C OF O IS NOT THE ULTIMATE LAND OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT IN NIGERIA

C OF O IS NOT THE ULTIMATE LAND OWNERSHIP DOCUMENT IN NIGERIA

A land with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) gives buyers a false sense of security.

Many assume that once a land has C of O, ownership is guaranteed. Banish that thought.

A C of O does not automatically confer absolute ownership. Understand that stronger and better legal claims can exist over the same land.

Earlier interests backed by properly prepared, signed and registered land documents, court judgments, Government records or prior allocations can legally over-ride a C of O.

So a C of O does not wipe out earlier valid rights over land. This is why people are shocked when a land with a C of O ends up in court and the buyer loses everything.

The problem is not the document, but failure to verify the true history of the land before paying.

Only a comprehensive due diligence (investigation/search) conducted by an experienced Property Lawyer can show you who first acquired the land; whether earlier documents were properly registered and if the land is a subject of dispute, revocation or overriding public interests.

Buying land without tracing its legal history is like buying a car without checking the engine. It may look perfect but will end in premium tears.

At Apex Chambers, clients are advised to engage a Property Lawyer early enough to investigate the land before buying.

In Nigerian property transactions, documents can deceive you, assurances can be empty, but verified legal history is the real deal.

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APEX CHAMBERS, Law Firm of Property/Real Estate and Business/Corporate/Commercial Lawyers, Attorneys, Barristers, Solicitors Advocates, Legal Practitioners rendering legal services, Legal Consultants and Notary Public with Law Office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234(0)7030868694 (Calls & Whatsapp)
Email: info@apexchambersglobal.com
Website: www.apexchambersglobal.com.