PUBLIC NOTICE

LAND VERIFICATION, REGULARIZATION ON E-PROPERTIES

In a bid to maintain the integrity and authenticity of land ownership in Nigeria, it is hereby advised that it is very important to conduct a Land/property verification and regularization in Nigeria. This process is important, as all properties will be subjected to this verification/regularization before the property is marked as verified on our site.

Land or property verification and regularization in Nigeria involve a series of processes aimed at confirming the authenticity of land titles, resolving any discrepancies, and ensuring that the property is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It’s crucial to involve legal professionals, surveyors, and other experts with expertise in Nigerian land matters to guide you through the process of land or property verification and regularization. This helps ensure that the transaction is legally sound, and the property ownership is secure and compliant with applicable laws.

This is a crucial process aimed at confirming the authenticity and legal status of a piece of land. It involves thorough investigations and checks to ensure that the land in question has a clear and unencumbered title, and it can be legally transferred or developed.

Key Steps and Considerations in Land Verification on E-Properties

Below are the key steps and considerations involved in land verification on e-properties:

Survey and Identification: Begin by obtaining a copy of the survey plan for the land. The survey plan will provide details on the land's boundaries, size, and shape. This is crucial for verifying the physical attributes of the land.
Title Search: Conduct a title search at the appropriate land registry or government office to verify the ownership and title status of the land. This involves checking the land records to confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership.
Search for Encumbrances: Check for any encumbrances on the land, such as mortgages, liens, or legal disputes. This can be done through a search at the land registry or by obtaining a land information certificate.
Verification of Ownership Documents: Examine the seller’s documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), Deed of Assignment, or other relevant titles. Ensure that the documents are genuine, up-to-date, and consistent with the information recorded at the land registry.
Physical Inspection: Physically visit the land to verify its existence, boundaries, and suitability for the intended use. This step helps to confirm that the physical features align with the information provided in the documents.
Community and Government Approvals: Check if the land has the necessary approvals from the local community and relevant government authorities for the intended use (e.g., residential, commercial, agricultural). This may involve obtaining planning permits and other clearances.
Verification of Survey Coordinates: Cross-check the survey coordinates and ensure that they match the details provided in the survey plan. This helps prevent disputes related to boundary discrepancies.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): For certain types of land use, especially those with potential environmental impact, conduct an EIA to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Legal Advice: Seek legal advice from a qualified property lawyer or conveyancer to ensure that all aspects of the land transaction comply with Nigerian land laws and regulations.
Payment Verification: If any payments are made during the transaction, ensure that they are properly documented, and receipts are obtained. This is crucial for future reference and legal purposes.
Neighborhood Survey: This involves going to the location of the property you intend to rent or acquire to ask questions and get important information from the neighbors. This will help you find out whether you are dealing with a real owner of the property.
Neighborhood Valuation: You are advised to check out the prices of the properties located within that neighborhood, to give you a clue of the value of the property.
Photo Identification: There is a need to have a picture identification of the owner of the property or the property itself. In case the owner of the property is available, there is a need to have a meeting with the owner of the property.

Instructions and Documents Needed for Land/Property Verification and Regularization

The specific instructions and documents required for land verification and regularization can vary based on the legal and administrative processes in a particular region or country. However, the following are the documents generally required for land/property verification and regularization as outlined by Essential Nigeria:

Land Verification:

Land verification is the process of authenticating the legal ownership and status of a property. Ensure that you have the following documents and follow the necessary steps:

Title Deed or Ownership Documents: Critical to establishing ownership and legal status of the property. Ensure the document is genuine and up to date.
Survey and Subdivision Plans: These provide detailed measurements, descriptions, and the boundaries of the land.
Land/Property Tax Records: Confirm that all taxes related to the property have been paid, ensuring no outstanding liabilities exist.
Encumbrance Certificate: This document verifies that there are no mortgages, debts, or legal claims tied to the land.
Possession Certificate: A certificate confirming that the individual or entity claiming ownership is in physical possession of the land.

