• Owning Your Dream Home in Nigeria: 5 Must-Have House Documents

Have you ever dreamed of owning your perfect home in Nigeria, only to realize how essential proper documentation is?

The right house documents are just as important as the property itself. Complete and accurate paperwork not only ensures your ownership is secure but also helps you avoid legal disputes. That’s a win, isn’t it?

Proper documentation provides legal security, financial stability, and peace of mind.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 essential house documents every homeowner in Nigeria needs. Whether you’re buying land, building a home, or transferring property ownership, these documents will save you from unnecessary stress and future headaches.

Let’s get started!

1. Certificate of Occupancy (CofO)

The Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) is one of the most important legal documents for land ownership in Nigeria. It validates your ownership and is essential for any real estate development or homeownership.

Issued by state governments under the authority of the state governor, the CofO secures your legal rights to the property. Without it, your ownership might not be legally recognized.

For example, owning property in high-demand locations like Lekki, with a CofO, can be a lucrative investment opportunity.

Steps to Obtain a CofO:

• Land Information Certificate: Obtain this from the Surveyor General’s office. It costs around ₦10,000–₦12,000 and provides key details about the land.
• Application Form: Purchase and complete the Certificate of Occupancy form at your state’s land bureau.
• Submit Documents: Provide necessary documents like purchase receipts, tax clearance certificates, passport photographs, and a sworn affidavit (if required).
• Publication and Objection: The application is published for 21 days to allow objections. If none arise, you proceed.
• Site Inspection: Officials inspect the property to verify the application details.
• Governor’s Approval: After completing the administrative steps, the state governor approves and issues the CofO. Additional fees for stamp duty and registration (up to ₦400,000 in Lagos) apply.

2. Deed of Assignment

The Deed of Assignment is a legal document that formalizes the transfer of property ownership from a seller to a buyer. It specifies details like the agreed price, the parties involved, and the terms of sale.

This document is critical for proving ownership and ensuring a smooth transfer. Without it, legal ownership can be difficult to establish in the future.

Steps to Obtain a Deed of Assignment:

• Hire a Lawyer: Engage a qualified lawyer to draft the document in compliance with property laws.
• Review Terms: Ensure all details, such as price, parties’ names, property description, and transfer date, are accurate.
• Sign and Register: After signing, register the document at the land registry to make the transfer official and legally recognized.

3. Deed of Conveyance

A Deed of Conveyance is crucial for land transactions in Nigeria. It confirms that a property sale is complete and defines the rights and obligations of both the buyer and seller.

This document officially transfers legal title from the seller to the buyer, making the transaction binding and recognized.

Steps to Obtain a Deed of Conveyance:

• Survey the Property: Ensure the property has a registered survey plan detailing its boundaries.
• Hire a Lawyer: A licensed lawyer drafts the Deed of Conveyance, detailing the ownership transfer.
• Ownership Verification: Conduct a legal search to confirm the seller’s legal rights and verify the property is free from disputes.

4. Registered Survey Plan

A Registered Survey Plan provides a precise description of a property’s boundaries and location, making it essential for land purchases. This document helps avoid disputes and ensures the land is not within government-designated areas.

Steps to Obtain a Registered Survey Plan:

• Hire a Surveyor: Engage a licensed surveyor to measure and document the property accurately.
• Submit for Approval: Submit the survey plan to the Surveyor-General’s office for verification and registration.
• Verification: The Surveyor-General ensures the land is free of disputes or government acquisition before approving the survey.

5. Approved Building Plan

The Approved Building Plan outlines the specifications, layout, and structure of a property. Before construction, it must be reviewed and approved by the local urban planning authority.

An approved building plan ensures compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and safety standards. Without it, you risk fines, penalties, or having your building declared illegal.

Steps to Obtain an Approved Building Plan:

• Hire an Architect: Engage a qualified architect to design a plan that adheres to local requirements.
• Submit for Approval: Submit the plan to the local urban planning authority.
• Review and Compliance: The authority reviews the plan to ensure it meets all regulations.
• Collect Approval: Once approved, you’ll receive the official document, allowing construction to proceed.

Final Thoughts

Keep all these documents safe and organized, both as physical and digital copies, for easy access when needed. Having the right documentation not only secures your investment but also gives you peace of mind as a homeowner in Nigeria.

Owning your dream home starts with the right paperwork—make it count!