WHEN BUYING LAND/HOUSE IN NIGERIA 

WHEN BUYING LAND/HOUSE IN NIGERIA

“Barrister, I want to buy a land and house. I am going for inspection. What should I check?”

My dear, shine your eyes. A fine house or beautiful land can appear like gold yet hide wahala that will drain you.

Check for:
1. The Environment:
– Is the area prone to flooding? Is the ground very soft?
– How is the access road?
– Is there real security presence?
– Are electric poles or high-tension lines too close? Think safety.

2. The Building Structure:
A well painted house can deceive you.
– Check walls for cracks.
– Check for watermarks on the ceiling. That is a sign of roof leakage.
– Check the roof for discolouration.
– Open and close the doors and windows. Do they align?

3. Water & Plumbing:
– Is there running water?
– Flush the toilets
– Smell the bathrooms and kitchen area. If it is smelling, the drainage is bad.

4. Electricity:
– Test sockets/switches.
– Check for prepaid metre or accumulated estimated bill

5. Ventilation & Lighting:
– Is the house airy or suffocating?
– Do the windows bring in enough natural light?

6. Documents:
Ask for:
– The ownership documents
– The approved building plan
– The Deed of Conveyance or Deed of Assignment

If the seller starts hiding documents, dodging questions or giving excuses, go home.

A beautiful property can hide legal wahala.

So get an experienced Property Lawyer to conduct full investigations to confirm the property’s ownership and legality.

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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