Buying a property in Nigeria can be an exciting experience—whether it’s the perfect family home or a smart investment. However, for many buyers, the process is often filled with challenges, including the ever-present risk of scams and fake title documents. At Friezen Properties, we’ve seen first-hand the struggles that property buyers face, and our goal is to help you avoid these pitfalls.
Common Challenges in Buying Property in Nigeria
- Fake Title Documents One of the biggest risks in property transactions is being handed fake or forged title documents. Unsuspecting buyers are often scammed into purchasing properties with fraudulent documents, leaving them with no legal ownership. This problem is especially common with land purchases where fraudulent agents or sellers present documents that appear legitimate but aren’t.
- Omonile Disputes In many parts of Nigeria, buyers face what’s known as the Omonile problem, where local landowners (or their families) make fraudulent claims to property, even after it’s been sold. These disputes can lead to significant legal battles or even force the buyer to abandon the land.
- Unregistered or Incomplete Documentation Many properties for sale are advertised without proper title deeds or are still in the process of being registered with the appropriate authorities. This leaves buyers vulnerable to future disputes or the possibility that the property is not legally owned by the seller.
- Unverified Ownership Verifying the ownership of a property is another major hurdle. Sometimes, a property is sold by people who are not the rightful owners. Without proper due diligence, buyers may pay for a property, only to find out that someone else has a legal claim to it.
- Lack of Clear Property Boundaries Buyers also face challenges with properties where the boundaries are unclear or have been tampered with. This can result in legal battles over ownership, encroachments, or the inability to fully enjoy the property.
- Hidden Debts or Liabilities Some properties are sold with hidden debts, like unpaid land use charges or legal disputes that can later affect the buyer. It’s common for sellers to not disclose these issues upfront, leaving buyers to deal with the fallout.
How Friezen Properties Protects You from These Challenges
At Friezen Properties, we understand how important it is for you to feel confident and secure in your property transaction. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure that you’re fully protected from the pitfalls of buying property in Nigeria. Here’s how we help:
- Document Verification At Friezen Properties, we rigorously verify every document related to a property before any transaction takes place. From the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the deed of assignment, we make sure that all paperwork is authentic and that the seller has the legal right to sell. We also check for any encumbrances, such as mortgages, liens, or outstanding disputes, to ensure that you are purchasing a property free of legal issues.
- Due Diligence on Property Ownership We take ownership verification seriously. Before any sale, we investigate the history of the property and its ownership to ensure that there are no other legal claims. This step saves our clients from the heartbreak of discovering that someone else has a stake in their property after the transaction is completed.
- Legal Support and Follow-Up Our job doesn’t stop at document verification. We provide full legal support during the entire transaction process. Our team works with trusted legal professionals to ensure that the property is transferred correctly and that all necessary registrations are completed. We also follow up with the relevant authorities to make sure that your title documents are processed and delivered promptly.
- Avoiding Omonile Disputes We have experience dealing with Omonile issues, and we take proactive steps to ensure that there are no underlying disputes over land ownership before any sale. Our knowledge of local laws and land issues in Nigeria means that we can help you avoid such conflicts.
- Clear Boundaries and Transparent Deals We only list properties with clearly defined boundaries and ensure that all land surveys and documents match what is being sold. This protects you from future disputes and gives you peace of mind, knowing that the property you are purchasing is exactly what has been described.
Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority
At Friezen Properties, we believe that buying a property should be an exciting milestone, not a stressful or risky experience. We are committed to ensuring that our clients are fully informed and protected throughout the transaction process. From thorough document checks to legal follow-up, we stand by you every step of the way.
If you’re looking to purchase your dream home or invest in property, trust Friezen Properties to guide you safely through the process. With us, you can be sure that every detail is handled professionally and that you’ll have the peace of mind you deserve.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Friezen Properties today and let’s help you secure your dream property, stress-free!
By focusing on document verification and legal follow-up, Friezen Properties is committed to making sure that your property transaction is smooth and scam-free, ensuring your happiness long after the deal is done.