Let’s say you finally find the perfect piece of land. It’s in a prime location, the price is right, and the
seller is eager to close the deal. You don’t want to miss out so you quickly make payment, sign a few
documents and just like that, you’re now a landowner.

Excited, you start making plans to develop your new property. But then, a few months later, you
visit the land, and to your shock… someone else is already building on it.

You rush to confront them, only to hear the dreaded words: “I bought this land years ago.”

Confused, you dig deeper and realize that the same land was sold to multiple people. Even worse,
the original seller is nowhere to be found.

What went wrong?

Many buyers fall into this trap because they rush into land purchases without proper checks. Some
don’t verify ownership at the land registry and simply trust the seller’s word. Others fall for
fraudulent sellers who fabricate documents and disappear once payment is made. In some cases,
buyers unknowingly purchase land that is under government acquisition, meaning it was never
meant for private ownership in the first place. Without proper due diligence, you could end up with
nothing but regret.

Another common mistake is failing to secure proper documentation. Some buyers settle for a
receipt or an informal agreement instead of insisting on legally recognized documents like a
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or a Deed of Assignment. This can lead to legal troubles down the
line, especially if ownership is ever contested. In certain areas, there’s also the issue of ‘omo onile’
local landowners who demand additional fees even after the purchase has been made. Without the
right agreements in place, they can frustrate your development plans and drain your finances.

So how do you ensure your land purchase doesn’t turn into a nightmare? First, always conduct a
title search to confirm ownership and check if the land is free from government acquisition or legal
disputes. Engage a real estate lawyer or professional consultant who can verify documents and
guide you through the process. Most importantly, buy from reputable sellers or trusted real estate
firms with a proven track record.

Real estate is one of the best investments you can make, but only if done right. Before you buy land,
take the time to do your due diligence, because the last thing you want is to realize that the land you
thought you bought was never yours in the first place.