What Document Must I Check Before Purchasing a House in Ikoyi?
Introduction
Buying a house in Ikoyi, Lagos, is one of the most prestigious real estate investments anyone can make in Nigeria. Known for its luxury estates, high security, and proximity to Victoria Island and Banana Island, Ikoyi has become the preferred residential area for executives, diplomats, and Nigerians in the diaspora. However, many investors have also lost millions due to inadequate documentation checks before purchase.
Every property transaction in Ikoyi must pass through careful legal verification to ensure that the title, ownership, and development approvals are authentic and valid. Unlike informal markets where land transactions are often undocumented, Ikoyi’s high-value real estate requires strict compliance with property laws and regulations.
This article explains in detail the critical documents you must check before purchasing a house in Ikoyi, why each one matters, and how to confirm their authenticity through professional legal verification.
Why Document Verification Matters in Ikoyi
The demand for property in Ikoyi has led to rising incidents of fake titles, double sales, and unauthorized developments. Fraudulent sellers sometimes parade forged Certificates of Occupancy, falsified survey plans, or unapproved building documents. Without proper verification, you could purchase a house that legally belongs to someone else—or one built on government-acquired land.
Proper document verification:
- Confirms genuine ownership of the property.
- Protects you from future litigation or demolition.
- Ensures compliance with land and building laws.
- Establishes your right to secure Governor’s Consent and registration after purchase.
Key Documents to Check Before Buying a House in Ikoyi
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
This is the most important title document in Lagos. It confirms that the property is legally owned and recognized by the Lagos State Government under the Land Use Act of 1978. The C of O contains the owner’s name, plot number, location, survey plan, and term of the lease (usually 99 years).
If the property you are buying already has a C of O, your lawyer must:
- Verify its authenticity at the Lagos State Land Registry (Alausa, Ikeja).
- Confirm the registration volume, page, and date.
- Ensure that the seller’s name matches the name on the document.
A fake or revoked C of O can render the entire transaction void.
Governor’s Consent
Under Section 22 of the Land Use Act, any property that already has a C of O must obtain Governor’s Consent before ownership can be transferred to a new buyer.
Without Governor’s Consent, the new buyer’s title remains imperfect, and the government can challenge the transfer in the future.
When buying a house in Ikoyi, ensure that:
- The seller has obtained Governor’s Consent for their own purchase; or
- You apply for and secure it immediately after signing the Deed of Assignment.
Deed of Assignment
A Deed of Assignment is the legal instrument that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer. It outlines:
- The names of both parties.
- The property description and location.
- The agreed consideration (purchase price).
- The date of transfer.
- Clauses protecting the buyer’s rights and warranties from the seller.
Your property lawyer must review and register this document at the Lagos State Lands Registry. Without registration, ownership remains incomplete.
Survey Plan
A Registered Survey Plan defines the boundaries, measurements, and coordinates of the property. It must be drawn and signed by a licensed surveyor registered with the Office of the Surveyor-General of Lagos State (OSGOF).
During verification, your lawyer and surveyor will chart the survey to confirm that:
- The land is free from government acquisition.
- The coordinates match the physical location.
- There are no overlapping or duplicate surveys.
In Ikoyi, where reclaimed or waterfront lands exist, charting is essential to avoid purchasing property on restricted or reclaimed government zones.
Approved Building Plan
Many buyers focus on ownership documents and forget to verify building approvals. Every house in Ikoyi must have an Approved Building Plan issued by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
This approval ensures the building complies with zoning laws, height restrictions, and environmental standards. Houses built without approval risk demolition or sealing by LASBCA (Lagos State Building Control Agency).
Request a copy of the approved plan and cross-check it with the existing structure.
Structural Integrity and Building Completion Certificates
Before buying a completed building, ensure that it has passed all building inspections and that a Certificate of Structural Integrity or Building Completion Certificate has been issued. This document confirms that the house was constructed safely and meets Lagos State’s structural standards.
Failure to verify this may expose you to future liabilities if the building collapses or fails inspection.
Receipts of Land Use Charge and Ground Rent
Properties in Ikoyi are subject to Land Use Charge (LUC) and Ground Rent payments to the Lagos State Government. Unpaid charges can attract penalties, interest, or government liens.
