In 2026, one mistake during property purchase in Abuja can cost you millions — or your entire investment.
Fake C of O documents, double-sold plots, revoked titles, and hidden encumbrances are still very common. Yet most buyers rush into deals after seeing beautiful drone videos or “cheap” prices.
The solution? Proper due diligence — a systematic process that every serious buyer (local or diaspora) must follow.
At House Unlimited Nigeria, we never list a property without completing every step below. Here’s the exact checklist we use to keep our clients safe.
Step 1: Verify the Seller’s Identity & Company Registration
- Ask for the seller’s or developer’s CAC Certificate (RC number)
- Check it yourself on cac.gov.ng
- Confirm they are a registered company (not just an individual “agent”)
- For developers, check REDAN membership
Red flag: They refuse to provide RC details or only give personal names.
Step 2: Demand and Review All Original Title Documents
Request high-resolution certified true copies of:
- Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Right of Occupancy (R of O)
- Survey plan with beacon numbers
- Deed of Assignment / Allocation letter
- Ground rent receipts (last 3–5 years)
- Developer’s layout plan showing your exact plot
Pro tip: Never accept blurry phone photos or photocopies.
Step 3: Conduct an Official AGIS Land Search (Most Important Step)
- Hire your own lawyer to do a physical AGIS search
- Confirm:
- The plot exists in the central register
- It is registered in the seller’s name
- No encumbrances, caveats, or court cases
- No revocation or demolition notice
- Get a stamped AGIS report (this is your strongest protection)
This single step has saved many of our clients from buying fake titles.
Step 4: Verify Ground Rent & Development Compliance
- Confirm ground rent is paid and up-to-date
- Check with FCDA Development Control that the land use complies with zoning
- Ensure development has started if required (to avoid future revocation)
Step 5: Physical Site Inspection (Never Skip This)
- Visit the land unannounced if possible
- Take your own photos and videos
- Confirm the beacon numbers match the survey plan
- Check for access roads, flooding risk, and surrounding developments
Red flag: The agent keeps postponing or shows you a different plot.
Step 6: Engage Your Own Independent Lawyer
Never use the seller’s lawyer. Hire your own verified Abuja property lawyer to:
- Review all documents
- Conduct the AGIS search
- Check for litigation at the High Court
- Draft a proper Agreement of Sale
Step 7: Use Staged & Traceable Payments
Structure payments in clear milestones:
- Small token after document review
- Major payment only after clean AGIS report
- Final balance at completion (after signing and paying consent fees)
- Pay only into verified company accounts — never personal or Opay accounts.
Bonus: Quick Due Diligence Checklist (Save This)
- CAC company verification
- AGIS stamped search report
- Original C of O + ground rent receipts
- Physical site visit with photos
- Independent lawyer review
- Staged payment structure
At House Unlimited Nigeria, every single property we sell has already passed all seven steps above. We provide you with the full AGIS report, lawyer sign-off, and staged payment protection.
Ready to buy safely in Abuja?
→ Browse only verified, due-diligence-ready properties: houseunlimitednigeria.com/properties
→ WhatsApp us for plot details and preliminary check: +234 904 375 2708
→ Book a secure consultation: official@houseunlimitednigeria.com
Don’t gamble with your money. Do proper due diligence — or let us do it for you.
House Unlimited Nigeria – Verified Properties, Zero Regrets
