Thinking About Buying Land? Read This First!
You’re excited. You’ve found a piece of land that ticks the boxes, location, price, potential. But here’s the problem: many first-time buyers (and even some experienced ones) get burnt at the paperwork stage. The land looks great on site, but the agreement? That’s where hidden risks often live.
At Hybrid Landtech, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers navigate this process without regret. We’ve seen what works, what fails, and what to look out for, especially in emerging areas around Lagos, Atan Ota, and Epe.
This guide breaks down the most common land agreement mistakes. Not in legalese. But in plain, practical talk so you can scroll, learn, and move smart.
1. Skipping Due Diligence
This is one of the 5 Biggest Risks of Real Estate Investment in Nigeria. Don’t assume the seller has sorted everything.
Here’s what often happens:
- Buyer sees land.
- Seller offers a tempting deal.
- Buyer rushes to pay without verifying ownership, documentation, or zoning.
Big mistake.
Before you sign anything:
- Confirm the land title. Is it excision, C-of-O, or gazette?
- Cross-check the ownership at the land registry.
- Ask for the survey plan. Compare it with what’s physically on ground.
According to the Lagos State Lands Bureau, many reported land disputes stem from unclear documentation or overlapping claims.
Pro Tip: Use a registered surveyor and a property lawyer. Don’t cut corners here.
2. No Clear Payment Terms
Some agreements are vague. Really vague.
They may say:
“Balance to be paid later.”
Later when? How much exactly? What happens if the seller changes their mind?
Your land purchase agreement must:
- Spell out the exact total price.
- Show initial deposit, balance, and payment timelines.
- Include penalties for late payment or defaults, on both sides.
This keeps expectations clear and protects your interest if anything shifts.
3. Omitting Plot Details or Description
This sounds simple. But it’s one of the most common errors.
We’ve seen agreements that describe land as:
“A plot in Omu area.”
No coordinates. No dimensions. No beacon numbers. Nothing.
Without clear identification, how do you claim ownership if challenged?
A valid land agreement must include:
- Plot size (e.g., 500sqm or 300sqm)
- Beacon numbers
- Site location and description
- Survey plan reference
Here’s what a proper land beacon number looks like:
4. Relying Only on Verbal Promises
Did the seller promise a corner piece? Or say fencing will be done? Or hint that your plot is “premium”?
Unless it’s in writing, it doesn’t count.
Verbal promises are not enforceable in most legal settings.
Make sure the following are captured:
- Incentives (if any)
- Allocation timeline
- Site readiness or topography condition
- Development levies, if applicable
If it’s not written, it’s not guaranteed.
5. Signing Without Legal Review
This one’s big.
You wouldn’t buy a car without checking papers. Why do that with land?
A property lawyer knows what to spot, loopholes, missing clauses, ambiguous phrasing, or misleading language.
Hybrid Landtech always recommends buyers take their offer letters and land agreements for independent legal review. We even provide templates vetted by real estate law experts.
6. Ignoring Development Fees or Hidden Charges
You see land advertised at ₦2 million. But when it’s time to build, someone asks for ₦700k in ‘development levy’.
You feel blindsided.
This happens when buyers don’t ask the right questions, or when estate developers fail to disclose everything upfront.
Before you pay:
- Ask for a full breakdown of fees.
- Confirm if development levy is compulsory.
- Ask if power, roads, or security infrastructure are included.
Always read the fine print.
7. Using the Wrong Names on Documents
It happens often when one person pays but uses another’s name (e.g. child, sibling, spouse) without clarity.
The problem?
If there’s ever a dispute, the person whose name appears on the agreement is legally the owner.
To avoid confusion:
- Use your full legal name.
- Match it with your ID and bank records.
- If using a proxy or nominee, have a power of attorney drawn up.
8. No Timeline for Allocation or Physical Possession
So you’ve paid in full. Now what?
If your agreement doesn’t state when you’ll get physical allocation, you could be waiting forever, or fighting for space later.
Insist that the agreement includes:
- Allocation timeframe (e.g. within 30 or 60 days)
- Whether it’s physical or provisional allocation
- What happens if delay occurs
Hybrid Landtech usually completes allocation within 4 to 6 weeks of full payment and documentation.
9. No Witness Signatures or Legal Stamps
An agreement isn’t valid unless it’s signed, and properly witnessed.
Ensure:
- Both parties sign all pages.
- There are two witnesses for each party (with full names and contact info).
- If it’s a deed of assignment, stamp duty is paid, and document is registered.
Skipping this step could invalidate the whole transaction.
10. Failing to Keep Copies and Digital Records
Simple but crucial.
After signing, make multiple copies. Scan and back them up. Store in email and cloud storage.
In case of damage, misplacement, or legal dispute, you’ll thank yourself later.
Also Read: 9 Things To Watch Out For When Buying Land in Lagos
Final Word: Buying Land Is a Big Deal
And mistakes can cost more than money, they cost peace of mind.
At Hybrid Landtech, we’ve walked hundreds of clients through secure land ownership, without the stress. From verified title lands to honest documentation and post-sale support, our mission is to make land ownership simple, transparent, and future-proof.
We’re not middlemen. We develop and manage every plot we sell. And we’ve helped families, first-time buyers, and smart investors across Lagos, Atan Ota, and Epe build real assets they can be proud of.
Need Guidance Before You Buy?
Whether it’s a new estate launch or reselling opportunity, speak with our legal or sales team first. We’ll walk you through every clause, cost, and commitment, before you put pen to paper.📞 For enquiries, call us on 09136969695 or send us an email at hybridlandtech@gmail.com
🌐 Or book a reservation or inspection from our product pages online.