Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. In Lagos, a little care before you pay protects you from title disputes, hidden costs and delays. Here are seven checks we recommend to every buyer, including our own.

1. Confirm the title document

Ask which title the property has. A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent gives the strongest protection. Other documents, such as an excision, a gazette or a registered survey, may be valid, but they need more checks.

2. Do a search at the Land Registry

Ask your lawyer to search the title at the Lagos State Land Registry. The search confirms that the document is genuine, who the registered owner is, and whether there are any encumbrances such as mortgages.

3. Chart the survey plan

Have the survey plan charted at the Office of the Surveyor-General. This confirms that the land is free from government acquisition and that the boundaries match what you are being sold.

4. Use your own lawyer

Have an independent property lawyer review the contract of sale and the Deed of Assignment before you sign or pay.

5. Understand the full cost

Beyond the price, budget for legal fees, any agency fee, survey costs, Governor’s Consent or registration fees and, for estates, service charges. Ask for every cost in writing.

6. Read the payment plan carefully

For instalment plans, confirm the initial deposit, the monthly amount, the timeline, and what happens if a payment is late. Make sure the plan is part of the signed contract.

7. Inspect in person and pay the company

Visit the property yourself and check the finishes, the drainage, the access roads and the water supply. Make payments only into the developer’s official company account, and keep every receipt.

Interested in Megatrone Haven? Book a private inspection and our team will take you through the title documents and payment options.