Buying land should feel exciting like a milestone.
But in Nigeria, that excitement can quickly turn to regret, especially if you ignore one thing: the land title.
A lot of land buyers just nod along when they hear terms like C of O, Excision, Governor’s Consent, while others assume that if the land looks okay and the price feels right, then everything must be fine.Until it’s not.
You hear stories every day—someone paid millions for a plot, only to find out it belongs to the government or was sold to three other people. The bad news is? It’s frustrating.
The good news, however, is that it’s avoidable
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why verified land titles matter, the different types you should know, and how to spot the red flags before it’s too late.
What Land Title Is And Why It Matters
A land title is the official document that says a land belongs to you.
In Nigeria, having a verified land title means you’re legally recognized as the owner. It also protects you from a long list of headaches, like land disputes, government takeovers, or waking up one day to find someone else has started building on your plot.
In cases like this, your land title is your security because it’s how you know the seller is genuine, the land is legit, and your investment won’t vanish into thin air.
Common Types of Land Titles in Nigeria
Here are some of the land titles you’ll hear about most often:
C of O (Certificate of Occupancy):
This is one of the highest forms of land ownership in Nigeria. It’s issued by the government and proves you have the right to occupy the land for 99 years.
Excision:
This means the government has officially released a portion of land to the original indigenous owners. It’s usually the first step toward a proper title.
Governor’s Consent:
If land already has a C of O and is being transferred to someone else, this document shows the transfer was approved by the state government. It protects resale buyers.
Deed of Assignment:
A legal agreement showing the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. It should come with a registered survey and be filed with the land registry.
Registered Survey
A map showing the exact boundaries of your land, approved by the state government.
The Cost of Ignoring Land Titles
Too many buyers in Nigeria make one costly mistake, which is focusing only on location and price while ignoring the paperwork that actually protects the investment.
Here’s what happens when you buy land without verifying the title:
You might pay for land that’s not really for sale.
It’s not uncommon to hear of people who paid millions for land, only to find out it was government-acquired, under dispute, or sold to multiple people at once.
You can get dragged into legal battles.
No one dreams of spending years in court trying to reclaim land they thought they owned. But without proper titles, your “ownership” is just a verbal promise.
You might not be able to build or even access your land.
A verified title helps you avoid buying land only to find out it’s in a restricted zone, a government pipeline route, or has no legal access road.
Your investment won’t appreciate the way it should.
Even if you manage to build, unverified land is harder to resell, develop, or use as collateral.
Questions You MUST Ask Before Buying Any Land
They say “he who asks questions never misses the road,” and in Nigerian real estate, that road can be long, bumpy, and full of “we’ll get back to you.”
Asking the right questions before buying land isn’t being smart, so before your excitement signs the cheque, let your questions do the work.
Here are the questions you must ask before buying any land in Nigeria
- Who owns this land?
- What title does it have?
- Can I see the original documents?
- Has the title been verified?
- Is this land under government acquisition?
- Is there a registered survey?
- What kind of title document will I receive after payment?
- When will I be allocated?
- Are there any outstanding disputes on this land?
- Are there hidden fees outside the advertised price?
- Can I visit the land before payment?
- Has the land been physically mapped and pegged?
- Is the land part of a larger estate or individually owned?
- What’s the payment plan—and are there penalties for late payment?
- How many people have already bought land in this area?
- Can I speak to an existing buyer or visit a previous estate by this developer?
- What’s the appreciation rate in this location?
- Is the estate properly fenced and secured?
- Are there clear road networks and access routes?
- Is there an allocation letter or contract of sale template I can review?
Why Casa De Crystal Takes Land Titles Seriously
At Casa De Crystal, we don’t joke with paperwork—because we know that land ownership without proper documentation is just stress in disguise.
From the moment a property enters our portfolio, we run every necessary check: land registry confirmations, title verifications, and due diligence with local authorities. Our goal is to ensure you’re not just buying land, you’re buying peace of mind.
All our estates come with:
- Registered Survey
- Deed of Assignment
- Excision in view
We don’t keep you in the dark either.
Our team walks you through every document. We’ll show you exactly what you’re signing up whether it’s your first land or seventh, we’re always available to answer your questions because we believe real estate should be built on trust, not guesswork.
In Nigeria’s real estate space, it’s about owning land that’s truly yours, with documents that can stand the test of time and scrutiny.
Verified land titles aren’t just paper, they’re your proof of ownership, your defense against fraud, and your gateway to long-term value.
And the difference between a smooth investment and a land-related heartbreak is usually just a few smart questions and the right real estate partner.
At Casa De Crystal, we don’t sell uncertainty. We sell peace of mind, verified documents, and a future you can count on.Want to see for yourself?
Book a free site inspection today and experience what smart, secure land ownership truly looks like.
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