I have seen the title documentCertificate of Occupancy, Deed of Assignment, Deed of Conveyance or equivalent — the original, not a photocopy or photo.Governor’s Consent has been obtained on prior transfersA C of O alone isn’t enough if the land has changed hands — subsequent transfers need consent to be valid.For undeveloped land, it is excised and gazettedLand still under government acquisition cannot be safely sold, whatever the seller says.The survey plan has been verified with the Surveyor-General’s officeConfirms the coordinates aren’t inside a government-committed or acquired area.

A search has been conducted at the Land RegistryInstructed by your own lawyer, not the seller’s — this is the core legal check.My own solicitor is acting for meNot the seller’s lawyer, not the agent’s “in-house” lawyer. Yours.I have confirmed the seller’s identity and authority to sellDo they own it, or hold a valid power of attorney? Beneficiaries of an estate must all consent.I have checked for existing encumbrancesMortgages, caveats, court cases, unpaid ground rent or service charges.

I have physically inspected the property myselfOr someone I genuinely trust has, in person. Photos and videos prove nothing.I have asked neighbours and the local community about itCheap, fast, and it surfaces disputes, family claims and access problems that documents miss.Access, drainage and flooding have been assessedVisit in rainy season if you can, and check the road is genuinely passable year-round.Any community or land-owning family issues are settled in writingVerbal assurances about “omo onile” demands have a way of reappearing later.

Payment goes to a verified corporate or company accountNever to an individual’s personal account for a company transaction, and never in untraceable cash.I receive a proper receipt and a signed agreement for every paymentIncluding the deposit. No receipt, no payment.For off-plan, I have checked the developer’s completed track recordVisit projects they’ve actually finished and delivered, and speak to those buyers.I have budgeted for perfection of title and associated feesConsent, registration and legal fees are real costs — factor them in from the start.