How to Conduct Proper Due Diligence Before Buying Property in Abuja – Step-by-Step Guide

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/off-plan-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