Securing land in Port Harcourt or anywhere in Nigeria can be an excellent investment—if you know what to look out for. Unfortunately, many first‑time buyers and even seasoned investors fall into predictable traps that can delay projects, drain budgets, or create legal headaches. In this guide, we reveal the top seven pitfalls in land transactions and show you exactly how to steer clear of them, so you can purchase with confidence.
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1. Incomplete Title Documentation
Pitfall: Buying land without a clear Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Governor’s Consent can put your investment at risk of dispute or government reclamation.
How to Avoid:
- Always insist on seeing the original C of O and proof of Governor’s Consent.
- Cross‑check land size and coordinates on the deed with a professional surveyor’s report.
- Verify the document with the Lands Registry in Rivers State to ensure authenticity.
2. Boundary Disputes with Neighbors
Pitfall: Misunderstood boundary lines often lead to encroachment conflicts that can drag on for months or years.
How to Avoid:
- Engage a licensed surveyor to demarcate the land before finalizing the purchase.
- Obtain and review adjoining property plans to confirm that no neighbor overlaps exist.
- Witness all boundary pegs being placed on‑site and photograph them as evidence.
3. Undisclosed Government Acquisition Plans
Pitfall: Sometimes, the government may have road‑widening or infrastructure plans that haven’t been made public, leading to forced relinquishment later.
How to Avoid:
- Check with the Ministry of Physical Planning or the local government planning office for proposed development maps.
- Review any local government gazettes or public notices for acquisition announcements.
- Consult a real estate lawyer who specializes in land acquisition processes.
4. Lack of Access Road or Right of Way
Pitfall: Owning land without legal or physical access can render your plot unusable—no matter how beautiful or affordable it is.
How to Avoid:
- Confirm the existence of a clearly defined access road in the survey plan.
- If access crosses a neighbor’s property, secure a registered Right of Way agreement.
- Visit the site at different times (dry and rainy seasons) to assess year‑round accessibility.
5. Unpaid Rates and Taxes
Pitfall: Outstanding rates, taxes, or levies can become your liability once you take over the land.
How to Avoid:
- Request a receipts history from the seller showing all payments up to the transfer date.
- Check with the local government authority to confirm that there are no pending levies.
- Include a clause in your sales agreement stating the seller must clear all dues before closing.
6. Fake or Forged Seller Documents
Pitfall: Fraudsters sometimes use counterfeit identity cards or doctored land titles to dupe unsuspecting buyers.
How to Avoid:
- Insist on meeting the seller in person and verify their identity with government‑issued ID.
- Cross‑reference the seller’s name on the land documents with the local registry’s records.
- Work only with reputable agencies—like ulanhomes.com—that vet every listing.
7. Inadequate Due Diligence on Land Use Zoning
Pitfall: Buying land zoned for agricultural or industrial use when you intend to build residential properties can lead to permit denials.
How to Avoid:
- Check the land’s zoning status with the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.
- Review the approved master plan for the area to ensure your intended use complies.
- Factor in any future rezoning proposals that may affect your development plans.
Conclusion
Avoiding these seven common pitfalls will save you time, money, and stress—ensuring your land purchase is a genuine asset, not a liability. At Ulanhomes, we pride ourselves on offering fully verified plots, transparent transactions, and expert guidance every step of the way.
Ready to find your perfect plot? Visit ulanhomes.com to browse our current listings and speak directly with our land‑acquisition specialists.