05/10/2026
Happy Customer Service Week!!!
In the spirit of customer service week, here are the steps to take in verifying a landed property.
📍 Ask for the title documents Request copies of the relevant documents, such as:
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Deed of Assignment
Registered Survey Plan
Governor’s Consent, where applicable
Allocation papers, where applicable
📍 Conduct a land-registry search Take the property details and documents to the appropriate State Land Registry. Confirm who the registered owner is and whether the title is genuine.
📍 Verify the survey if is registered and not just a site plan. The survey plan confirms the property's coordinates, boundaries, size and location.
📍Check for government acquisition. Confirm whether the land falls within government acquisition area which is committed acquisition such as; road corridor, drainage reserve, stadium, airport or other restricted area.
📍Confirm the seller's authority If the seller is not the registered owner, establish the legal basis for the sale and verify any power of attorney or transfer documents.
📍Inspect the physical property Visit the actual site or virtual inspection. Compare the physical location, boundaries and landmarks with the survey documents.
📍Check for disputes or encumbrances. Find out whether the property is involved in litigation, has an existing mortgage, has already been sold to someone else, or has other restrictions.
📍Use an independent professional For a significant purchase, have a property lawyer and registered surveyor independently review the transaction before paying.
📍 Lastly, don't pay the money to your broker or agent, pay it to the company's account or pay directly to the owner