Land Regularization:

Land regularization involves aligning informal land ownership with formal legal frameworks. This process ensures the property complies with local laws and regulations. The following documents are typically required:

Application Form: Complete the official application form provided by the appropriate land authorities.
Identification Card: A government-issued ID proving the identity of the applicant (e.g., National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License).
Original Title Deed or Ownership Documents: Legal documents that confirm the applicant’s ownership of the land.
Survey Report: A detailed survey report of the property that includes its boundaries and geographical location.
Non-Agricultural Land Certificate: In some cases, a certificate confirming that the land is designated as non-agricultural may be necessary.
Non-Objection Certificate (NOC): A document from local authorities stating there are no objections to the proposed regularization.
Affidavit: A sworn statement declaring valid ownership of the land and confirming the accuracy of the information provided.
Proof of Land Use: If the land use has changed (e.g., from residential to commercial), provide evidence or approval for the change.
Site Photographs: Recent photographs of the property to support the regularization application.
Fee Payment Receipts: Proof of payment for any fees associated with the regularization process.

Additional Instructions:

Before submitting your application, ensure the following:

Cross-check all submitted documents for accuracy and completeness.
Verify that all approvals and permits (if required) are obtained from the relevant authorities.
Consult a qualified legal professional for guidance if you are unsure about any of the requirements.

Following these steps ensures a smooth process for land verification and regularization, safeguarding your ownership rights and avoiding potential disputes.

Importance of Land Verification, Regularization, and Property Acquisition

This exercise is important because it uncovers and rectifies instances of illegal or fraudulent sales of lands and also curbs the spread of counterfeit documents, which fraudsters have been using to defraud innocent individuals who engage in real estate transactions in Nigeria. Land verification, regularization, and property acquisition play crucial roles in ensuring secure and legal ownership of land. Let’s break down their importance:

1. Legal Compliance:

Verification ensures that the land has a clear and legal title, free from any disputes or conflicting claims. This step helps in preventing legal complications in the future. Regularization is the process of making these informal landholdings legal, bringing them into the formal system and complying with legal requirements.

2. Property Rights and Ownership:

Verification establishes a clear title through verification, which is essential for securing property rights. It provides the owner with the legal authority to use, sell, or transfer the land. Regularization grants legal status to occupants, giving them the right to use and develop the land. This is particularly important in areas where informal settlements exist.

3. Investment Security:

Verification provides investors with the assurance that the land they are investing in has a clear title. Verified land reduces the risk of financial loss due to legal issues. Regularization provides a legal framework, making the investment more secure.

4. Infrastructure Development:

Verification ensures that verified land titles facilitate infrastructure development. Governments and private entities are more likely to invest in areas with clear land titles. Regularization helps in organizing settlements and promoting sustainable urbanization, which boosts infrastructure investments in those areas.

5. Economic Growth:

Verification promotes economic growth by encouraging investment in real estate and related industries. Regularization fosters economic development by bringing informal settlements into the formal economy, allowing for improved access to services and resources.

In summary, land verification, regularization, and property acquisition are essential for legal compliance, property rights, investment security, infrastructure development, dispute resolution, and overall economic growth. They contribute to the creation of a stable and well-functioning real estate system.

Property Acquisition on E-Properties

The general public is hereby notified that e-properties cannot be held responsible for any fraudulent practice encountered by anyone in the use of this site responsible for any land or property you rent or buy. Due to several fraudulent practices in property sales, acquisition, or rent, we can only recommend thorough verification processes carried out by our legal department and valuers which will be identified with a "verified" mark just to guide the purchaser, so that their efforts will not be in vain.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or availability of property listings, descriptions, or any other content on our site.

Notice of Objection

By this notice, we hereby inform the general public that anyone who intends to object to any property listed on this site, may do so by notifying us through any of our contact information within fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of the property on the site. The notice should also be accompanied by relevant documents supporting the claim to help us verify the claim and blacklist the seller.