Ask the seller to present recent payment receipts or clearance certificates showing that all obligations are settled up to date.
Tax Clearance Certificate
For corporate sellers or developers, insist on a valid Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). It proves that the company or individual is compliant with tax obligations and legally fit to sell property.
Sale Agreement or Offer Letter
Before finalizing the purchase, the developer or seller will issue an Offer Letter or Contract of Sale outlining the purchase terms, price, and payment schedule. Your lawyer must review this document to ensure:
- The clauses protect your interest.
- Payment milestones are clearly stated.
- Refund, breach, and termination clauses are balanced.
Do not sign or pay until your lawyer approves the contract.
Receipts and Acknowledgement of Payment
Every payment made — from deposit to balance — must be properly receipted. Avoid making payments in cash or through unverified agents. All receipts should bear the company’s official letterhead and signature of authorized personnel.
Your lawyer should attach copies of all receipts to your transaction file for future reference.
Property Valuation Report
A professional valuation by a registered estate surveyor helps confirm that the property’s asking price reflects its true market value. It also helps during property tax assessment and future resale.
Utility and Service Charge Records
If the house is within an estate or serviced apartment complex, request evidence of previous service charge payments and utility accounts (water, electricity, waste) to ensure there are no outstanding debts.
Litigation and Court Search Reports
Before paying for any property, your lawyer must conduct a court search at the Lagos State High Court to confirm that the property is not under litigation, injunction, or government investigation.
Buying a house under dispute can tie up your investment for years.
Case Study: Title Dispute in Old Ikoyi
Case: Mrs. Thompson vs. Elite Developers Ltd (Ikoyi, 2020)
Mrs. Thompson, a Nigerian living in Canada, purchased a semi-detached duplex in Old Ikoyi for ₦400 million. The developer presented a C of O and survey plan, but no Governor’s Consent. A year later, she discovered that the land was originally under a sub-lease from the Federal Government and the lease term had expired.
The Lagos State Government repossessed the property during an enforcement drive. Legal review by Chaman Law Firm revealed that a simple verification at the Lands Registry and the Federal Ministry of Lands would have exposed the expired lease.
Lesson: Always ensure every document — especially Governor’s Consent and lease tenure — is verified and up to date before payment.
Checklist Summary: Documents to Verify in Ikoyi
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
- Governor’s Consent
- Deed of Assignment
- Survey Plan (charted at OSGOF)
- Approved Building Plan (LASPPPA)
- Structural Integrity / Completion Certificate
- Land Use Charge and Ground Rent Receipts
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Offer Letter or Contract of Sale
- Payment Receipts
- Property Valuation Report
- Utility Records and Service Charge Receipts
- Litigation and Court Search Report
All these documents must be reviewed and verified by a qualified property lawyer before signing any agreement or paying for a property in Ikoyi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I verify property documents myself?
No. Only a registered lawyer can conduct searches at the Lands Registry and interpret the results legally.
Q2: How much does verification cost in Ikoyi?
Between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 depending on title type and registry fees.
Q3: Is a Deed of Assignment enough proof of ownership?
Not unless it is duly stamped, perfected, and registered with Governor’s Consent.
Q4: Can I buy a property with only a survey plan?
No. A survey plan only shows boundaries; it is not proof of ownership.
Q5: What is the safest payment method?
Always pay through bank transfer directly to the developer or seller’s account and obtain official receipts.
Conclusion
The beauty and value of owning a home in Ikoyi come with the responsibility of legal diligence. Every property document must be verified for authenticity, registration, and compliance with Lagos State land laws. Whether you are buying from a developer, estate agent, or private owner, proper documentation is your strongest protection against fraud, government revocation, and loss of investment.
Always remember — a property without proper documentation is a legal risk, no matter how attractive the offer appears.
Call to Action
At Chaman Law Firm, we specialize in property documentation, title verification, and conveyancing services for high-value properties in Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island. Our legal team ensures that every transaction you make is authentic, transparent, and compliant with all Lagos State regulations.
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📍 Chaman Law Firm 115, Obafemi Awolowo Way Allen Junction, Beside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
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Before you buy that dream home in Ikoyi, consult Chaman Law Firm for professional document verification and legal protection. Your peace of mind begins with the right legal advice.