Most land disputes trace back to questions that were never asked. A practical checklist to run before any deposit leaves your account.
Buying land is rarely complicated at the point of payment. It becomes complicated later — when a title cannot be perfected, when a boundary is contested, or when the terms agreed verbally are not the terms written down.
The questions below are the ones worth answering before money moves. This article is educational and is not legal advice; formal verification should be carried out by a qualified lawyer or surveyor.
1. What exactly is the title?
Ask for the document type in writing, not in conversation. A Certificate of Occupancy, a Governor’s Consent, an excision and a deed of assignment are not interchangeable, and each carries a different process for the buyer.
2. Who is actually selling?
Identify the legal owner and the party you are contracting with. Where a marketing agent is involved, understand where the agent’s role ends and the developer’s obligations begin.
3. What is the payment structure — in full?
Initial deposit, instalment schedule, survey fee, deed fee, development levy. The headline price is rarely the total cost of ownership; ask for the full schedule before committing.
4. What does the physical inspection show?
Photographs and brochures are marketing tools. A site visit tells you about access roads, drainage, topography, neighbouring activity and whether the scheme on the ground matches the scheme on paper.
5. What is the holding horizon?
A plot bought for resale in three years and a plot bought to build a family home in twelve months are different decisions. Decide the horizon first, then choose the location to match.
This article is general information and education, not legal, financial or investment advice. Confirm any specific position with qualified professionals.