Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. In Lagos, it is also one where paperwork matters as much as the building itself.
Fake documents are common, and some properties have more than one person claiming rights to the same land. The safest approach is simple: never rely on what the seller tells you. Ask for the documents, verify each one independently and use a qualified lawyer.
So having read all that, here are the five documents you need to check before you pay for any property in Lagos.
1. The title document (Certificate of Occupancy)
The title document proves who has the legal right to the land. In Lagos, the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the gold standard. It means the Lagos State Government has recognised the land as titled, and it offers the highest level of security.
Not every property has a C of O, and that doesn’t automatically make it illegal. Other titles you may meet include a Gazette or Excision. Whichever one the seller presents, understand what it means and treat land without any of them with caution.
What to do: Ask for the original and a certified true copy, then have your lawyer confirm it is genuine with the Lagos State Land Bureau.
2. The survey plan
The survey plan shows the exact size, boundaries and location of the property. It is what separates your land from every other plot around it. Without a proper survey plan, your boundaries are undefined and your ownership is exposed to dispute.
What to do: Take the plan to a registered surveyor, or have it checked with the Lagos State Surveyor General’s office. Then visit the site and confirm that what you are being sold matches what the plan describes, including size, boundaries and position.
3. Building and planning approvals
If you are buying a house or apartment rather than bare land, the title is only half the story. You also need proof that the building was approved and built to standard. Ask for the building or planning permit from the Lagos State planning authority and confirm it covers the structure you are buying.
A building without proper approval can face enforcement action, and in the worst cases, demolition.
What to do: Request the permit and the approved plans. Have your lawyer or a qualified professional confirm that the permit is valid and that the building matches what was approved.
4. The Deed of Assignment, Governor’s Consent and receipts
The Deed of Assignment is the document that transfers ownership from the seller to you. On its own, it offers limited protection. For a property that already has a C of O, the transfer is not legally complete until you obtain the Governor’s Consent. The deed should also be stamped and registered at the Lands Registry.
The Governor’s Consent process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, so plan for it. Keep the signed sale agreement and every payment receipt too, because they are your proof of the transaction.
What to do: Have your lawyer draft or review the deed, apply for Governor’s Consent, and complete stamping and registration. Pay only against proper receipts.
5. The Land Registry search
Documents can look perfect on paper and still hide problems. An official search at the Lagos State Land Registry shows who the registered owner is, and whether there are any encumbrances, mortgages or cautions on the property. It is one of the strongest protections against buying something that is already claimed by someone else.
What to do: Instruct an independent lawyer to run the search as soon as you agree on a price, and ask for a litigation search too. Make your offer conditional on clean results.
How TaureanMax makes this easier
Checking five documents can feel like a lot, especially when you are buying for the first time. That is why we build our developments with the paperwork in mind from the start. Every TaureanMax home is delivered with proper title, structure and finish, so you can buy with confidence and hold it with peace of mind.
We welcome your lawyer’s questions and your own, and we are happy to walk you through the documents for any of our developments.
Ready to talk? Reach out to the TaureanMax team and we will take you through it step by step.
This post is general guidance, not legal advice. Always engage an independent, qualified lawyer before buying property.
