Paying a deposit is one of the most dangerous moments in any property transaction in Nigeria. Once money leaves your account, recovering it becomes significantly harder if problems later surface with the title, the seller’s authority, or the physical status of the property.
In 2026, with fraud tactics becoming more sophisticated, buyers need a clear, disciplined checklist before transferring any funds. Below are the 7 critical checks every serious buyer should complete.
1. Confirm the Seller’s Legal Authority to Sell
Never assume the person you are dealing with has the right to sell.
- Request and verify the seller’s means of identification
- If it is family or communal land, demand evidence of family resolution or power of attorney
- For company-owned property, request board resolution and company documents
- Cross-check that the name on the title matches the person or entity offering the property
Many disputes begin because buyers paid money to someone who lacked full authority.
2. Conduct a Proper Title Search
A clean-looking document is not enough.
- Carry out a search at the relevant Land Registry
- Confirm the current registered owner
- Check for existing encumbrances, court cases, or government acquisitions
- Verify the survey plan coordinates and charting status
This step remains non-negotiable in 2026.
3. Physically Inspect the Land or Property
Never rely solely on photos, videos, or agent descriptions.
- Visit the site with a trusted surveyor or lawyer
- Confirm the exact boundaries match the survey plan
- Look for signs of existing occupation, conflicting claims, or encroachment
- Assess access roads, drainage, and surrounding developments
What you see on ground often differs from what is presented in marketing materials.
4. Verify the Survey Plan and Beacon Status
Faulty or recycled survey plans remain a common source of problems.
- Engage an independent registered surveyor
- Confirm the beacons are intact and correctly placed
- Ensure the plan has been properly charted at the Surveyor-General’s office
- Reject any survey that cannot be clearly traced or verified
5. Demand and Review All Relevant Documents
Collect and carefully examine:
- Title document (C of O, Governor’s Consent, Deed of Assignment, etc.)
- Survey plan
- Approved building plan (for developed property)
- Tax clearance and other supporting papers
- Previous root of title where applicable
Do not accept excuses for missing documents.
6. Use a Qualified Property Lawyer (Not Just Any Lawyer)
Engage a lawyer who regularly handles property transactions in the specific state.
- Avoid using the seller’s lawyer
- Let your lawyer conduct independent searches and due diligence
- Insist on proper documentation of every agreement
- Never sign documents you do not fully understand
The cost of a good lawyer is far lower than the cost of a bad transaction.
7. Structure the Payment Properly
How you pay is almost as important as what you pay for.
- Avoid making full or substantial payments into personal accounts without protection
- Use staged payments tied to clear milestones
- Consider escrow arrangements where appropriate
- Ensure every payment is receipted and properly documented
- Include protective clauses in the agreement (refund conditions, timelines, default remedies)
Quick Pre-Deposit Checklist Summary
| Check | Status (Yes/No) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seller’s authority confirmed | ||
| Title search completed | ||
| Physical inspection done | ||
| Survey plan independently verified | ||
| All key documents reviewed | ||
| Independent lawyer engaged | ||
| Payment structure protected |
Final Thoughts
In Nigeria’s property market in 2026, speed is rarely your friend when money is involved. The buyers who lose the most are often those who skip verification steps because of pressure, excitement, or the fear of “missing out.”
Taking the time to complete these seven checks before paying any deposit remains one of the highest-return decisions you can make as a buyer.
Have you or anyone you know experienced problems after paying a deposit? What additional checks do you normally insist on? Share your experience in the comments.
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