be delivered to you
Important terms should not depend only on verbal conversations or WhatsApp messages.
Conduct independent due diligence
Buying property requires both property inspection and document verification.
A careful buyer should consider engaging appropriate independent professionals, which may include:
- a property lawyer
- registered surveyor
- estate surveyor and valuer
- architect
- structural engineer where necessary
The professionals required depend on the transaction and property.
Final thought
Property documentation should be treated as a core part of the buying decision, not an administrative step after payment.
Before purchasing property in Lagos, establish exactly what you are buying, identify the applicable title and development documentation, verify the records and obtain appropriate professional advice.
For information about Imperial Group residential developments, explore the Imperial Property portfolio or contact the Property team for current project information and inspection enquiries.