5 Critical Due Diligence Checks Every Buyer Must Run Before Buying Land or Apartments in Lagos

Lagos is widely acclaimed as the most profitable real estate theater in sub-Saharan Africa. However, behind lucrative capital growth numbers lies an intricate web of statutory regulations, community claims, and land zoning guidelines.

To ensure your investment remains bulletproof, our legal and project engineering team at Arva Properties has compiled the definitive 5-point due diligence checklist.

1. Verify Land Charting at the Surveyor General’s Office Before reviewing deeds or titles, obtain the survey coordinates of the parcel and submit them for a formal **Lagos State Land Information Certificate (Charting)** at the Office of the State Surveyor General. - This reveals whether the land falls within a committed government acquisition (e.g., earmarked for roads, rail lines, or public utility reserves) or if it is completely free and designated for residential development.

2. Confirm the Root Title at the Alausa Lands Registry Never rely solely on photocopies presented by marketing agents. A registered lawyer must inspect the physical register books at the Lands Bureau in Alausa, Ikeja. - Verify the **Registered Title Number** (Volume, Page, and Certificate number). - Confirm that the current vendor is indeed the registered proprietor and that no pending court injunction, debenture, or bank mortgage is registered against the title.

3. Inspect Structural Integrity and Geotechnical Soil Reports If you are buying a pre-built apartment or off-plan structure: - Request the geotechnical soil test report and structural engineering calculations approved by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA). - Confirm that the foundation is appropriately engineered for coastal soil conditions (e.g., reinforced raft or driven pile foundation). At Arva Villa Estate, all blocks feature deep reinforced raft foundations engineered by certified structural engineers.

4. Investigate Drainage and Flood History Always inspect the neighborhood during heavy downpours or examine the topography. Ensure the estate features standard concrete stormwater channels connected to approved municipal outflows, preventing recurrent inundation during the rainy season.

5. Check the Developer’s Corporate Credibility Check the developer's registered Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) status, physical office address, and verifiable delivered projects. A genuine developer maintains transparent corporate offices, identifiable directors, and transparent escrow accounts.

At **Arva Properties**, we pride ourselves on absolute legal and structural transparency. We provide all prospective subscribers with full inspection packs, verified coordinates, and certified statutory approvals before signing.