In Awka, if you’ve found a property you would like to purchase, it’s natural to want to pay for it immediately to acquire the important documents. Maybe you don’t want someone else to snatch it up, or perhaps the seller is in a hurry to take your money.
Whatever the case, the next step after spotting a good property is not to make payment. Thus, you should first verify all the important documents to ensure your investment is secure and legal.
In that regard, buying property in Awka, like anywhere else, requires thorough due diligence. Therefore, this means you need to gather and review several important documents before making any financial commitment.
To help you, we have compiled a list of important documents you must ask for when buying a property in Awka.
Important Documents You Must Ask When Buying Property in Awka
Accordingly, to safeguard your investment and ensure a smooth transaction, it’s essential to ask for and carefully review the following important documents:
1. Title Deed
Specifically, the title deed is one of the most important documents you need to ask for when buying property anywhere in Nigeria. And that includes Awka. This document serves as proof of ownership and shows that the seller has the legal right to sell the property.
It’s wise to engage a real estate lawyer who can help authenticate the document to ensure it is genuine. Therefore, they can also confirm that there are no encumbrances, liens, or disputes associated with the property.
2. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
In Nigeria, the state government issues the Certificate of Occupancy document. It indicates that the holder has been granted the right to occupy and use the land for a specific period, usually 99 years.
If you’re buying a property in Awka, ensure the property has a valid C of O, as this confirms that the land is free from government acquisition or legal issues. Therefore, note that a property without a C of O can be a risky investment, as the government can reclaim such land.
3. Survey Plan
A survey plan shows the precise measurements and boundaries of the property in question. Before you make payment, it’s essential to confirm that the property you intend to purchase matches the survey plan.
This document helps to avoid disputes with neighboring landowners and ensures you are getting exactly what you are paying for. When you get the document, verify that the survey plan is approved and stamped by the Office of the Surveyor General in Anambra State.
4. Approved Building Plan
You don’t need this document for every kind of property. You only need it if you are buying a developed property in Awka. The approved building plan document shows that the building complies with the specifications and regulations set by the local authorities.
An approved building plan ensures that the property adheres to zoning laws and building codes, reducing the risk of future demolition or penalties. If the property you are buying is already built. be sure to request the approved building plan before proceeding with payment.
5. Deed of Assignment
The deed of assignment is a legal document that legally transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer. Usually, both parties duly sign this document
It contains important details about the transaction, including the names of the parties involved, the description of the property, and the agreed purchase price.
The deed of assignment serves as evidence of the transaction. To be effective, the parties must duly stamp and register this document at the Anambra Land Registry.
It is advisable to engage a competent legal professional to draft and review this document.
Read Also: Deed of Assignment in Anambra: Everything You Should Know
6. Governor’s Consent
In Nigeria, land transactions involving the transfer of ownership require the Governor’s Consent. The Land Use Act of 1978 mandates this consent, and it officially approves the transaction by the state governor.
Without the Governor’s Consent, a court may deem the sale invalid. In Awka, obtaining the Governor’s Consent ensures legal recognition of the transfer by the state and protects you from future disputes or claims against the property.
7. Tax Clearance Certificate
Ensure that the seller provides a tax clearance certificate. The tax authority issues a Tax Clearance Certificate, confirming that the seller has paid all necessary property taxes up to date.
This document is important because any outstanding taxes could become your responsibility after purchasing the property.
Ensuring that the seller provides a Tax Clearance Certificate will help you avoid inheriting any unpaid tax liabilities. Thus, it also indicates that the seller is compliant with local tax laws, further legitimizing the transaction.
8. Power of Attorney (if applicable)
Specifically, in cases where the seller is not the original owner or is acting on behalf of another party, the buyer require a Power of Attorney. This legal document grants the seller the authority to act on behalf of the property owner. The parties should duly execute and notarize it to ensure its validity..
Verifying the Power of Attorney helps confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and prevents potential disputes or fraud.
How Can I Differentiate Authentic Documents From Fake Ones?
There’s no industry that has not been infiltrated by fraudsters. The real estate market is no exception.
Read Also: How to Identify and Avoid Land Scams in Awka
It’s comforting to know that you can verify the authenticity of a property by asking for relevant documents. But how do you know that these documents are genuine?
- Always cross-check with government offices, such as the land registry.
- Engage a trusted real estate lawyer to review the documents.
- Look for official stamps, signatures, and registration numbers to ensure they match the records.
Read Also: How to Authenticate Your Registered Land Survey Plan in Anambra
Verifying the Right Documents for a Smooth Property Purchase
Purchasing property in Awka can be a rewarding investment, but it requires careful attention to detail and due diligence. Moreover, before making any payments, engage the services of a qualified real estate lawyer to assist with the document verification process. A professional can help manage the process of property transactions and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
In the end, being thorough and diligent in verifying these important documents can protect you from potential legal issues and ensure a smooth and secure transaction.
