How to Verify Land Titles Before Payment

Buying land in Nigeria is not just a financial decision. It is a legal one.
Many people lose money not because they did not pay, but because they paid before verifying what they were paying for.

If you are buying land and you skip title verification, you are gambling with your future.

This guide explains how to verify land titles properly and safely before payment, especially in places like Port Harcourt and across Rivers State.

Understand What a Land Title Really Means

A land title is proof of legal ownership, not physical possession.

A fence, a building, or a caretaker does not mean the land is legally owned.
Only valid documentation backed by government records does.

If a seller cannot clearly explain the title history, stop the process.

Ask for the Root Title First

Before discussing price, request the root title. This answers one question:
How did this land originally become owned?

Common root titles include:

• Certificate of Occupancy

• Government Allocation Letter

• Deed of Conveyance

• Registered Deed of Assignment

If the seller cannot produce this, do not proceed.

Check for Government Acquisition

One of the most expensive mistakes buyers make is purchasing land under government acquisition.

Visit the lands registry or survey office to confirm:

• Whether the land is free from acquisition

• Whether it falls within committed or excised land

No matter how cheap the land is, government acquisition overrides private ownership.

Verify the Survey Plan

A survey plan is not just a drawing. It is a legal locator.

Ensure that:

• The survey number exists

• The coordinates match the actual land

• The land is not overlapping another property

This step prevents boundary disputes and double ownership issues.

Conduct a Search at the Lands Registry

This is where facts replace promises.

A proper land search will reveal:

• The registered owner

• Existing encumbrances or mortgages

• Pending litigation

• Whether the land has been previously sold

If the land is not registered, proceed with extreme caution.

Confirm Seller Authority

Not everyone presenting documents has the legal right to sell.

Confirm whether the seller is:

• The rightful owner

• A family head with consent

• A legally appointed representative

If power of attorney is involved, verify its authenticity and scope.

Inspect the Land Physically

Documentation without inspection is incomplete.

Visit the land to:

• Confirm boundaries

• Identify encroachment

• Check for community disputes

• Confirm access roads

Always inspect with a professional, not alone.

Engage Professionals Before Payment

Do not rely on verbal assurances.

Work with:

• A registered real estate firm

• A property lawyer

• A licensed surveyor

Professional fees are small compared to losing your investment.

Never Pay Without Proper Agreements

Before any payment:

• Draft a deed of assignment

• Confirm survey attachment

• Agree on documentation timeline

• Ensure witnesses and signatures are correct

Payment without documentation is a donation.

Land title verification is not optional.
It is the difference between ownership and loss.

No matter how urgent the deal feels, verification must come before payment.

If a seller pressures you to skip this process, that is your sign to walk away.

At Landdiaries Properties, we guide clients through proper title verification to ensure every land purchase is secure, legal, and dispute free. Buying land should bring peace, not problems.

It’s a new year. This 2026, make due diligence non negotiable before you buy any property.

Do not rely on promises, pictures, or pressure.

Do not pay first and ask questions later.

Protect your money, your peace, and your future.

Before you commit to any land or property, verify the title, confirm ownership, and understand the legal standing.

If you are unsure, pause and get professional guidance.

Speak with us today for proper verification, due diligence, and trusted real estate support before you buy.

Happy New Year❤️